Date: January 12, 2021
To: Enrolled Dental Providers
Re: All Kids School Dental Program Update
This notice informs dental providers that the
temporary postponement of the All Kids School Dental Program for this school
year has been lifted. This change affects dental providers treating children
covered under both traditional fee-for-service and HealthChoice Illinois managed care plans. The postponement was necessary due
to the implications of the public health emergency as a result of COVID-19.
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family
Services (HFS) has worked closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health
(DPH) to assess opportunities that support children and their families’ oral
health during this challenging time. Although there continues to be a public
emergency in place, HFS and DPH agree that if possible, it is beneficial to
have the All Kids School Dental Program available to school districts, day care
centers and Head Start programs that will allow dental providers to come back
into their facilities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
state on its School Sealant Programs webpage that school sealant programs are a very
effective way to provide preventive oral health services to children who are at
higher risk of developing cavities and less likely to receive private dental
care. The All Kids School Dental Program can be safely restarted with adherence
to the guidance issued by the CDC. Providers should work
closely with school administration and local public health officials in
determining the timeline and a plan for restarting school-based dental
services. Considerations
for School Sealant Programs During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Pandemic offers important information for service providers and school
administrators to review and follow.
Questions regarding this notice may be directed
to the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565, your
DentaQuest provider representative or the appropriate HealthChoice
Illinois plan.
Kelly Cunningham, Administrator
Division of Medical Programs
