Texas dentists concerned about mobile dentistry

Apr 10, 2011

Some dentists in Texas are opposing legislation that would allow mobile dental clinics to be reimbursed by Medicaid for providing sealants to low-income children at school, according to a story in the Texas Tribune.

Mobile dental units already travel from school to school in many of the state's low-income communities, providing free sealants to students, the Tribune noted. But unless a parent or guardian is present, the clinic can't bill Medicaid for the procedure.

But HB 1248, introduced by state Rep. Mike Villarreal (D-Bexar County) in February, would allow state and local government entities to provide dental sealants to students with written parental consent on campuses where at least 51% of the students are eligible for free or reduced lunch programs. It would also expand the number of children who can have their molars sealed by making mobile providers operated by government entities eligible for Medicaid reimbursement.

The bill is currently pending in the House Public Health Committee, which heard testimony last week from representatives of the Texas Dental Association (TDA), the United Ways of Texas, and other stakeholders.

Rita Cammarata, DDS, a member of the TDA board of directors, told the committee that while sealants are "a particularly effective piece of the oral health equation," pediatric oral care should be provided in a dental home rather than a mobile setting.

But Villarreal countered that, while a dental home is a laudable goal, the closest many low-income children get to the dentist is a mobile clinic, the Tribune reported.

And Jason Sabo, senior vice president for the United Ways of Texas, said that requiring parents to be present for the clinics to get Medicaid reimbursement "creates an artificial barrier for low-income, working families."

Jennifer Bankler, DDS, dental health coordinator with the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, said the goal is to reach those children who are uninsured, underinsured, and don't have a dental home, according to the Tribune.