Proposed dental care cuts could land more in ERs

by Martiga Lohn, Associated Press

St. Paul, Minn. — (AP) - Dentists are warning that more people could end up in hospital emergency rooms for untreated dental problems if state budget cuts go through.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has proposed eliminating most dental coverage for adults, stopping state aid to dentists who treat publicly insured patients and paring back on prison dental care.

Minnesota has a $4.8 billion deficit, and the state isn't required to cover non-emergency dental care for adults.

Gov. Pawlenty's proposed budget includes dental cuts in three areas:

• Most dental benefits would end for adults on Medical Assistance, General Assistance Medical Care and MinnesotaCare. Exceptions would be made for emergencies, pregnant woman, 18- to 20-year-olds and procedures such as root canals that are already under way. Estimated savings: $38 million through mid-2011.
• Dentists who treat a significant share of publicly insured patients would lose critical access payments to offset their costs. Savings: About $12 million.
• State prisons would close six dental offices and cut back on preventive care. Savings: $1.2 million.

States including California, Oregon and South Dakota are also considering dental cuts.

Hennepin County Medical Center's chief dentist Dr. Anthony DiAngelis says almost one-third of patients who visit the emergency room for non-emergency care have dental problems. He says that number will rise if the cuts go through.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)