Scaling medical-dental integration nationally: outcomes from the MORE Care initiative

Oral health is siloed from broader healthcare systems, contributing to disparities in care. MORE Care™, a Medical-Dental Integration (MDI) model originally launched to address access challenges in rural community health centers and offers a scalable approach to embedding oral health into primary care. This study evaluates its implementation in Ohio, where a two-year pilot engaged nearly 20,000 children across six counties. The program integrated oral health assessments, fluoride varnish, and referral systems into private medical practices, supported by a performance-based payment model. Results showed increases in preventive oral health services and referrals, demonstrating the model's adaptability beyond rural settings. However, challenges in health IT and data sharing highlight the need for continued investment in infrastructure and policy to support whole-person care.