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, Diagnosis, 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 (1).

Many patients have issues with the cost of oral and maxillofacial care due to the severe constraints it has on their budgets, and this has necessitated common questions such as “Does Medicaid cover dental procedures?”, and “Which procedures can be performed on me using my Medicaid insurance?”.

For a better understanding of the various dental services covered by your Medicaid plan, this article will highlight several medical procedures you can do using Medicaid services (2).

Dental Procedures Covered By Medicaid
Members or holders of the standard Medicaid insurance plan are eligible for any kind of dental plan they want when necessary, as well as pregnant women who possess the eligibility notice for dental services. Individuals should consult the given member guide for adequate understanding (3).

However, patients who are not on the standard Medicaid plan are not eligible for all dental care or services. Rather, they can have access to a regular check-up with their dentists, and interval cleaning which takes place every six months. Such individuals are also entitled to dentist appointments three times a year. It is, therefore, safe to say a simple Medicaid plan gives a good deal (4).

The following are common procedures covered by Medicaid:
Regular dental cleaning and examination
Although dental care needs vary from one patient to another, however, the most common procedure done by persons under the Medicaid plan is routine cleaning, also called scaling and polishing. This refers to the removal of build-up plaque and tartar sighted around the gums and teeth.

Dental cleaning is not limited to plaque and tartar removal alone, it also involves significant or total removal of apparent stains on the teeth and application of protective coatings to provide a shield against bacteria. While cleaning is going on, the dentist is also on the lookout for tooth decay or holes that have occurred or just developing ones, and as such, fillings can be done or repairs to remove the damaged tooth. At times, it may require replacing the damaged tooth/teeth with metal or glass to avoid complications (5).

Root canals on front teeth
A root canal is another common procedure covered by the Medicaid plan both simple and standard. It involves the removal and replacement of the centre core of the affected tooth (6).

Stainless steel crown
A stainless steel crown is a common form of dental restoration procedure commonly covered by the Medicaid plan. A stainless steel crown is used in both paediatrics and sometimes used in adult dentistry. The cap being used is made from superior stainless steel. It is placed across the tooth to regain its strength, shape, and most importantly, size (6).

Two examinations per year
Every patient under the Medicaid plan is entitled to at least two examinations and medical visits in a year. During each visit, the doctor will conduct a thorough clinical oral examination of the patient to ensure good hygiene and the absence of any developing dental pathology in any tooth. Every examination will determine the outcome of the clinic visits.

Dental Xrays
Radiographs, otherwise called dental x-rays very vital in the management of patients in modern dentistry. Oftentimes, oral examinations are not enough in case assessment, radiographs are required to further define a diagnosis and in the management of the patient. Radiographs also help to monitor the oral health of the patient and determine new growth and development.

Braces
For pediatrics, one of the procedures covered by Medicaid is braces but this is after thorough screening to meet eligibility criteria after the pre-orthodontic form must have been filled and submitted. Most times, such approval is made when the need is unavoidable, especially for needs like speaking, breathing, and chewing.

Dental fillings
Dental fillings are another common procedure fully covered by the Medicaid plan. During the oral examination visits, if the doctor notices any repairable tooth cavity, filling can be proposed to the patient, to help prevent further damage, and to bring comfort to the patient as well (7).

Tooth extraction
Tooth extraction is a common procedure covered by the Medicaid plan. Aside from being a very common procedure, it is one of the most common dental procedures done by patients on the Medicaid plan. It involves the removal of a tooth from its socket when it's infected, has a cavity or other investigated dental problems. It is usually performed by a dental surgeon. There are two types of extraction, simple extraction, and surgical extraction. A surgical extraction is done commonly in complicated cases (7).

Dental emergencies
Common dental emergencies require the relief of pain and treatment of ongoing infections. These two are the most common treatments required by patients under the Medicaid plan (8).

Other dental services and procedures covered by Medicaid are:
Maintenance of dental health
Permanent crowns
Fluoride treatments
Dentures (partial and full) (6).

References
1. https//dentalhealthsociety.com/general/how-to-find-a-dentist-who-accepts-medicaid/
2. https://penndentalmedicine.org/blog/medicaid-covers-pennsylvania-dental-work/
3. https://dphhs.mt.gov/montanahealthcareprograms/dental
4. https://mobilizationforjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/Dental-Services-Medicaid-AH-Residents.pdf
5. https://www.medicare.org/articles/does-medicaid-cover-dental-care-in-north-carolina/
6. https://dss.sd.gov/medicaid/recipients/dental.aspx
7. https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/medicaid/medicaid-dental-services-new-hampshire-smiles-program-adults
8. https://www.valuepenguin.com/medicaid-dental-coverage

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