A Conceptualization of the Connecticut Dental Hygienists’ Experiences with Care Trends for the Medicaid Patient

Access to dental care for the Medicaid patient has traditionally been problematic. Published research studies document financial issues, time constraints and access challenges including treatment bias when delivering dental care to the Medicaid patient. Adult Medicaid patients experience even greater challenges (than children) when seeking dental care. An imbalance of care provided to adults versus children with Medicaid benefits is noted throughout the published literature. Obtaining oral health is a challenge for this Medicaid population. Research investigating dental Medicaid coverage and the payment environment for dental services is beneficial to the dental hygienist, to gain a better understanding of the oral health needs of this population and dental treatment modalities