Dentistry is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention and treatment of conditions that affect the teeth, gums, and oral cavity as well as the removal, restoration, and replacement of any parts that have become lost, decayed, or damaged. This includes procedures like filling and crowning teeth, straightening teeth, and creating artificial dentures.

The primary goals and concerns of dental medicine, often known as dentistry, are the detection and treatment of oral disorders as well as the preservation of oral health. From infancy and childhood to the end of our lives, oral health affects a person's general welfare. Therefore, we must take good care of our mouths and teeth by following a few easy guidelines that guard against bothersome illnesses and uncomfortable circumstances.

Millions of low-income Americans, including qualifying adults, children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities, are covered by Medicaid for their medical expenses. Nearly 76 million people will be covered by Medicaid as of 2021. Medicaid is the main source of funding for states to meet the health requirements of low-income citizens, accounting for $1 of every $6 spent on healthcare in the U.S.

The federal government and the states both contribute to the cost of Medicaid. The program plays a special role in state budgets as the third largest domestic program in the federal budget, immediately after Medicare and Social Security. Medicaid serves as both an expenditure and the biggest source of federal money in state budgets as a result of this combined funding system.

States must regularly balance their budgets, choosing how much to spend on programs and how much to raise in taxes. The tension that results from juggling these conflicting demands eventually has an impact on Medicaid and CHIP.

Dental Care And Medicaid
Medicaid is a health insurance program that provides low-income individuals and families with free or inexpensive coverage. Both the federal government and individual states contribute to its funding. Which healthcare expenses must be covered is mandated by the federal government. Adult dental treatment, however, is left up to each state's discretion.

No matter what state they reside in, anyone under the age of 21 who is on Medicaid is eligible to get the majority of dental care. EPSDT, which stands for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment, has a broad range of advantages for kids. Their dental requirements can be satisfied as soon as a parent locates a Medicaid dentist for their child.

Medicaid Dentists Program For Children
All children enrolled in Medicaid are entitled to dental coverage as part of a wide range of benefits known as the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit. Even while oral screening may be a component of a physical examination, it cannot take the place of a dentist-performed dental examination. According to the state-mandated frequency schedule, every child must receive a referral to a dentist.

Children's dental care needs at the very least include:

• Infection and pain relief
• Restorative dentistry
• Upkeep of dental health

All services must be offered under the EPSDT benefit if they are deemed medically essential. Medical necessity is decided by the states. Regardless of whether these services are covered by a state's Medicaid plan, if a condition that needs treatment is found during a screening, the state is required to offer the appropriate services to address that condition.

Every state is expected to create a dental periodicity plan after consulting with reputable dental groups dedicated to the care of young patients. For kids eligible for EPSDT, dental services are not just restricted to emergency care.

To confirm the existence of a suspected illness or condition, dental treatments must be performed at intervals that adhere to reasonable standards of dental practice and at other intervals as indicated by medical necessity. To determine these intervals, states are required to consult with reputable dental groups that are active in children's health care.

Every child must receive a dental referral in line with the state-mandated frequency schedules as well as at other times when it is deemed medically necessary. The periodicity plan for dental services might not apply to other EPSDT services.

Medicaid and dental care for children in CHIP(Children health insurance program)
The EPSDT benefit must be offered by states that offer CHIP coverage to kids through a Medicaid expansion program. Dental care "essential to prevent disease and promote oral health, restore oral structures to health and function, and treat emergency problems" must be covered by different CHIP programs.

A package of dental benefits that complies with CHIP regulations or a benchmark dental benefit package is the two alternatives available to states that have a distinct CHIP program for dental coverage.

The benchmark dental package must be roughly equivalent to (a) the most well-liked dependent dental plan for federal employees. (b) The most well-liked dependent plan in the state's employee dental plan or (c) Dental coverage provided by the state's most well-liked commercial insurer.

Does Medicaid Offer Dental Coverage To Adults?
What dental coverage is offered to adult Medicaid enrollees is up to the states to decide. Less than half of the states presently offer full dental care, even though the majority of them offer adult patients at least emergency dental care. Adult dental insurance is not required to meet any minimal standards.

For enrollees who are 21 years of age and older, Medicaid generally covers some dental treatment, however other states only cover emergencies. Dental benefits for kids on Medicaid must be provided by all states.

A few states treat adults enrolled in Medicaid under the ACA's Medicaid expansion differently than they treat other participants. When it comes to these states, a 55-year-old with Medicaid expansion coverage might not have access to dental care, yet a 70-year-old who qualifies for Medicaid due to a combination of their age and financial situation may do so. It is also feasible for the scenario to be reversed, in which case a state might provide dental coverage to expansion enrollees but not to other people.

References:
1. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/dentistry
2. https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/action-for-dental-health/medicaid
3. https://dentalhealthsociety.com/general/how-to-find-a-dentist-who-accepts-medicaid/
4. https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/dental-care/index.html
5. https://www.healthinsurance.org/faqs/to-what-degree-does-medicaid-provide-adult-dental-coverage/

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