271118 Maryland's Mouths Matter: Fluoride Varnish and Oral Health Screening Program for EPSDT Medical Providers

Monday, October 29, 2012

Stacy Costello, MPH, CHES , Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Oral Health, Baltimore, MD
Teresa Burke, BS , Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Oral Health, Baltimore, MD
Beth Lowe, RDH, MPH , National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Katrina A. Holt, MPH, MS, RD , National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Harry Goodman, DMD, MPH , Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Oral Health, Baltimore, MD
Norman Tinanoff, DDS, MS , Department of Health Promotion and Policy, University of Maryland, Dental School, Baltimore, MD
Abstract Methods: Currently, over one-quarter of children ages 2 to 4 have had dental caries. Of these children, approximately 20 percent have untreated decay. It is critical that young children have access to oral health care to ensure that oral disease, including dental caries, is prevented, or, if it already exists, that it is treated. Because medical providers see young children earlier and more frequently than do oral health providers, they can have a major impact on young children's oral health. In June 2009, a statewide program was designed to train EPSDT medical providers to conduct caries risk assessments, perform oral health screenings, apply fluoride varnish, provide anticipatory guidance and refer children to a dental home.

Abstract Results: As of August 2012, over 390 EPSDT medical providers were eligible to bill Medicaid for fluoride varnish applications. Nearly 36% percent of providers eligible to bill have incorporated the prevention program into their practices, and Medicaid has provided reimbursement for nearly 63,000 fluoride varnish applications.

Abstract Conclusions: EPSDT medical providers in Maryland are receptive to learning about oral health screenings and fluoride varnish applications and incorporating them into well-child visits for infants and young children ages 9 to 36 months.

Learning Areas:
Other professions or practice related to public health
Program planning

Learning Objectives:
To discuss the impact of integrating oral health care into medical care.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Katrina Holt, National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center at Georgetown University in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Oral Health produced the online curriculum, Maryland's Mouths Matter: Fluoride Varnish and Oral Health Screening Program for EPSDT Medical Providers.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3095.0: Effective Community Preventive Programs