If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how you’re going to pay for the dental care you need, then you might consider applying for SoonerCare Dental in Oklahoma. SoonerCare is Oklahoma’s Medicaid health coverage program, and it covers a variety of dental services for children and adults. It can help cut the cost of care for families who need financial assistance.
What Does SoonerCare Cover When It Comes to Dental Care?
While SoonerCare programs are primarily geared toward children (see below), adults can also receive limited dental benefits. For instance, eligible adults can access preventive care like dental cleanings with fluoride once every 6 months as well as oral evaluations once every 6 months. X-rays are also included, with a set of bitewing images covered once every 12 months and more complete imaging once every 3 years if medically necessary.
Through SoonerCare, adults also have access to emergency dental care, medically necessary extractions and oral surgeries approved under the plan. Full and partial dentures may be available with prior authorization. Fillings may also be covered as well as scaling to treat gum disease. Additionally, counseling sessions to help patients stop smoking or using tobacco are available under SoonerCare. Limitations apply for most services, and there may be a copay for emergency services or other procedures. Be sure that you check your list of benefits to fully understand what SoonerCare covers and what your responsibilities are with regard to scheduling and authorization.
What Dental Benefits Are Available to Children With SoonerCare?
SoonerCare covers a wide range of dental procedures for children under age 21. Young people have access to exams, dental cleanings with fluoride treatments and X-rays as part of a regular schedule of preventive care. Dental sealants are also covered by the program, and these can go a long way to preventing cavities and other issues down the road. SoonerCare covers fillings, tooth extractions and stainless steel crowns for primary teeth. Full and partial dentures are available if necessary.
Children may also qualify for endodontics and orthodontics under SoonerCare. Endodontics focuses on the inside of teeth, and this kind of care may include treatment of tooth abscesses and infections as well as root canals and dental surgeries. Orthodontics is all about straightening teeth and improving one’s bite. SoonerCare covers orthodontics for children under 18, and since orthodontic treatment can often take 2 to 3 years, families with children who need this care should start early.
Children receiving their first orthodontic consultation must be cavity-free for at least a year and have a cleaning within the past 6 months and then every 6 months during treatment. SoonerCare operates on an orthodontic scoring system to determine the qualifications of each patient. This includes standards for overjets, crossbites and reverse underbites to make sure that orthodontic care is truly medically necessary.
Sugarcreek Dental Accepts SoonerCare
More and more dental providers are accepting SoonerCare these days, and Sugarceek Dental is one of them. When you call or visit our office, we’ll help you understand what is covered by SoonerCare, how you can access this program, and the policies and contracts involved. Be aware that you will have to apply for SoonerCare, meet residency and income standards, and be fully enrolled in the program so that our practice can accept your coverage. Contact us today with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment!