It’s one of the most common misconceptions in senior care — the belief that “finding a dentist” solves the problem.
What actually happens next often reveals why advocacy matters more than access.

The truth is, dentistry itself is built on a broken model. We all know the mouth is part of the body — yet insurance systems and legislation still don’t treat it that way. Reimbursement rates remain low, and increases haven’t kept pace with the true cost of care or inflation.

Providing mobile dentistry is incredibly expensive and doing it ethically — without cutting corners — is nearly impossible unless supported by grant funding or flat-rate fee structures. That’s why simply “finding a dentist” or “arranging transportation” doesn’t solve the problem. In many cases, it creates new risks for residents, families, and care teams — issues that not only frustrate residents but can also lead to negative reviews tied to your community.

Read real stories of what happens when “finding a dentist” becomes the only plan.