WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Curtis Hayslip, a dentist at Hayslip Family Dentistry, is hosting a “Free Dental Day” on Friday, September 19. His goal is to provide dental care to as many people as possible during this event.
Recently, Georgia approved an $11 million increase in dental benefits for Medicaid recipients. However, data from the CDC shows that the state still falls below the national average for adult access to dental care.
Hayslip understands that not all insurance plans cover dental treatments. The COVID-19 pandemic forced Hayslip Family Dentistry to pause its annual free dental day clinic, but they are now ready to bring it back.
“Teeth are often ignored when it comes to insurance,” Hayslip said. He noted that without insurance, dental visits can be costly due to rising prices in dental work.
He expressed concern over the static nature of insurance coverage. “In the 1960s, insurance provided $1,000 coverage. Now, in 2024, many plans still offer only $1,000. A crown cost $100 back then; now it’s $1,200.”
Despite the rising costs of dental care, Hayslip emphasized the dangers of neglecting oral health. “If you don’t get your dental care fixed, that’s dangerous,” he said. “You can actually die from abscesses.
Many people live with pain and are just not themselves when they’re hurting.”
On Free Dental Day, Hayslip will have three hygienists available to provide cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Each patient will have a 30-minute appointment. The clinic is partnering with student hygienists and dental assistants from Central Georgia Technical College.
The students will conduct health histories on patients to ensure they are healthy enough for treatment before assigning them a number for their appointment.
A report from the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce indicates that Georgia has one of the lowest ratios of dentists to population in the nation. Over 20 counties, with nearly 200,000 residents, lack a single dentist.
Hayslip hopes to recruit more volunteer dentists for next year’s event but is currently focused on helping as many patients as possible this year. “My goal is to see as many as I can,” he stated. He plans to keep a list of patients who cannot be seen on Free Dental Day and try to accommodate them during the following month.
The event will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Hayslip encourages attendees to arrive early as services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking will be available at Oakland Baptist Church.
This initiative reflects a growing need for accessible dental care in Georgia and highlights the importance of community support in addressing oral health disparities.