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Letter: Utah’s most vulnerable residents are now eligible for an essential Medicaid dental benefit

A dentist holds a toothbrush and toothpaste. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

April 1 was an exciting day for people in Utah’s Medicaid population, and that’s not a joke. As of that date, the Medicaid dental benefit passed by Utah’s Legislature and approved by the federal government went into effect. All adults under Medicaid are eligible for this benefit.

Benefits include:

  • Check-ups, X-rays, and cleanings every six months
  • Tooth colored fillings for front teeth
  • Silver fillings for back teeth
  • Root canal treatment for certain teeth
  • Removal of the soft inner part of the tooth (pulp) for infected baby teeth
  • Pulling teeth
  • Dentures, partial dentures
  • Space maintainers for children with missing teeth
  • Some orthodontic care for children
  • Some specialty care for surgical centers for care under general anesthesia
  • Emergency exams for acute onset of pain
  • Crowns (porcelain and porcelain-to-metal crowns for certain populations)
  • With dental care ranking as the form of health care most commonly delayed to lack of affordability, the Utah Consumer Oral Healthcare Coalition thanks the Utah Legislature and the University of Utah for making this benefit available to Utahns in need. This provides much-needed access to dental care for many of Utah’s most vulnerable citizens, and oral health is an important part of overall health. We strongly encourage all eligible Utahns to enroll in Utah’s Medicaid dental benefit.

    Paul Gibbs, West Valley City

    Correction: A previous version of this letter listed eligibility requirements that are now obsolete.


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