Access to quality dental care is not just about oral health—it’s essential to overall well-being, economic stability, and public health. At MCDC, we serve nearly 93,000 patients annually, with 65% relying on Medicaid. Yet, despite our impact on Michigan’s most vulnerable populations, the need is growing, and the state’s dental safety net is at a breaking point.
In 2024 and 2025, six MCDC centers closed, leaving 10,000 patients in Grand Haven, Ionia, St. Johns, Monroe, Roscommon, and Spalding without access to essential dental services. These closures highlight a larger systemic issue—Medicaid reimbursement rates that fail to keep pace with rising costs.
- Since 2018, the cost of providing care has increased by 8.4%, while Medicaid reimbursement has risen by only 4%, widening the financial gap.
- Wages have increased by 21.3%, while supply costs have risen by 9% in just two years.
- Commercial reimbursement rates have declined, forcing more private dentists away from Medicaid, And in some instances, private insurance all together, increasing the burden on safety net providers.
Today’s care costs more.
The Cost and Impact of Preventative Dental Care
Preventative dental care is a cost-effective way to reduce emergency visits, improve public health, and lower long-term healthcare expenses. However, the financial strain on safety net providers is making it increasingly unsustainable.
Every preventative visit results in a financial loss due to inadequate reimbursements:
Revenue vs. Expenses Disparity for Individual Services
Without proper funding, fewer patients receive preventive care, leading to higher emergency room visits, costing the state more in the long run.
Our Plan for 2025: Advocating for Solutions
MCDC is taking proactive steps to preserve Michigan’s dental safety net and ensure access to care. Our key priorities include:
✔ Securing a $4 million safety net payment enhancement for Medicaid reimbursement adjustments that align with the true cost of care.
✔ Investing in technology and equipment upgrades to improve efficiency and reduce patient wait times.
Without immediate investment, the consequences will be severe—not just for patients but for Michigan’s economy, workforce, and healthcare system.
❌ More ER visits for preventable dental issues, driving up healthcare costs.
❌ More lost work and school hours due to untreated dental conditions, weakening productivity.
❌ More private dentists opting out of Medicaid, leaving patients with nowhere to turn.
Act Now
We urge Michiganders to act now! By securing critical funding and policy changes, we can protect access to essential dental services, strengthen our state’s healthcare infrastructure, and ensure a healthier future for all Michiganders. The time for action is now—before more communities lose the care they depend on.
Find your Representatives
Here you can find your representatives, how to contact them, bills they’ve introduced, committees they serve on, and political contributions they’ve received: https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/
Send an Email or Letter
Subject: Strengthen Access to Dental Care by Improving Medicaid Reimbursement
Dear [Representative’s Name],
I am writing to urge you to support increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental care in Michigan requested by My Community Dental Centers. Many patients rely on Medicaid for essential oral healthcare, but low reimbursement rates make it difficult for providers to sustain services, leading to reduced access for those who need it most.
Oral health is critical to overall health, and without proper dental care, patients face higher risks of chronic conditions, emergency room visits, and lost work productivity. Investing in Medicaid dental coverage ensures that children, seniors, and low-income families receive the preventive care they deserve.
Please take action to improve reimbursement rates and strengthen access to dental care for our communities.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
Post on Social Media
Did you know? Low Medicaid reimbursement rates limit access to dental care for millions in Michigan. Higher rates mean more providers can serve patients in need. Let’s push for better funding! #MedicaidMatters #OralHealthEquity
Investing in dental care = fewer ER visits & healthier communities! Ask your lawmakers to improve Medicaid reimbursement rates so everyone can access affordable care. #SupportDentalHealth #CareForAll #JoinMCDC
Good Oral health= Good Overall health! Dental care should never be a luxury. Urge policymakers to prioritize funding for dental initiatives that serve underserved communities. Every smile deserves care! Join MCDC! #OralHealthMatters #Advocacy
Good oral health = better overall health, education, and job opportunities! Tell your elected officials to invest in dental programs like My Community Dental. #HealthySmiles #ActNow
Good oral health = better overall health, education and job opportunities! Dental care should never be a luxury. Tell your elected officials to invest in dental programs like My Community Dental Centers because every smile deserves care. #HealthySmiles #ActNow #CareforAll
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Contact: KSingh@mydental.org
