This report is the latest in a series on the impact of Connecticut’s approach to expanding access to oral health care in the HUSKY Program.
Provider reimbursement increased significantly in 2008 and the provider network has expanded to include two-thirds of active dentists in Connecticut. For the fifth consecutive year, the number and percentage of children and parents who received dental services in 2013 were significantly higher than in 2008 when program reforms were implemented; however, the initial gains appear to have leveled off. For most children and for adults, preventive care and treatment rates in 2013 were the same or lower than 2012. Differences associated with race and ethnicity persist. The lack of improvement in 2012 and 2013, compared with previous years, suggests that as the impact of increased reimbursement diminishes, additional strategies may be needed to increase demand for dental services.
