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The implementation of the Handicapping Labio‐Lingual Deviation index on access to orthodontic care
Author(s) -
Caplin Jennifer,
Rozgony Alexandria,
Farhi Matan,
Viana Grace C.,
AlGrouz Malik,
Belavsky Benjamin Z.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of public health dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1752-7325
pISSN - 0022-4006
DOI - 10.1111/jphd.12352
Subject(s) - medicine , dentistry , medicaid , malocclusion , index (typography) , orthodontics , significant difference , dental care , health care , world wide web , computer science , economics , economic growth
Objectives In 2017, the state of Illinois changed the system by which they define severe malocclusion from the DentaQuest Orthodontic Criteria Index to the Handicapping Labio‐Lingual Deviation Index (HLD). The purpose of this study was to compare subjects who were submitted for coverage under either the DentaQuest Orthodontic Criteria Index or the HLD index to see if a difference exists in the number of subjects who received coverage and the type of malocclusions that were covered. Methods All subjects evaluated for orthodontic coverage by the Illinois Department of Human Services for treatment at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry during the years 2016 and 2017 were included in this study. One hundred consecutively approved and 100 consecutively denied subjects from both 2016 and 2017 were selected for further analysis. Results There was a statistically significant decrease in the overall rate of approval in 2017 compared to 2016. No difference was found in the approval rate of Class I, II, or III subjects, but there was a significant decrease in the approval rate of subjects with impacted teeth. Conclusions The implementation of the HLD index has significantly decreased access to orthodontic care for Medicaid patients in Illinois.