Systemically, we have to consider the costs of dentistry and why they are high; we have to consider the hand of the insurance company and their price regulation; the costs of materials; the costs of running a small office & regulatory compliance of same; the costs of dental school; and more. This is largely an exercise in system thinking and determining which lever is most effeciacious in improving public health outcomes. Insurance regulation is a narrow way to affect costs without disrupting the choices dentists and patients have made in their life regarding location, choice of careers, etc.
Grew up poor, but we had floridated mouthwash to help cope with well water, and my parents made sure we hit the dentist 2x a year for cleaning & sealants. I wonder if the cost curves for dental care are different now, 20 years later. I'm very grateful to them for taking me to the dentist as diligently as they did.
These days I have dental insurance, but still do the 2x/year clean.