More Kids Are in ERs for Tooth Pain. Trump Cuts and RFK Jr.’s Anti-Fluoride Fight Aren’t Helping. By Farrell Brenner and Angela Y. Zhang March 10, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/dental-care-emergency-rooms-special-needs-medicaid-shortage-areas/?utm_campaign=KHN%20-%20Weekly%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9DdaNdfJKTNkrPVn72SZNpkeAExZ0yrPaXpyL2ajw1khlOP2KYBYOSkppjncg6glihC0fT1btD58xSRrSJtW3nit2ZGg&_hsmi=408691580&utm_content=408691580&utm_source=hs_email More Kids Are in ERs for Tooth Pain. Trump Cuts and RFK Jr.’s Anti-Fluoride Fight Aren’t Helping. By Farrell Brenner and Angela Y. Zhang Dentists, hygienists, and researchers say a shortage of rural dental care professionals and worsening oral hygiene since the covid-19 pandemic mean more kids are ending up in the emergency room for tooth decay.