We have seen Medicare cuts all throughout the country and Boston is no exception. The state passed a Medicaid reforn to help cut costs which left 42,000 Bostonians without non-emergency dental care. The most recent cut isn’t going unnoticed as it is expected to save $1.7 million from the state’s general fund and $3.9 million in federal funds. This has dentists worried as they anticipate an increase in the number of Medicaid patients coming into their offices.

One Boston dentist says he is already getting calls from other dentists in the area asking if he would be able to take specific cases or special need patients as their offices no longer are able to provide services to them. As a dentist, he feels it is his responsibility to take care of the dental heath of anyone that comes to him, but in reality, he just can’t take them all on.

One suggestion to this Boston cosmetic dentistry dilemma is to provide care for patients before they need emergency dental care. Instead of providing them with emergency dental care coverage which is quite costly, Medicaid should offer incentives for people to maintain good dental hygiene so they don’t have emergency visits to the dentist office. Prevention is the best solution!

So what can the average citizen do to prevent a medical dental visit? The dental care basics! Make sure you are brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Many people overlook flossing but it is an very vital and important part of your dental hygiene. What you eat can have an impact on your teeth as well so stay away from sugary drinks and starchy foods. Eating healthy will benefit you in other ways as well. Finally, make sure you schedule regular teeth cleanings. This will help to keep you teeth and gums healthy and catch anything early on. The earlier you find a cavity or other dental issue, the more likely it is that it will cost less to fix.

Medicaid is a good program that offers lots of benefits and options to people. However, it is a broken system. Be sure to take care of your teeth so they don’t cost you down the road.

Dental Partners of Boston
800 Boylston Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02199
(617) 259-1100