Expanding coverage of dental procedures for Medicare beneficiaries with certain medical treatments appeared to not encourage clinicians, especially oral surgeons, to participate in the program. The study was published in the Journal of the American Dental Association.
However, researchers were unable to access claims volume or patient outcome data, which are necessary to assess the effect of Medicare dental reforms on patients.
“Dentists may remain hesitant to participate in Medicare or are unaware of the new policies,” wrote the authors, led by Kamyar Nasseh, PhD, of the ADA’s Health Policy Institute in Chicago (JADA, January 29, 2026).
Source: Did expanding Medicare dental benefits make a difference? / DrBicuspid