Prairie Doc Perspective

Tooth Decay Prevention in South Dakota: Challenges and Opportunities
Prairie Doc Perspective
Prairie Doc Perspective

Dental caries (decay) remains the most common chronic disease in the U.S. and globally, despite decades of research and proven preventive strategies. In South Dakota, 60–65% of adults and over half of children have experienced tooth decay, with higher rates among low-income, rural, and tribal populations. These disparities reflect longstanding challenges in accessing preventive care, especially in…