The Disparities and Evolution of Dental Care

This chapter explores the significant gaps in dental care accessibility for vulnerable populations, illustrated by a tragic personal story of a young boy's health decline. It examines the historical development of dentistry, from its rudimentary origins to the establishment of formal education, and emphasizes the challenges faced in integrating dental and medical care systems. Furthermore, it reveals the contentious beginnings of dental insurance and the ongoing struggles for reform in oral health care.