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DENTAL HEALTH IN NEW MEXICO
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- There is an identified shortage of dentists in both rural New Mexico and some urban populations - New Mexico ranks 49/50 states in per capita dentists.
- New Mexico has no dental school and only two dental hygiene programs.
- Historically, Medicaid reimbursement for dental care was poor compared to usual rates from other payers. In 2000, the Medicaid rate was increased to 85% of usual and customary charge. Many procedures have recently been cut altogether.
- Dental hygienists can practice in a collaborative practice without supervision of a dentist.
Present Resources for Training and Placement
- UNM Dental Hygiene Program
- Offers three academic programs including:
- Entry-level Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene
- Bachelor of Science Degree completion Program for dental hygienists with Associate Degrees
- Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Program
- Maintains a continuing dental education program which offers courses throughout the year for dental hygienists, dentists, dental educators, dental assistants and dental lab technicians.
- In collaborative with the UNM Division of Dental Services, maintains five dental clinics offering dental services to a variety of patients.
- The Director of the Dental Hygiene program is Demetra D. Logothetis (505) 272-4513.
- WICHE Program (Western Interstate Compact on Higher Education)
- Students can attend schools in 13 other states
- State of NM pays $79,000 dues to participate
Students get a differential fee for tuition
- Loan Repayment and Loan for Service Programs
- There are several resources for loan repayment and loan for service
- There seems to be adequate funding in these resources
- Proposals have been made for better coordination of these programs
- Community Health Center Dental Programs
- Medicaid Dental Programs
- SALUD program has increased reimbursement for dental services to encourage more private dentists to accept Medicaid patients
- Recent proposals to increase funding for salaries for dentists in community and rural health centers.
Proposed solutions to meet dental health needs in New Mexico:
- Reciprocity in licensing of dentists
- Create other training programs for dental assistants and dental hygienists in the State
- Allow dental hygienists to practice in rural communities without direct dentist supervision
- Create a career ladder for dental health professionals
- Increase reimbursement for dental services in select populations
- Increase utilization of WICHE program and recruitment of graduates back to NM.
- Oral "Health Commons" approach (see PDF article published in American Journal of Public Health)
Legislative Initiatives Regarding Dental Care
