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 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.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss rural mental health awareness, the importance of reducing stigma in agriculture, and resources available to farmers, ranchers, and rural families seeking support.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold explains how springtime brings seasonal changes to agricultural operations and, with them, renewed concerns about safety, allergies, and mental health this week on Rural Health Matters.

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:

The Livestock Conservancy says protecting rare breeds helps preserve genetic diversity and long-term agricultural resilience.
Dr. Joana Colussi says differences in input costs, trade conditions, and second-crop risks continue shaping profitability in both countries.
The Perrier family says maintaining herd quality has helped keep the operation strong.
RFD-TV’s Memorial Day Music Marathon is designed to celebrate America’s musical traditions while honoring the spirit of the holiday with performances rooted in country, gospel, and bluegrass.
Current estimates are already hovering around 80 weeks.
Cattle markets continue supporting rural land values, but lenders say repayment rates and carryover debt are becoming a larger focus.
More Shows
Want today’s top agriculture news headlines and commodity market insights? You’ve found it. Welcome to THE RURAL RUNDOWN by RFD-TV News.
Experience the rhythm of life with RFD Network’s Music and Entertainment Shows, showcasing a mix of classic country and today’s biggest stars, as well as bluegrass, polka, gospel, and more!
Immerse yourself in the world of equine excellence on RFD Network. Discover captivating horse shows, expert insights, and equestrian passion. Tune in now!
“Texas Agriculture Matters” is a fun, informative look at the role of agriculture in our daily lives. The show utilizes the trademark wit and wisdom of its host Commissioner Sid Miller — an 8th-generation farmer-rancher and 12-time World Champion rodeo cowboy — to explore a new Texas ag-related topic each week.
Washington farmers grow more than 300 different crops and raise a variety of different animals, and Washington is also home to some of the greatest culinary experiences in America. Whether inside the kitchen or out in the field, at the end of the day, it’s all about the food!
RFD+ EXCLUSIVE | This hour-long show explores the trains and locomotives that aided the growth of travel, further settlement, and the development of a variety of American industries and agricultural ventures.
Hop in and travel with J.B. Sauceda on a road trip to discover ordinary people doing extraordinary things on the back roads of Texas. TCR’s longtime hosts Bob & Kelli Phillips have passed the keys to a new storyteller, who will continue the journey to uncover uplifting stories about oddball collectors, thought-provoking artists, and everyday heroes making the world a better place.
“Special Cowboy Moments” on RFD Network combines introspective, behind-the-scenes interviews with cowboys and cowgirls with photographs, in-your-face action, and documented history.
From barnyards and back roads to metros and highways, Simply Southern TV on RFD Network explores all of Alabama to bring you the best stories on farming, gardening, forestry, rural living, and youth in agriculture.
Each week, “Rural Heritage” on RFD Network features stories of farmers borrowing from yesterday to do today’s work.