“The Southeast part of the state (is) a significant area where the ratio between dentists and consumers who need them is greatest. But as you look around the state, you really see the same kind of problem replicated over and over again.
"Our urban areas -- Cleveland, Columbus and Hamilton counties -- appear to have an adequate number of dentists to consumer ratios. But when you begin looking at the communities in those urban areas, you still find where there are still places where people cannot get to dentists or where there are dentists who are not willing to take Medicaid patients.”

Maywhoor says not having dental care often leads to other major problems that require more expensive health care or can even cause deaths. The report suggests the state update its laws to allow for a new mid-level dental care provider who would help more Ohioans get basic dental care to prevent major problems.