by Khristian Curry, MPH
Hurricane Helene, a well-documented storm that struck in September 2024, devastated Western North Carolina, leaving communities to grapple with the immediate destruction and long-term recovery challenges. Among the lesser-discussed impacts of disasters like Helene is the effect on oral health care—a vital, yet often overlooked, aspect of whole-person health.
Dental practices across the region were destroyed, leaving both patients and providers struggling to navigate the aftermath. Without safe drinking water or functional toilet facilities, basic dental care became nearly impossible in some areas. In the wake of such destruction, the connections between oral health, disaster response, and community resilience come sharply into focus.
The dual impact of Hurricane Helene on oral health services and the dental workforce reveals critical opportunities to strengthen disaster preparedness and recovery efforts for this essential area of health care.
Natural disasters disrupt entire health systems, including oral health care, in profound ways. In Western North Carolina, Hurricane Helene left many dental clinics damaged or completely destroyed, forcing closures that compounded access challenges for patients in need of care. Even for operational clinics, logistical barriers such as damaged roads, displacement of patients, and transportation challenges limited access to vital services.
In disaster response and recovery efforts, immediate priorities often focus on addressing critical survival needs, such as securing food, shelter, and medical care. As a result, oral health care—while essential for overall well-being—may receive less emphasis in emergency planning and resource allocation. However, integrating oral health into disaster planning frameworks could help mitigate these challenges by ensuring that essential dental care needs are not overlooked during recovery efforts.
Untreated dental issues can escalate quickly, leading to severe infections and systemic health complications. For example, the inability to access care for abscessed teeth or gum infections can have life-threatening consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and individuals with chronic conditions.
Fortunately, organizations across the state stepped up to address these challenges. The NC Dental Society mobilized donations of oral health care supplies and provided resources to help the dental workforce navigate recovery efforts. Additionally, NC Medicaid introduced policy flexibilities, including reimbursement adjustments, to support providers and ensure patients could access care during this critical time. More details about NCDHHS Long-Term Services and Supports Flexibilities can be found in an earlier blog post here.
Hurricane Helene illuminated the urgent need for a more integrated approach to oral health in disaster response. This includes designing disaster preparedness strategies tailored to the unique needs of oral health providers and implementing policies to support the rebuilding and retention of dental practices in affected areas.
Drawing on lessons learned from Helene, North Carolina has an opportunity to strengthen its resilience for future disasters by:
• Including oral health as a priority in state disaster response frameworks.
• Developing emergency plans that address infrastructure needs, such as water and sanitation systems critical for dental care.
• Supporting the dental workforce with mental health resources and financial assistance for recovery.
• Investing in education and training pipelines to strengthen the long-term stability of the dental profession.
Read more about policy solutions for oral health integration and workforce development in our Oral Health Transformation Task Force Report.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene underscores the vital role oral health plays in overall health and community well-being, as well as its contribution to resilience and quality of life. Addressing oral health needs in disaster recovery plans is not just a matter of health equity; it is a fundamental step toward building resilient communities. By advocating for stronger integration of oral health in disaster response and recovery, we can ensure that both patients and providers are better prepared to weather the storms of the future.
To stay up to date on information about Hurricane Helene and access to oral health care in Western North Carolina, please follow our partners at the North Carolina Oral Health Collaborative.