#United States #Virginia #Sun Life #DentaQuest #Virginia Medicaid

Celebrating 20 Years of Dental Care Access in Virginia

DentaQuest, a part of Sun Life U.S., has been making significant strides in oral health over the past twenty years in its partnership with the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS). Since the introduction of the Medicaid dental program in July 2005, formerly known as Smiles For Children and currently named Cardinal Care Smiles, the program has thrived in meeting the diverse dental needs of both children and adults throughout the Commonwealth.

This initiative marked a pivotal shift, separating dental services from traditional medical plans and establishing a dedicated dental benefits framework. This framework has simplified access for members while also spurring increased participation from dental providers. DentaQuest now proudly administers Medicaid dental benefits to approximately 1.8 million Virginians, offering comprehensive coverage that encompasses both preventive and restorative services.

David Healy, president of Sun Life U.S. Dental, reflects on the successful journey: “We have been honored to partner with Virginia in expanding access to quality dental care for Medicaid members since 2005. Milestones such as the coverage expansion for pregnant individuals and the introduction of comprehensive adult dental benefits signifies our strong collaboration with DMAS, dental professionals, and community stakeholders. Our commitment to this partnership remains steadfast as we work together toward a healthier future for all Virginians.”

In recent years, DentaQuest has concentrated on enhancing patient care by reducing missed appointments, establishing a dental home for Medicaid members akin to a primary care provider, and employing dedicated case management. These efforts ensure that patients are equipped with the necessary resources to achieve optimal oral health through personalized consultations.

Moreover, the organization is actively engaged in bolstering the Virginia Medicaid dental provider network. This initiative aims at attracting more dentists and specialists to serve the community further.

Justin Gist, who oversees the DMAS dental program, adds, “Our 20-year partnership with DentaQuest has been instrumental in advancing access to quality dental care for Medicaid members. Their commitment to patient-centered care and community involvement has played a crucial role in improving oral health outcomes statewide. We're thrilled to commemorate this milestone and anticipate ongoing progress in the coming years.”

To learn more about the dental benefits available to Virginia Medicaid enrollees, visit the DMAS website.

About DentaQuest

DentaQuest, under Sun Life U.S. Dental, is dedicated to enhancing oral health through innovative, outcomes-based solutions. By focusing on Preventistry®, a comprehensive approach centered around prevention and quality care, DentaQuest is improving dental benefits for everyone. The organization manages dental and vision benefits for around 35 million Americans, providing effective benefit plans for varied stakeholders, including employer groups, individuals, health plans, and government-sponsored programs. DentaQuest stands as the largest administrator of Medicaid and CHIP dental benefits in the United States, actively contributing to the well-being of underserved communities through its expanding network of dental practices nationwide.

For further insights and official inquiries, visit Sun Life U.S. Dental or DentaQuest.