Vermont Medicaid expected to start paying dentists more
VTDigger
Every week, hygienist Joanne Puente sees patients at the People’s Health & Wellness Clinic in Barre who have not seen a dentist in years and come to her with severe tooth decay.
They are newly in recovery from opioid abuse or just out of prison. Or they are simply in pain, without savings and unable to find a dental practice with a sliding scale that is taking new patients.
Puente can offer free dental exams, cleanings and X-rays. But for crowns, tooth extractions and other treatments, she needs to refer patients to a dentist.
Lately it’s been those who have dental insurance who are actually the hardest to place, because that insurance is through Vermont Medicaid, Puente said.