Hats off to Suzanne King Raney for her insightful and informative article about positive changes to Missouri Medicaid, and shout out to our own Dr. Megan Krohn for lending her voice to the piece.
Missouri Medicaid began covering teeth cleanings, and almost no other routine dental work, for adults a few years ago. But the bill for the dentist actually peering in your mouth to check teeth and gums went to the patient. While some dentists wrote off the cost of the dental exam, many patients just stayed away from the dental chair and the potential bills it represented. That changed July 1, when routine dental exams for adults were added to the state’s Medicaid coverage. Health experts said it is a significant step in the state’s multiyear effort to improve dental access — and to boost overall health, beyond cavities, molars and gums.