DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S., and the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) are celebrating 20 years of collaboration in providing comprehensive oral healthcare to Virginians. This partnership has focused on improving access to dental care for Medicaid members across the state.
In July 2005, DMAS launched an initiative, initially named Smiles For Children and now called Cardinal Care Smiles. This program separated Medicaid dental services from traditional medical plans, creating a specific dental benefit for children and adults. The centralization under a single dental benefits administrator made it easier for members to navigate the system, increasing provider participation and encouraging consistent use of dental services. Currently, DentaQuest provides Medicaid dental benefits to about 1.8 million Virginians.
"DentaQuest has been honored to partner with Virginia in expanding access to quality dental care for Medicaid members across the Commonwealth since 2005," said David Healy, president, Sun Life U.S., Dental. "Together, we've reached meaningful milestones — from expanding coverage for pregnant members to the historic addition of comprehensive adult dental benefits."
The focus of DentaQuest's recent efforts includes reducing missed appointments and establishing a "dental home" similar to a primary care provider for all Medicaid members. They also assist patients with case management that connects them with resources needed for optimal health through one-on-one consultations. Additionally, they support recruitment efforts for dentists and specialists within the Virginia Medicaid network.
"For the past 20 years, our partnership with DentaQuest has helped us advance our mission of ensuring access to quality dental care for Virginia's Medicaid members," said Justin Gist from DMAS.
DentaQuest manages dental and vision benefits for approximately 35 million Americans and is recognized as the largest Medicaid and CHIP dental benefits administrator in the U.S.