Almost 2 years ago a group of MDA dentists (composed of general dentists and specialists, private practice and public health dentists, new and “more seasoned” dentists) met with a goal. That goal was to come up with a tool to help all MDA dentists do a better job with documentation, particularly related to medicaid compliance (but applicable to all documentation). After countless hours of work researching, debating and modifying they came up with it - the peer chart review for quality form.

The Department of Public Health and Human Services informed MDA today that dental services covered by Medicaid for adults and for children are unchanged until further notice by DPHHS.

The reduction in dental services included in the budget cuts made by Gov. Bullock and approved by the Legislature will not go into effect until DPHHS implements amended rules early in 2018. The rulemaking process will include opportunities for comment. DPHHS said it will notify dentists regarding the reduced schedule of covered Medicaid dental services.

Please note that services for children - except orthodontia - are not affected by the budget cuts. Eligibility for children’s orthodontia is proposed to be restricted to those meeting a Handicapping Labio-Lingual Deviation score of 30 or greater.

MDA will provide further updates by email and will post to montanadental.org. Please contact the MDA office (800) 257-4988 for further information.