Advanced Search For: Keyword: Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989

George Washington University, Center for Health Services Research and Policy
2021 K Street, N.W., Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006

Telephone: (202) 296-6922
Fax: (202) 296-0025
E-mail: info@gwhealthpolicy.org
Website: http://www.gwumc.edu/sphhs/institutescenters/center_for_health_services_research_and_policy.cfm
Available at no charge.

This report considers the effect of Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Testing (EPSDT) program revisions on the provision of oral health care to children and adolescents covered by the program. The 1989 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA '89) included oral health professionals as primary health providers under the terms of the original program. The introduction reviews the background of the EPSDT program and the OBRA '89 changes. The report then considers the feasibility of using dentists and dental hygienists as primary care providers, reviews the advantages of doing so, and recommends policy changes to increase the role of oral health providers in primary care. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, Oral health, Access to health care, Health professionals, Dentists, Primary care, EPSDT, Public health, State MCH programs, Federal MCH programs, Policy development, Health policy, Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989

National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Georgetown University Box 571272
Washington, DC 20057-1272

Telephone: (202) 784-9771
Fax: (202) 784-9777
E-mail: OHRCinfo@georgetown.edu
Website: http://www.mchoralhealth.org
Single photocopies available at no charge.

This report explores the implications of changes mandated by the 1989 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA '89) for expanding access to oral health services under Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Testing (EPSDT). After providing a general overview of EPSDT and oral health for children from families with low incomes, the report examines the feasibility of using dentists and dental hygienists as primary care health professionals and recommends policy changes to increase the role of oral health professionals in primary care. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Keywords: Children, Oral health, Access to health care, EPSDT, State MCH programs, Federal MCH programs, Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989, Medicaid, Low income groups, Dental care, Primary care, Provider participation