Dental program expanded statewide to improve oral health of children enrolled in Medicaid
The Governor received a warm welcome from the children at Starfish Family Services in Inkster Tuesday, where he joined partners to talk about the statewide expansion of the Healthy Kids Dental Program.
A partnership between Delta Dental and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the HKD Program improves access to dental care for all Medicaid-eligible children under the age of 21. It’s now available in all 83 of Michigan’s counties, benefitting more than 800,000 children. That’s 22 additional counties HKD has expanded to since Gov. Snyder took office.
Gov. Snyder also had the opportunity to read to the children and received a special visit from Marshall Molar from Delta Dental of Michigan. Linda Atkins of Western Wayne Family Health Centers, Lu Battaglieri with Delta Dental, Dr. Joseph Harris, DDS, and Ann Kalass with Starfish Family Services also spoke.
Studies show children with HKD coverage are more likely to receive dental treatment than those with traditional dental coverage. This is especially valuable to those in need, who are able to receive services such as X-rays, cleanings, fillings, root canals, tooth extractions and dentures to improve their dental health.
The program demonstrates what can be accomplished when public and private entities come together to serve those in greatest need. Because Michigan works best when Michiganders work together.
