The Maryland General Assembly has commissioned the Maryland Dental Action Coalition to look at ways to expand oral health care and dental coverage for adults.
The independent, nonprofit organization that aims to improve oral health in the state expects to release a study on the issue in December.
The group is looking at options to expand services to adults from all walks of life, including older adults in residential and community-based, long-term care programs; those on Medicaid and people who have private plans.
"Over the past few years, Maryland has made great strides in improving access to oral health care for all children," executive director Margie Donohue said in a statement. "...By also focusing on adult oral health, Maryland could achieve significant improvement in a public health issue which has major health, economic and employment consequences."