The Oral Preventative Procedure

The oral preventive procedure consists of 3 equally important parts: 1) Oral screening, 2) Individualized face-to-face parent/caregiver education, and 3) Application of fluoride varnish (which can be compared to having a fluoride treatment at the dental office). Toxicity is not an issue with the fluoride varnish because such a small amount is used and it adheres to the teeth until it is brushed off. Data supports that this procedure prevents caries in 3-year olds and may also reduce caries in the youngest high-risk group of Medicaid covered children

Medicaid Information

As a partner in the Project, NC Medicaid is reimbursing medical providers for the 3-part procedure. A child can have the procedure a total of six times from tooth eruption until the third birthday. Reimbursement the first time the child has the procedure is approximately $61, and approximately $53 for subsequent visits. Time involved providing the service depends on the child’s age and tooth eruption patterns.