Charlotte's Latino Community Faces Barriers to Dental Care

Lack of access, high costs, and cultural factors lead to delayed treatment and serious health issues

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A significant health disparity is emerging within Charlotte's growing Latino population, as many tend to delay seeking dental care until problems become severe. Factors like financial constraints, cultural beliefs, and a lack of accessible options contribute to this cycle of deferred care. Camino Health Center, a bilingual and multicultural nonprofit, is working to address this issue by providing affordable, Spanish-language dental services to the community.

Why it matters

Untreated dental problems can lead to more serious health issues, including heart disease and diabetes. The rapid growth of the Latino population in North Carolina underscores the need for culturally competent and accessible healthcare resources to address this critical dental health crisis.

The details

Camino Health Center's survey of 3,397 patients revealed that 79% identified a lack of dental care as their primary health concern. Since launching its dental services in March 2025, the center has served over 5,588 patients, primarily presenting with gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. Dr. Fernando Astorga, a dentist at Camino, observes an intergenerational pattern where parents don't seek care for themselves, but bring their children for checkups, perpetuating the cycle. Compounding the issue is the proliferation of unlicensed dental practitioners, which pose significant health risks.

  • Camino Health Center launched its dental services in March 2025.
  • Camino Health Center recently opened a new 6,250-square-foot facility to expand its bilingual medical and dental care services.

The players

Camino Health Center

A bilingual and multicultural nonprofit organization that provides affordable, accessible dental care to the Latino community in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Dr. Fernando Astorga

A dentist at Camino Health Center who has observed the intergenerational pattern of deferred dental care within the Latino community.

Rusty Price

The founder and CEO of Camino Health Center, who emphasizes the dangers of unlicensed dental practitioners and the need for culturally sensitive healthcare services.

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What they’re saying

“Parents don't get care for themselves, but they bring their children for checkups. And when the children grow up, the cycle repeats.”

— Dr. Fernando Astorga, Dentist, Camino Health Center

“These clandestine dentists who have no license and are dangerous because there are no controls, practice dentistry without possessing the respective license or knowledge.”

— Rusty Price, Founder and CEO, Camino Health Center

“Many Latinos here do not have access to dental health, and when you have a problem in your mouth, you don't endure it, you look for a quick solution. Another factor that leads them to use these services is that We see in their language and the cost. We solve those problems.”

— Rusty Price, Founder and CEO, Camino Health Center

What’s next

Camino Health Center plans to continue expanding its services to meet the growing demand for affordable, culturally competent dental care within the Latino community in Charlotte.

The takeaway

Addressing the complex barriers to dental care for Charlotte's Latino population, including financial constraints, cultural factors, and lack of accessible options, requires a multifaceted approach that combines affordable services, community outreach, and culturally sensitive healthcare solutions.