Did you know?

Medicaid does not cover major restorative dental procedures for adults receiving services.

What does this mean?

Dental procedures such as crowns, root canals, a bridge or full/partial dentures are not a covered cost for these at risk patients who ultimately opt for extraction of their tooth as it is more cost effective solution for adults living in poverty.

How can you help?

Make a donation to the WCHC Smiles Fund. This fund’s sole purpose is to serve the underinsured, underserved and non-insured patients that visit our dental practice and present with a need for services that are outside of their financial capability. With your help we can make a difference in the life of a Cecil or Harford County adult, one smile at a time.

Donate to Smiles

James Douvres - Before and After

Facts

• The average cost for crown service is $1,000. The average cost for a root canal is $1,000. Medicaid does not cover these services for adults participating in the plan.

• In 2017, WCHC served 330 patients on Medicaid for root canal, crown and extraction alone, with a rate of 32:1 patients opting for an extraction versus a restorative procedure that would allow the patient to keep their tooth.

• The number of uninsured patients being treated for the same services was 332, with an approximate ratio of 63:4 patients who opted for an extraction.

• For the Medicaid and uninsured patient population served at WCHC, 633 patients opted for an extraction vs. a root canal or crown due to the cost of the procedure.

• These underserved groups makes up 48% of the patient population at WCHC.