At My Community Dental Centers (MCDC), we are committed to ensuring that all Michiganders have access to quality dental care, particularly those who rely on Medicaid and other safety net programs. However, rising operational costs, outdated equipment, and inadequate Medicaid reimbursement rates have placed immense strain on our ability to serve vulnerable populations.
The Growing Divide: Rising Costs vs. Inadequate Medicaid Reimbursements
Despite efforts to improve Medicaid dental access through recent reforms, these changes have not achieved their intended impact. While the 2023 restructuring increased the number of providers accepting adult Medicaid by 11.5%, Medicaid visits only grew by 2.6%. The underlying issues—low reimbursement rates, workforce shortages, and financial strain on providers—remain unaddressed, limiting real progress. Additionally, persistently low commercial insurance rates have led many private practice dentists to drop participation, further exacerbating the issue as these rates continue to limit providers’ ability to sustain their practices and accept Medicaid.
Today’s care costs more.
Over 65% of our patients rely on Medicaid, yet reimbursement rates have not kept pace with the increasing costs of care. From 2018 to 2023, the cost of providing dental services rose by 8.4%, while commercial rates have decreased by 1.3%, further intensifying financial pressures.
Meanwhile, wage costs have risen by 21.3%, and supply costs have jumped 9% since 2022. The financial shortfall has already resulted in six MCDC centers closing between 2024 and 2025, impacting over 10,000 patients statewide.
To address these challenges, we are advocating for $4 million safety net payment enhancements to ensure continued access to dental care for Michigan’s most vulnerable residents. Without this critical funding, more clinics will close, pushing patients into costly emergency rooms for preventable dental issues. In 2024 alone, MCDC handled 8,086 same-day dental emergencies, saving Michigan approximately $4 million in unnecessary ER visits.
Revenue vs. Expenses Disparity for Individual Services
Investing in Equipment and Technology:
A Critical Need
Beyond financial constraints, aging equipment and outdated technology are further limiting our ability to provide timely and efficient care. With 16 MCDC centers scheduling appointments six months or more in advance, workforce strain and excessive equipment failures are jeopardizing patient outcomes.
To modernize our operations, we are requesting a one-time $3.3 million investment in equipment and technology upgrades. These enhancements will:
- Reduce wait times by increasing operational efficiency.
- Improve patient outcomes by ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
- Expand access to care by addressing bottlenecks in service delivery.
- Empower our workforce with the tools needed to provide high-quality care.
In 2024, MCDC spent over $208,000 on 575 service calls due to outdated equipment failures. Without necessary upgrades, we risk further delays, increased costs, and diminished care quality for the nearly 93,000 patients we serve annually.
The Consequences of Inaction
If Michigan does not invest in its dental safety net, the consequences will be severe:
- Increased emergency room visits for preventable dental issues, driving up healthcare costs.
- Growing workforce strain as providers struggle with outdated tools and rising patient demand.
- Additional economic losses due to untreated dental disease, which already costs the U.S. $45 billion annually in lost productivity.
A Call to Action
As Michigan’s largest Medicaid dental provider, MCDC is uniquely positioned to address the state’s dental access crisis. We are not just advocating for MCDC—we are championing for Michigan’s dental safety net. Investment in Medicaid reimbursement enhancements and equipment upgrades is essential to maintaining access to care, supporting our workforce, and ensuring that all Michiganders can receive the dental services they need.
MCDC has always been a champion for oral health equity, and at this critical moment, we remain steadfast in our mission. We will continue to be a voice for our patients, our team, and the communities we serve, advocating for the resources and support necessary to build a sustainable future for Michigan’s dental care.
