Dental care is one of the most neglected areas of preventative health in the U.S., per the CDC. One-fourth of U.S. adults have untreated cavities, and nearly half of all U.S. adults have signs of gum disease. In Georgia alone, only 60% of residents have visited the dentist in the last year. Those who are low-income, a racial/ethnic minority, or who have limited access to care are even more likely to experience poor oral health.

To increase access to critical dental services and improve oral health outcomes of underserved and rural Georgians, Kare Mobile Inc. and Amerigroup Georgia have partnered to provide much-needed access to dental care in areas across Georgia where Amerigroup members often struggle to find a dentist.

"Dental health is key to a person's overall well-being. We believe that oral health care equity is vitally needed in rural and low-income communities," said Dr. Arlita Jackson, D.M.D., Dental Director for Georgia, Kare Mobile, Inc. “We are excited about working with Amerigroup to help resolve the issue.”

Amerigroup donated two customized dental vans that Kare Mobile Inc. will use to travel throughout the state. In partnership with local dentists and hygienists, these mobile services will provide preventive and restorative dental care and will promote the lifelong benefits of good periodontal health and care. Additionally, the vans are equipped to perform extractions, crowns, partials, and dentures. Kare Mobile Inc.’s fully functional dental vans will begin to see patients later in February.

“Amerigroup is committed to responding to gaps in the delivery of health care for our members through innovative access to care programs,” said Mel Lindsey, President, Amerigroup Georgia. “Through our partnership with Kare Mobile Inc., we want to ensure that all our members, regardless of their location or circumstances, can get the dental care they need to ensure positive health outcomes, lower their medical costs and experience an overall higher quality of life.”

To celebrate the launch of this partnership, tours of the two customized dental vans were given during a food distribution event held at Amerigroup’s community service center in Atlanta on Tuesday.