Why This Matters:

Over 36 million Americans are edentulous (without teeth), and millions more are partially edentulous. While dentures and implants may help, many individuals continue to face:

- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Chronic pain or embarrassment
- Barriers to employment, communication, and social integration
- Financial barriers to prosthetic solutions

Despite the profound impact on nutrition, mental health, and quality of life, edentulism is not currently recognized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — leaving individuals without proper legal protections or accommodations.

 

How This Recognition Would Help:

- Allow reasonable workplace accommodations
- Reduce discrimination in hiring and public services
- Support better access to prosthetics (e.g., dentures, implants)
- Encourage broader insurance and Medicare/Medicaid coverage
- Promote dignity and inclusion for those affected

 

We Urge Policymakers To:

1. Amend or interpret ADA guidelines to include edentulism as a qualifying physical impairment when it substantially limits major life activities.
2. Recognize the functional impact, not just the cosmetic implications, of tooth loss.
3. Provide clear guidance to employers, health systems, and insurers.

 

Does Edentulism Affect Employment Opportunities?

Yes! Edentulism (missing teeth) can impact job opportunities in various ways:

• Self-confidence and perceived competence: Candidates with missing teeth may experience decreased self-esteem and fear judgment from potential employers. They might be seen as less polished or lacking confidence, impacting their professional image. Studies have shown that poor oral health can affect confidence and communication skills, which are important in professional settings.
  Communication and social interaction: Missing teeth can affect speech and the ability to smile freely, potentially leading to social isolation or discomfort in public interactions, including interviews or client meetings.
• Physical discomfort and functional limitations: Edentulism can cause difficulties with chewing and eating certain foods, leading to potential dietary issues and pain, which could impact overall health and well-being, potentially affecting work performance or attendance.
• Impact on quality of life and general health: Edentulism is linked to an impaired quality of life and various systemic health issues, including malnutrition and potentially even cognitive decline, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These factors can collectively influence an individual's ability to maintain employment. 

While individuals with disabilities are protected against discrimination by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States, edentulism is not currently recognized as an official ADA disability in most cases. Employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with ADA disabilities. Updating the ADA to officially recognize edentulism as a covered disability will afford denture wearers the protections and rights they deserve in the workplace and elsewhere.