Obtaining dental care for children remains a challenge nationwide, a new federal report says—but in Connecticut, the number of providers has been on an upward trend.
A recent GAO report found that nationwide: Less than 37 percent of children in Medicaid received any dental service;
several states reported rates of 30 percent or less; information on dentists willing to treat children was not reliable and was out-of-date.
In Connecticut, the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership provides dental services to many medical assistance programs, according to Donna Balaski of the state Department of Social Services. The programs are HUSKY A, HUSKY B (SCHIP) and Title XIX fee for service. Over 560,000 residents are covered, about half of whom are children, according to the DSS.
The dental partnership was launched in 2008 in order to improve access to care.
Balaski said that the state has a substantial dental provider network and that the department updates its information on providers monthly – unlike other states.
To find local providers, go to InsureKidsNow.com.