Date: May 14, 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
