Bridging the Dental Divide in Florida — A Call to Action for Oral Health Equity
From the Desk of the CEO
United Way North Central Florida
At United Way, we know that health is foundational to opportunity, dignity, and quality of life. Yet in communities across Florida, a silent crisis persists — one that affects a person’s ability to eat, speak, pursue education, maintain employment, and participate fully in life: the dental divide. Too many Florida families are navigating life in pain, embarrassment, or simply without access to basic dental care because they cannot afford it.
Understanding ALICE and the Dental Divide
ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) represents hardworking Floridians whose incomes are above the federal poverty level but below the cost of survival. These households struggle to afford essentials like housing, food, child care, transportation, and health care, including dental services. According to the latest United For ALICE data, 47% of Florida households — over 4.1 million families — fall below the ALICE Threshold.
Oral health is not a luxury — it is integral to physical, mental, and economic well-being. Poor dental health can lead to chronic pain, infections, heart disease, complications in pregnancy, reduced self-esteem, and barriers to employment and education. Yet for many Florida families, regular dental care is out of reach.
The Reality on the Ground in Florida
The data reveal stark disparities in dental access and outcomes by income:
- Only 56% of adults below the ALICE Threshold in Florida had a dental visit in the past year — compared to 70% of those above the Threshold.
- 15% of Florida adults below the ALICE Threshold report they haven’t seen a dentist in five or more years.
- 19% of adults below the Threshold had lost six or more permanent teeth due to decay or gum disease — significantly higher than their more financially secure peers.
- One in three people below the ALICE Threshold in the South Census Region — which includes Florida — had to forgo dental care due to cost in the last year.
- 39% of households below the ALICE Threshold live in areas with limited proximity to dental care providers.
These aren’t abstract statistics — these are our neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family members who delay or skip dental care due to cost or lack of access.
What This Means for Our Communities
Delayed or foregone dental care has real consequences. We know that poor oral health can compound other health issues and undermine employment prospects. A smile can be a source of confidence; untreated dental issues can signal barriers to opportunity.
For children, early dental care is essential; it affects learning, school attendance, nutrition, and development. Although coverage for pediatric dental care is more prevalent than for adults, gaps persist — especially among children living in financially insecure households.
How United Way Is Responding
At United Way North Central Florida, we are committed to both understanding the problem and driving sustainable solutions. That means:
- Promoting awareness of the dental divide and its impact on health and economic stability.
- Supporting community partners that provide mobile clinics, school-based dental programs, sliding scale services, and outreach to underserved areas.
- Advocating for policy changes that expand dental coverage for ALICE households and increase provider participation in underserved regions.
- Connecting families to resources that help reduce barriers — from transportation to insurance navigation.
A Shared Responsibility
Ensuring equitable access to dental care is not only a health issue — it is an economic and moral imperative. When families are healthier, children miss fewer days of school, adults are more productive at work, and our entire community thrives.
To truly bridge the dental divide in Florida, we must work together — nonprofits, dental professionals, policymakers, employers, and residents — to build systems that support oral health for every Floridian.
The road ahead demands dedication, innovation, and compassion. At United Way, we’re ready — and we invite you to join us.
Together, we can create a healthier Florida with smiles that reflect strength, dignity, and opportunity for all.