Dental care’s high cost is a barrier for many low-income households and families in poverty. Federal and state health insurance programs, including Medicaid and CHIP, can help children get the treatment they need. It’s important to find a pediatric dentist that accepts Medicaid and CHIP so children receive these benefits.
As a teaching dental clinic operating in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, the pediatrics department at Penn Dental Medicine (PDM) provides dentistry at a lower cost than most private practices. And we are a children’s dentist that accepts Medicaid and CHIP.
CHIP and Medicaid Pediatric Dentist Benefits
Medicaid provides health insurance coverage to low-income families and individuals. Funded jointly by states and the federal government, Medicaid is administered by the states according to federal guidelines.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a Pennsylvania program providing health coverage to uninsured children and teens not eligible for or enrolled in Medicaid.
Household income determines eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP. States must provide pediatric dentist services to children covered under these programs.
All enrolled children are entitled to a comprehensive set of services called the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit. Each state handles children’s benefits differently, but at a minimum must provide:
- Relief of infections.
- Restoration of teeth.
- Maintenance of oral health.
States providing CHIP coverage through Medicaid expansion must offer the full EPSDT benefit. States with other CHIP programs must provide care “necessary to prevent disease and promote oral health, restore oral structures to health and function, and treat emergency conditions.”
Note that each state decides whether to provide dental benefits to adults. To find out if you or another adult member of your family can receive dental services, check your state’s Medicaid website.
Why Pediatric Dental Appointments Matter
Regular dental care is an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile and overall good health. For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends children visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than the child’s first birthday.
Finding a children’s dentist that accepts Medicaid or CHIP is especially important. Children eligible for Medicaid are more likely to experience tooth decay than children in higher-income families but less likely to visit the dentist annually (29% versus 55%).
Children suffering from tooth decay can face serious health and educational challenges. Dental decay can affect their ability to learn, eat, and speak properly. The discomfort, pain, and illness associated with tooth decay can lead to missed days of school, resulting in slower academic progress and less social interaction.
Pediatric dentists play a pivotal role in helping avoid poor oral and overall health outcomes. They are specially trained to assess young patients’ risk of tooth decay and other problems. They provide preventive treatments and develop individualized oral health plans. They also help adult caregivers understand how to instill proper brushing and flossing habits in children.
Long-Term Benefits of Pediatric Dental Care
No adult wants to see a child suffer because of a cavity. But the dangers of poor oral health extend beyond temporary discomfort. Decay in primary teeth increases a person’s risk for decay in permanent teeth.
Pediatric dental care brings numerous long-term benefits, including:
- Establishing good oral hygiene routines from a young age, which helps prevent not only tooth decay but also gum disease later in life.
- Detecting potential problems early on, which allows for prompt treatment and prevents more serious issues from developing.
- Helping the proper alignment of teeth and jaws, which could reduce the need for future orthodontic treatment.
PDM: A Philadelphia Children’s Dentist Accepting Medicaid
Although CHIP and Medicaid cover pediatric dentist services, not all dentists accept these coverages.
As of 2019, less than half (43%) of U.S. dentists participated in Medicaid and CHIP for child dental services. In Pennsylvania, the percentage of participating dentists was only slightly higher (44.9%).
PDM’s pediatric practice is one of the few pediatric dentists that accept Medicaid. Already more affordable than most private practices, we accept payments from most dental insurance plans, including all Medicaid plans offered to Southeastern Pennsylvania residents.
Consult your certificate of coverage to determine what your plan covers. Check for such details as co-payment requirements, service limitations, yearly maximums, and deductibles.
When Your Child Needs a Philadelphia Pediatric Dentist, Trust PDM
If your family needs a Philadelphia pediatric dentist that accepts Medicaid, we encourage you to seek care at PDM.
If you’re unsure what your current plan covers, we can provide a quote at your child’s appointment. We advise all patients about their recommended treatment and its estimated cost in accordance with their insurance plan. And before we begin any treatment, the parent and attending PDM faculty member must sign the treatment plan.
We strongly recommend making your child’s initial appointment before you make any decisions because CHIP covers routine examinations.
At your child’s first appointment, the student dentist will examine your child’s teeth and oral structure. They will tell you about any immediate concerns and guide you in how to provide proper oral care. You will be able to ask questions, as well.
And your child will get accustomed to being at the dentist’s office. Our student dentists practice under the supervision of some of the best pediatric dentists in Philadelphia. They know how to help young patients be at ease and make each dental visit as positive an experience as possible.
We offer first-time patients a coupon for $25 off. Fill out this form and we’ll call you to schedule your child’s appointment. Or call 215-898-8965 and mention this coupon offer.
We look forward to providing your children the comprehensive, quality dental treatment they need and deserve, as we do for children, youth, and young adults in and around Philadelphia every day.
