EPSDT / TENNderCare: Oral Health
Despite major efforts in recent years, oral health disease still poses a significant health threat to many children. Because pediatricians and other child health professionals are more likely to encounter new parents and infants, it is essential that they be aware of early childhood dental caries risk and preventive strategies to make appropriate decisions about timely and effective intervention.
Many of the eligible children in Tennessee are not accessing dental services as needed. Physicians have a unique opportunity to help increase services.
(Photo at left): Ty Bullington, CPNP, examines Makala (age 10) at Sewanee Pediatrics, Sewanee, TN.
Current Recommendations
- Dental risk assessments and referrals are recommended for every child in accordance with the periodicity schedule.
- Risk assessment performed at 6 and 9 months.
- Referral to a dental home 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth or no later than 12 months, if available. Otherwise assess at 12, 18, 24 and 30 months
- If the primary water source is deficient in fluoride, consider oral fluoride supplementation.
- Referral to dental home if one has not been established at 3 and 6 years.
- If medically necessary, a child may be referred at any age.
- Documentation of dental inspection, referral and education must be documented in the medical record..
Dental Caries Risk Assessment
Click here for the Dental Caries Risk Assessment Questionnaire recommended by TennCare.
Locating a TennCare Dentist
- A formal referral is not necessary.
- In order to locate a TennCare dentist members may call TennDent Customer Service at 1-877-416-6886.
- If you need help finding a CoverKids dentist call DentaQuest Customer Service at 1-888-291-3766 .
- General, pediatric, and other various specialty dental providers are available to TennCare members.
Additional AAP Oral Health Supportive material:
