Tooth decay is the most common preventable chronic disease among children in the United States. If left untreated, it can negatively affect a child's physical and social development, as well as his or her school performance.
All children enrolled in Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) have coverage for dental services - including check-ups, x-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, fillings, and more. This coverage has resulted in improved use of preventive dental services. Between 2000 and 2013, the percentage of Medicaid-enrolled children who had a preventive dental visit more than doubled, increasing from 21% to 48% (PDF, 1.19 MB). A large majority of parents with children eligible for Medicaid or CHIP (68%) say that the availability of dental coverage is a factor motivating them to enroll their children in health insurance. Learn more about dental benefits in Medicaid and CHIP and how we are working with states to make improvements.
Hear what one father has to say about the importance of dental coverage for his young daughter.
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