Barmer study: People in need of care go to the dentist too rarely

In order to maintain oral health, precaution is important - even in old age. However, according to health insurance company Barmer, many people in need of care see a dentist too rarely.

The health insurance company said the situation is particularly critical for those in need of care who are cared for at home. Only 4.2 percent of those affected would have used preventive dental services in 2024. For those receiving inpatient care it was at least 26.9 percent.

Does the home have a cooperating dentist?

However, preventive dental care and therapy only reach those in need of inpatient care if the facility has a cooperating dentist, the health insurance company also reported. So far, around half of the nursing homes in the country have this. Further collaborations are desirable from the fund's perspective.

“Anyone who needs care must not lose touch with preventive dental care,” warned the state manager of Barmer in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Henning Kutzbach. “We see a clear need for action, especially for people who can no longer reach the dentist’s office independently.”

Special precautionary offers

According to Barmer, special prevention services have been available for those in need of care since 2018. This included creating an oral health plan or additional tartar removal.

According to the Society for Dental Health, Function and Aesthetics, the risk of dental disease increases with advancing age. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss or even complete toothlessness.

According to its own information, Barmer is the largest statutory replacement fund in MV. Their market share is therefore a good 15 percent. The results of the investigation of our own insured data are representative.