Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0002-2976-996X
Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Healthcare Policy & Research
First Advisor
Bassam Dahman. PhD
Second Advisor
Tegwyn Brickhouse, DDS, PhD
Third Advisor
Askar Chukmaitov, PhD
Fourth Advisor
Dina Garcia, PhD
Abstract
Abstract: Transforming Children's Oral Health: The Impact of Oral Healthcare Policies on Virginia Medicaid Dental Health Outcomes.
Objectives: This dissertation uses Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) administrative files at the individual and provider level from fiscal years (FY) 2011 to 2021 to systematically study the effect of recently implemented oral health policies (EBD guidelines on sealants, CMS updated quality measures, expansion of Medicaid oral healthcare for qualifying pregnant women) on oral health outcomes of Virginia Medicaid-enrolled children.
Methods: The studies employ a difference in differences regression methods (negative binomial, Poisson, and logistic) to examine the effects of oral health care policies at the institution, state, and federal level on oral health outcomes of children enrolled in the Virginia Medicaid Dental Program.
Results: The results indicate that the policies had a significant positive effect in sealant delivery rates among providers in rural areas, a significant increase in first permanent sealant receipt among Medicaid-enrolled children with an elevated risk of caries, and a significant increase in preventive services among children enrolled in the Virginia Medicaid Dental Program with mothers that received oral health care via the expansion of Medicaid for qualifying pregnant women.
Conclusion: The policies were effective in improving the oral health of children enrolled in the Virginia Medicaid Program. However, the success varied among participants of differing racial and ethnic groups and those living in urban and rural areas.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
8-8-2024
Included in
Dental Public Health and Education Commons, Health Services Research Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons, Other Public Health Commons, Pediatric Dentistry and Pedodontics Commons