Demographic and practice characteristics of M edicaid‐participating dentists

Objectives The challenges entailed in dental M edicaid programs are well documented. To increase our understanding of M edicaid participation, we surveyed F lorida dentists to determine the demographic and practice characteristics of M edicaid‐participating dentists. Methods Our target population was practicing F lorida dentists who treat children, including those who do not currently accept M edicaid as well as those who do. The final sample ( n  = 882) included (1) pediatric dentists and (2) general dentists who self‐reported that they treat children. Participants completed a survey concerning their M edicaid participation. Analyses included survey‐sample weighted chi‐square tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results More than two‐thirds of the sample dentists are not participating in M edicaid and will not consider doing so. Key findings are that B lack dentists across the state and H ispanics in S outh F lorida are more likely to participate in M edicaid than other groups of F lorida dentists. Pediatric dentists are more likely to be M edicaid participants than general dentists, but nearly one‐fifth of the pediatric dentists might quit participation. Non– M edicaid providers are more likely to report not being busy enough in their practice than M edicaid providers. Conclusions If we are to address the shortage of M edicaid dental providers, increasing our understanding of how to capture the excess capacity among general dentists (the reported lack of busyness) in a way acceptable to dentists and to the S tate of F lorida is an important first step. In addition, dental schools should consider implementing a track dedicated to training students for practice success within communities of highest dental need and to seek to increase the number of B lack dental students.