Medical or Dental: The Great Divide

Research shows a significant link between oral health and overall health, yet historically dental care is solely the responsibility of dental providers, not integrated with the rest of the healthcare team. This research will investigate the persistent disconnect between medical and dental coverage and care. In 1840, a decision made between medical and dental professionals at the University of Maryland separated the two professions. At the time, the university refused to integrate dental instruction into the medical curriculum. Following that decision, a dental college was opened at the university. Later in the 1960s, with the formation of Medicare, dental professionals refused to accept Medicare as payment, further dividing the two professions. The goal of this research is to perform a thorough meta-analysis of current and recent research regarding the separation of medical and dental care coverage. It is expected this research will discover the reasons behind the separation, what the consequences are for patient health, as well as potential solutions proposed by medical and dental professionals alike.