What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to examine successful dental practice models that effectively serve Medicaid populations amid funding challenges.

March 1, 2026Open Access

Serving Rural Communities, Coping with Medicaid Cuts, and Having a Successful Practice: Case Studies from Oregon and Northern New England

Key Points

This research aims to examine successful dental practice models that effectively serve Medicaid populations amid funding challenges.
Analyzed two dental practices: Equity Dental in Oregon and Montshire Pediatric Dentistry in Northern New England.
Examined practice models under capitation and fee-for-service frameworks.
Evaluated strategies like minimally invasive dentistry and medical management of dental caries.
Equity Dental successfully serves 65,000 enrollees with effective capitation-based care.
Montshire Pediatric Dentistry serves 28,000 children, with 59% being Medicaid enrollees.
Both practices highlight strategies that improve access to dental care despite Medicaid funding cuts.

Abstract

Background Medicaid dental programs face potential challenges with anticipated federal funding cuts. Traditional fee-for-service models have struggled to serve all Medicaid populations effectively.Case Description This case study examines two successful dental practice models serving Medicaid populations: Equity Dental in Oregon operating under capitation-based care for 65,000 enrollees across 15 counties, and Montshire Pediatric Dentistry serving 28,000 children across Northern New England, 59% of whom are Medicaid enrollees. Both practices provide minimally invasive dentistry and medical management of dental caries as core strategies.

Serving Rural Communities, Coping with Medicaid Cuts, and Having a Successful Practice: Case Studies from Oregon and Northern New England

Key Points

Abstract

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