The Critical Role Payers Can Play in Closing the Oral Health Gap

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face some of the deepest oral health disparities in the healthcare system — and the consequences are costly. Higher rates of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss are driven by limited access to care, provider training gaps, and the sensory and mobility challenges that make routine dental care difficult. Poor oral health doesn’t stay in the mouth, either — it contributes to chronic conditions like heart disease, increasing long-term healthcare costs.

As payers look for smarter ways to improve outcomes and manage spend, one emerging tool deserves serious attention: salivary diagnostics. This non-invasive, real-time diagnosis offers a preventive solution for high-risk populations. It also presents a low-risk opportunity for insur