Dental Care Goals
Despite considerable progress in pediatric oral health care achieved in recent years, tooth decay remains one of the most preventable common chronic diseases of childhood. Tooth decay can cause significant pain, loss of school days and lead to infections and even death. While all children covered by Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) have coverage for dental services, ensuring access to these services remains a concern.
State and Federal partners have been coordinating, as well as the dental provider community, children’s advocates and other stakeholders to improve access to pediatric dental care. To maintain and accelerate access to oral health services, CMS has developed a national oral health strategy.
Additional Resources
Dental Coverage in CHIP Letter to State Health Officials (PDF 222.02 KB)
Notes from 2009 Oral Health Listening Session (PDF 53.12 KB)