Offering dental care to low-income kids

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- The number of dentists offering their services to children on Medicaid has increased dramatically in the past four years. In fact, that Husky program is now a national model, but it could still be in jeopardy.

At first, there were not enough dentists signing up, limiting access to oral health care for hundreds of low income children in Connecticut.

Since then through the CT Dental Health Partnership, it has gone from one of the worst to being one of the best in the country.

Still, there's concern it may not continue at it's current level.   

Allison Santiago and brother Miguel were in for a routine cleaning at Pediatric Dentistry in New Haven Tuesday.  
    
With more dentists like pediatric dentist Dr. Douglas Keck offering services for children on the state husky medicaid program there are less barriers to dental care.

"Poor oral health and cavities can cause problems with asthetics, problems with their learning because they are in constant pain," said Dr. Keck.

Through an interpreter, Maria Vivar explains why it's important that her children see the dentist.

"Si," Vivar said.

"She wants to have her kids to have a healthy smile," the interpreter said. "She didn't have the opportunity when she was younger to go to the dentist."

A Connecticut State Dental Association study shows the number of dentists went up from 376 in 2008 to 1,567 in 2012 after a lawsuit led to raising medicaid reimbursement rates to near private insurance levels.
 
So now kids like Allison have better access with shorter wait time.

"Tooth  number 3 is present and fine," said Dr. Keck. "A is fine."

However, the state's dismal financial picture could impact what has been achieved. 

"Our hope is, the CT State Dental Association, is that the fee schedule, the rates stay the same and we don't get defunded as the state tries to balance the books," Dr. Keck said.

Not being funded is something the family does not even want to think about.  

"She would find a way to get some type of money and pay for the dental," the interpreter said, "however, she would, but it would be difficult for her if she didn't have insurance."     
  
Dr. Keck tells News 8 the CT State Dental Association is optimistic that through education and a grass roots lobbying effort that funding will remain where it is currently.