INDIANA — The Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute (ICAPI) has announced a significant new partnership with the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health to conduct critical research on the burden of dental debt among Hoosiers. This collaboration aims to illuminate an issue that, despite the state’s ongoing conversation about general medical debt, remains severely understudied and lacking specific policy focus at the state level.
The timing of this initiative is particularly crucial, following an Indiana General Assembly interim session dedicated to understanding the broader scope of medical debt. ICAPI’s past work, including a project with the Health Foundation of La Porte, has already raised awareness of medical debt rights, but the financial toll of oral health care remains a hidden challenge.
A Growing Financial Barrier to Care
With over one in four Hoosiers lacking dental insurance, many are highly vulnerable to catastrophic financial distress from necessary oral health procedures or dental emergencies.
“We are excited to have this new partnership… to better inform decision makers and the public on the burden of dental medical debt for Hoosiers,” said Lauren Murfree, Policy Analyst at ICAPI. “This support will allow us to talk with Hoosiers directly impacted by the current unaffordability and accessibility of dental care in our state.”
The impact of this debt goes beyond just financial strain. As Zia Saylor, Researcher at ICAPI, noted, “Oral health comes at significant financial cost, yet ties into well-being as dental issues often carry stigma and result in social exclusion. Understanding experiences of dental debt and barriers to oral healthcare is a critical way to advance policies that would ultimately improve the well-being of our communities.”
The research effort is deeply rooted in a personal understanding of the problem. Dr. Murfree shared, “As someone who has personally dealt with various forms of medical debt – including dental – I am acutely aware of the need for efforts to improve our current reality.”
ICAPI’s Advisory Council members echo this personal connection. Destiny Faceson, an Advisory Council member, highlighted the painful choices forced by dental costs: “This partnership focuses on an issue people in the community are dealing with silently. My experience of having to decide between spending thousands to get one tooth repaired and paying bills was painful. With advancements from this grant, we hope that others won’t have experiences like mine.”
Call for Hoosier Stories and Future Advocacy
The research report is scheduled for release in the fall of 2026, with advocacy activities set to begin in early 2026. ICAPI is urging individuals who have struggled with dental debt and wish to see legislative change to come forward and share their stories.
- To Share Your Story: Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to ICAPI directly at institute@incap.org to contribute to the research and advocacy efforts.
This timely research aims to provide policymakers with the necessary data to address a systemic problem and ensure that oral health needs do not plunge more Hoosiers into financial distress.
