Oral Health Ohio, the Ohio Dental Association and other stakeholders have been advocating for reimbursement of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) as treatment of caries (tooth decay). The silver kills the bacteria and stops new bacteria from growing. The fluoride hardens the remaining material of the tooth which can be used to add a filling or other restorative treatments.
OUR IMPACT & OUTCOME: The Ohio Department of Medicaid recently consented to begin reimbursement for the application of SDF. This change will be particularly impactful to those with special needs who might otherwise require general anesthesia to do a traditional filling and to elderly individuals facing end-of-life issues when caries can be difficult to manage.