Some Free Dental Work clinics only serve the local community. America’s Dentists Care Foundation has seen the tremendous need for free clinics. There are many dentists who do voluntary work at these free clinics.
Medicaid is a comprehensive program for medical aid which includes dental care. The program focuses on prevention, early diagnosis and treatment. The State in consultation with recognized dental organizations offers Free Dental Work services. These include relief from pain and infections, restoration of teeth and maintenance of dental health. Oral screening is good but it is not a substitute for a dental examination which is required by everyone.
Under the Medicaid program, the State determines the medical necessity of the patient. Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment, commonly known as EPSDT, requires that whatever medical services are provided under the Medicaid program must be provided to EPSDT recipients, if it is necessary. If during the screening process, it has been found that medical aid is required, then the State must do the needful, whether it is included in the Medicaid plan or not. Dental care is optional for adults (21 years of age and above) under the Medicaid program. Dental services for those below 21 are mandatory under the EPSDT.
It depends on the individual States whether they want to provide comprehensive dental care services to the adult population. Emergency services, of course, are provided. Unfortunately, people in the low income strata have the least access to dental care. There are 2 main problems. One is that there are very few dentists who are willing to serve Medicaid beneficiaries. The other is that dental care is low on the priority list, as there are other competing demands.
Policy makers need to work with schools and colleges, especially from the rural areas to recruit students who will study dentistry. Scholarships should be made available to them. Free Dental Work services should also be added to rural and community health centers. There can be loan funds for dental clinics started in rural areas as well as grants for upgrading the equipment so that the best care can be given to all the citizens. Teledentistry via email or video can help a great deal. If a person finds it difficult to get transportation, then this is the best way they can get help. It is important to provide good Free Dental Work and the governing bodies have to take the initiative to help their citizens.