An estimated 74 million Americans have no access to oral health care – this is nearly double the number of people without health insurance – despite evidence showing that poor oral health is linked to cardiovascular diseases and can lead to other significant health complications. In Washington, there has been little political will to change this status quo as much of the policy discussions around health insurance coverage leave out oral health. What will it take to recognize oral health as an integral part of overall health care before it’s too late?

On Tuesday, September 24, POLITICO held a deep-dive conversation on solutions around access, coverage and costs of oral health care in America.