SCHIP Takes a Bite Out of the Dental Access Gap for Low-Income Children

Before the introduction of SCHIP in 1997, many low-income children had no dental coverage, significant barriers to care, and were disproportionately more likely to have untreated dental disease. This report examines the connection between SCHIP insurance coverage and access to dental care for these children, based on data from SCHIP annual reports from 27 states. Low-income children had improved access to dental care after enrolling in SCHIP. Furthermore, most state SCHIP programs met or exceeded the Healthy People 2010 objectives for dental care. Although some barriers still remain, states are aware of and working toward addressing these challenges.