Improving access for Medicaid-insured children: focus on front-office personnel

Article Abstract:

The beliefs and attitudes of dental office staff members may substantially affect an office's participation in Medicaid-funded dental health care for children from low-income families. Researchers interviewed staff from 24 dental offices in a focus group setting, and found that staff relations with patients, attitudes about Medicaid patients, and staff understanding about barriers to dental care were significant determinants of Medicaid participation. Concerns about Medicaid reimbursement rates or paperwork were less significant. Outreach to change staff perceptions may be most effective in increasing access to dental care for poor children.

Usage, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Dental personnel

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Making Medicaid child dental services work: a partnership in Washington State

Article Abstract:

A cooperative effort between dentists, the University of Washington and the Spokane health department succeeded in increasing the number of poor children who received dental care in 1995. The Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) program used extensive public outreach methods to recruit the parents of all children on Medicaid up to 6 years of age. Dentists were trained by faculty at the university and the state increased the Medicaid reimbursement to the dentists. Almost 40% of enrolled children saw a dentist that year compared to 12% of children not enrolled.

Innovations, Finance, Dental care, Oral hygiene

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Improving America's access to care

Article Abstract:

The Centers for Research to Reduce Oral Health Disparities were established with the help of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) that reflect the importance of research to reduce disparities. The network attempts to address the needs of communities with poor oral health and to establish long-term relationships.

Science & research, Research, Oral health, National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research

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