Roberta A. Wright
As a prosthodontist, my mission is to restore not just smiles but also confidence and quality of life for my patients. Whether it’s helping someone chew their food comfortably or smiling without hesitation, I’ve seen how transformative proper dental care can be. Yet, too often, dental insurance prevents patients from receiving the care they need — undermining their overall systemic health and well-being.
With the start of the 2025 legislative session only weeks away, lawmakers have an opportunity to address this critical issue. Patients work hard, pay their premiums and trust their insurance to be there when it matters most. But the reality is far different. Delays, denials and arbitrary coverage restrictions force patients to choose between their health and finances.
I see the human cost of these insurance failures every day. A patient needing an implant after years of struggling with a damaged tooth should not have to battle their insurance company to be heard. Other patients may delay necessary treatment because of the potential for surprise costs due to poor insurance reimbursement. Sadly, they are risking far more than they realize. Oral health is not simply about having healthy teeth — it’s about nutrition, speaking, confidence and social acceptance, and it is definitively a window to more significant health issues systemically.
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Dental insurance policies often create unnecessary roadblocks to essential care, undermining providers’ commitment to their patients. Caregivers across the health care system strive to treat every patient with the same compassion as their family. Unfortunately, many insurance companies fail to uphold this same level of dedication. Instead of supporting patients in accessing necessary treatment, restrictive policies and delays exacerbate the challenges families face in maintaining their health. This issue goes beyond individual dental practices — a growing community concern.
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Untreated oral health problems have far-reaching consequences, driving up costs for families and the broader health care system. Reform is urgently needed to ensure transparency, fair reimbursement practices and a focus on patient-centered care. Such changes would allow providers to prioritize their patients’ needs rather than navigate bureaucratic hurdles.
Lawmakers have the opportunity to enact meaningful policies that hold insurance companies accountable and support Oklahoma families. We can improve outcomes and build a healthier future for everyone by fostering a system that truly serves its members. Oklahoma families deserve better. Dental insurance should serve those who rely on it, not work against them.
Dr. Roberta A. Wright, D.M.D., M.D.Sc., F.A.C.P, is a prosthodontist and a member of the faculty at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry.
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