First Tooth. First Birthday. First Dental Visit.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and a good time to talk to your patients about the importance of taking care of their child’s dental health. The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that parents establish a dental home for their child by their first tooth or first birthday.
The American Dental Association (ADA) offers resources such as the February 2023 National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) website and Program Planning Guide. Help promote the benefits of good oral health and prevention to children and adults, caregivers, teachers, and many others.
Here are some updates for providers about National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2023 changes to the dental measures:
RETIRED - Annual Dental Visit (ADV). This measure focused on access to dental care, rather than quality of dental care.
NEW - Oral Evaluation, Dental Services (OED). Medicaid members under 21 years of age who received a comprehensive or periodic oral evaluation with a dental provider.
Intent: Good oral health is a vital component of a child’s overall health, and oral examinations are important to prevent disease, reverse disease processes, prevent progression of caries, and reduce incidence of future lesions. This measure will allow plans to understand if their pediatric members are receiving dental care and to work towards improving access and utilization of dental evaluations.
NEW - Topical Fluoride for Children (TFC). Medicaid members one to four years of age who received at least two fluoride varnish applications. Can be applied at the PCP office.
Intent: Dental caries is the most common chronic disease in children in the United States. Topical fluoride plays an important role in preventing tooth decay. This measure will allow plans to understand if their pediatric members are receiving fluoride varnish applications and to promote fluoride varnish treatments for their younger members.
