Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
03:37
Evaluating the Effects of Different Polishing Methods on Color Stability of Dental Restorations in Pediatric Dentistry
Published on: June 6, 2025
Examining Associations Between Medicaid Policy and Silver Diamine Fluoride Utilization
Beau Meyer1, Carson Richardson2, Mikhail Jones1
1Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Journal of Public Health Dentistry
|July 8, 2026
Summary
Medicaid reimbursement policies for silver diamine fluoride (SDF) treatment significantly impact its utilization. Higher reimbursement amounts correlate with increased SDF use, suggesting policy adjustments can boost access to this dental care.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Health Services Research
- Health Policy
Background:
- Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an effective caries treatment.
- Medicaid reimbursement policies can influence the adoption of new dental treatments.
- Understanding these policies is crucial for improving access to dental care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between Medicaid reimbursement policies for SDF and its utilization rates.
- To identify specific policy dimensions influencing SDF adoption.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study analyzing data from 14 states.
- Utilized Medicaid provider manuals, fee schedules, and aggregated claims data.
- Calculated SDF utilization rate and employed linear mixed models.
Main Results:
- SDF utilization rates increased from 1.80% in 2018 to 3.35% in 2022.
- Reimbursement amount was the only significant policy factor associated with SDF utilization.
- A positive association was found between reimbursement amount and SDF utilization over time.
Conclusions:
- Medicaid reimbursement policies, especially the amount, appear to influence SDF utilization.
- Further research is needed to explore how dental providers adopt SDF and improve patient outcomes.
- Policy interventions may enhance the use of SDF in dental practices.