Rural-Urban Differences in Dental Care Utilization After a Public Health Emergency

Authors

Quazi Minhaz Tabassum, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Redwan Bin Abdul Baten, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Ahmed A. Arif, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Abstract

Overview of Key Findings

• Past year dental clinic visits declined among both rural and urban populations after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, rural patients are more likely to report delayed dental service utilization than their urban counterparts.

• Participants residing in Medicaid expansion states or with health insurance coverage were 16% less likely to delay dental visits overall.

• The COVID-19 pandemic further worsened the existing challenges in dental healthcare access for urban and rural communities.

Publication Date

2026

Repository Citation

Tabassum, Quazi Minhaz; Bin Abdul Baten, Redwan; and Arif, Ahmed A., "Rural-Urban Differences in Dental Care Utilization After a Public Health Emergency" (2026). Rural & Underserved Health Research Center Publications. 28.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/ruhrc_reports/28