Much like general health, oral health is something that should never be taken for granted. As the article published by the Association of Health Care Journalists explains, residents, particularly the poor adults living in South Carolina, do not have access to quality, affordable dental care. Fortunately, their inability to enjoy appropriate dental treatments and procedures, without practically spending all of their savings, may soon come to an end, if the proposed Medicaid enhancements come to pass.
Adult Medicaid dental services are often reduced or eliminated when states face hard times. States are required to cover children’s dental benefits under Medicaid but coverage for adults is considered optional. The cut in adult dental benefits took a toll in South Carolina, Keck acknowledged.
“We recognized it was a cost shift to hospitals and in some cases dentists,” but it was a cut the federal government allowed, Adcox wrote. “He told legislators the need for dental care extends beyond improving health, since missing teeth, cavities and abscesses can make it difficult for people to find work and – if they’re in pain and can’t concentrate – keep it.”
For now, adults who do not have the financial capability to afford some of the finest treatments will have to wait. In the event that the changes in the Medicaid coverage are approved, it is imperative that they find trusted dentists in Greenville, SC, and nearby areas, capable of providing quality dental care, which they badly need. Furthermore, once the amendments take place, finding a practice that offers comprehensive services would be wise in order to cut down expenses and avoid wasting too much time going from one dental office to another for various treatments.
Go for a practice that offers not only general and preventive dentistry, but also cosmetic dental treatments, as your current dental condition may already require more than the usual teeth extractions. Moreover, you would also want to go for a practice that houses a reliable pediatric dentist in Greenville, SC, like Downtown Dental. By doing so, you will be able to turn your dental visit into a family affair, and ensure that your children will also get the same quality dental care you are receiving.
(Source: “S.C. adults may gain dental benefits as part of Medicaid plan,” Association of Health Care Journalists, February 14, 2014)
