Fluoridation State Mandated Kentucky Tooth Loss Common

In Kentucky, fluoridation is state-mandated, but "Tooth loss is common — and accepted as a normal situation — in many communities."

Dental Care is a Hidden Crisis

A former New Yorker described visible differences in the oral health of Kentuckians: “You really didn’t see people with like a whole bunch of missing teeth and then come down here and it’s like, wow. These women weren’t kidding when they were with, like a full set of teeth. It's something to brag about on dating sites” [U4-225]. Others noted the lack of dentists in their area and the difficulty scheduling appointments as evidenced by this quote, “There’s a shortage of dentists in the area… If I commit to a six-month dental cleaning, I’ve got to schedule my life around it” [A3-2200]. Others linked the poor dental outcomes to a lack of public investment: “Tooth loss is such an issue in Kentucky… I feel like some of the political leanings of our state, where we don’t offer the things as we should” [U3-1583]."

"Many participants discussed the problems with dental work that they have had, as well as mentioned having teeth removed as a normalized part of routine care"

"Provider shortages worsen health and disability. One participant described enduring pain and multiple infections as he waited about a year for a dentist to remove his wisdom teeth..." https://cdn.asclepiusinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Topline-Report-Final_9.16.25.pdf