Reimbursing medical providers for preventive oral health services: State policy options

Tooth decay, while highly preventable, is the most common chronic disease among children, and it disproportionately affects children from families with low incomes. Thirty-five state Medicaid agencies are working to increase children's access to preventive oral health services by reimbursing primary care medical providers for fluoride varnish application, an oral examination or screening, and/or caregiver education about establishing good oral health habits. With the support of the Pew Children's Dental Campaign, the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) conducted a 50-state survey and case study interviews with five states to identify major elements of reimbursement policy design and implementation. NASHP will provide an overview of lessons associated with medical provider reimbursement for preventive oral health services, particularly regarding policy evaluation and stakeholder collaboration.