The Problem
Having dental insurance doesn’t always mean getting dental care.
Across New Jersey, patients with coverage are waiting months for appointments, being turned away by providers who can’t afford to accept their plan, or skipping care entirely because of cost — even with insurance.
At the same time, dental practices are under financial pressure that threatens their ability to stay open in the communities that need them most.
This is not a temporary disruption. It is a structural problem — caused by two systems that were never properly aligned: the dental workforce and dental insurance. When both fail at once, patients lose access to care.
What This Looks Like in Real Life
Maria works full-time and has dental coverage through her employer. In January, she noticed a toothache. She called three dentists near her home — none were accepting new patients with her plan. She found one 45 minutes away that could see her in six weeks.
By then, the tooth needed a root canal. Her plan covered a portion. The rest — $800 out of pocket — was more than she could afford. She waited. Three months later, she went to the emergency room with a dental abscess. The ER treated the infection but couldn’t treat the tooth. She still hasn’t seen a dentist.
The Big Picture
The challenges patients face when trying to access dental care in New Jersey are not caused by just one issue. Instead, they are the result of two important factors working together:
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How many trained dental professionals are available to provide care
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How dental insurance works and how it pays for that care
The number of dentists and dental team members affects how many patients can be seen. At the same time, insurance policies influence whether dental practices can continue offering certain services or participate in specific plans.
When these two factors are not well aligned, it can become harder for patients to get the care they need — even when dentists want to help and patients are seeking treatment.
Improving access to dental care means addressing both the availability of dental professionals and the way dental coverage supports care.
Why This Matters Now
Dental offices across New Jersey are facing challenges related to staffing shortages and changes in insurance reimbursement.
Because of this, some patients may notice:
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Longer wait times for appointments
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Fewer dental providers accepting certain insurance plans
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Delays in routine care like cleanings, checkups, and X-rays
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More people going to hospital emergency departments for dental problems that could normally be treated in a dental office
These issues are affecting many dental practices and are not expected to resolve overnight. Without thoughtful solutions, it may become harder for some communities—especially those with greater health needs—to access timely dental care.
The Two Systems That Shape Access
Fixing Access Requires Addressing Both Systems
Expanding coverage without addressing the workforce, or increasing provider supply without fixing reimbursement, will not close the access gap. New Jersey needs coordinated reform on both fronts.
Workforce Investments
Expand training pipelines for hygienists and assistants. Offer loan forgiveness for providers who practice in underserved areas. Streamline licensing so qualified providers can practice in NJ quickly.
Insurance Reforms
Update reimbursement rates to reflect current costs. Require transparency in network adequacy — how many dentists are accessible. Limit administrative burden on small practices in public programs.
Access Infrastructure
Identify and address dental deserts — areas with no accessible provider. Support school-based and community dental programs. Connect dental care with existing public health networks.
Accountability Changes
Require annual reporting on network adequacy. Establish benchmarks for wait times and provider-to-patient ratios. Create mechanism for patients to report when coverage does not equal access.
