Rural Health Matters: Oral Health and Dental Care Disparities in Rural Areas

In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Jeffrey Gold shares how disparities in dental care impact rural Americans and why early detection is important.

OMAHA, NEB. (RFD NEWS) — As Oral Cancer Awareness Month gets underway, today’s Rural Health Matters segment focuses on the importance of dental and oral health, especially in rural communities where access to care can be limited.

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska, joins us on Monday’s Market Day Report with his expert insight on oral health in rural America.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Dr. Gold explains that healthcare disparities in rural areas also affect oral health, often manifesting as limited access to dental providers and delayed care. He also highlights the critical connection between regular dental visits and early detection of oral cancer.

He emphasizes that even individuals who maintain good daily hygiene may miss key screenings without routine dental checkups, and discusses lifestyle risk factors such as tobacco use, along with early warning signs and recommended screening practices.

Viewers with comments or questions about rural health are encouraged to email Dr. Gold at [email protected].

Related Stories
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discussed potential human health concerns and precautions for those who spend time outdoors.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discussed stroke symptoms, prevention and the importance of seeking treatment quickly.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold addressed growing concerns surrounding Lyme disease and other illnesses carried by ticks.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold says health officials continue monitoring outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses the recent hantavirus outbreak linked to a South American cruise ship and Nebraska’s monitoring efforts on this week’s Rural Health Matters.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss the early warning signs of arthritis, the challenges facing rural populations, and steps individuals can take to manage joint health.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

William Clark Green joins us to discuss Cotton Fest, the High Cotton Relief Fund, and the role of music and community in supporting Texas agricultural producers.
Corey Geiger joined us to discuss his career in the dairy industry, receiving the Holstein Association USA Distinguished Leadership Award, priorities for young producers, and major takeaways from the National Holstein Convention.
Whether you’re wrapping up a day in the field or simply enjoying a summer evening on the porch, tonight’s Strawberry Moon offers a beautiful reminder of the changing seasons.
RanchHER Caroline George Larson joins us to discuss her journey into ranching and publishing, storytelling in agriculture, and her upcoming chat on Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER podcast.
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew and National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles discuss the Senate Farm Bill, farm safety-net priorities, supplemental aid, year-round E15, support for specialty crops, and federal agricultural policy.
The grants are designed to expand processing capacity, strengthen rural supply chains and improve access for livestock producers.
More Shows
Agriculture is the most important industry in the world, and Ag PhD Daily brings you the information you need to best manage your business only on RFD-TV and RFD+
Circle Sessions offers a more personal look at country music’s leading artists, featuring intimate discussions and behind-the-scenes moments filmed in and around the Opry’s circle.
Opry Live is the premier weekly broadcast and livestream of the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country music superstars, legends, and rising talent performing on stage in Nashville.
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Griddle Nation is a celebration of griddle-loving home cooks across the nation.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
RFD News coverage of energy and fuel markets, including Brent crude oil, diesel, solar, wind, geothermal, and electrical power, and the latest policy updates on biofuel and ethanol.
Each spring, Rodeo Austin welcomes junior livestock exhibitors and horse show exhibitors to the annual Fair and Rodeo typically held in March. On average more than 9,000 exhibitors compete to enhance their agricultural education. Rodeo Austin is proud to provide these opportunities for youth to succeed.
It’s one of our favorite times of the year – Winter Stock Show Season! And to celebrate the hard work of the future of agriculture, we’re streaming live from some of the biggest livestock shows in Texas.