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].

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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.

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