Financial feasibility of a model school-based dental program in different states.
OBJECTIVE
This article describes a model for a school-based program designed to reduce dental access disparities and examines its financial feasibility in states with different Medicaid reimbursement rates.


METHODS
Using state and national data, the expected revenues and expenses for operating the program in different states were estimated. Hygienists with support staff provided screening and preventive services in schools using portable equipment and generated surplus funds that were used to supplement payments to community clinics and private practices for treating children.


RESULTS
The program is financially feasible in states when the ratio of Medicaid fees is 60.5% of mean national fees. Of the 13 states examined, one-third have adequate Medicaid fees to support the program.


CONCLUSIONS
The model program has considerable promise for reducing access disparities at a lower cost per child than current Medicaid programs.
Bailit
Howard
H
School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT 06030, USA. bailit@nso1.uchc.edu
Beazoglou
Tryfon
T
Drozdowski
Margaret
M
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003237:Connecticut; D003752:Dental Health Services / Q000191:economics*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008484:Medicaid / Q000191:economics*; D018803:Models, Economic; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011203:Poverty; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000191:economics*; D012572:School Health Services / Q000191:economics*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States