BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DentaQuest, the nation’s leading purpose-driven oral health company, today announced it has entered into a first-of-its-kind agreement in Texas to administer a contract under the state’s Medicaid program using a value-based care and payment model.
The contract with Brident Dental, which supports 34 affiliated dental offices in 11 Texas counties, took effect in mid-September and will run through 2019. It represents an initial step towards a shift from a fee-for-service payment model to an alternative payment model (APM) that rewards value and outcomes. Under this APM contract, Brident Dental’s reimbursement levels are tied to quality metrics and overall cost of care.
“As a ‘double bottom line’ company, DentaQuest has invested millions of dollars in research and evaluation of payment and care models, and with Brident Dental, our care improvement initiatives come to life in Texas,” said Joe Vesowate, Regional Vice President, DentaQuest. “We applaud Texas Medicaid for taking the lead to promote value-based alternative payment models as a critical step to achieving person-centered care, and we are confident the Brident Dental program will not only help control costs, but will also result in better patient care.”
The state’s Health and Human Services Commission has encouraged partners, including DentaQuest, to work with providers to begin transitioning to value-based programs. Over time, these types of contract structures are expected to reduce administrative paperwork and promote a focus on disease prevention and oral health maintenance.
“Our mission has always been to offer quality dental care that is convenient, affordable and accessible to all,” said Dr. John Luther, Chief Dental Officer of Western Dental, of which Brident Dental is an affiliate. “We are pleased to work with the state of Texas and our dental partners in the Medicaid program on a value-based program with DentaQuest as we continue to carry out that mission.”
The contract with Brident Dental’s affiliated dental providers requires quarterly monitoring to ensure that providers are meeting appropriate guidelines for providing preventive services to patients.
DentaQuest stressed that no dental practices will be required to switch to a value-based model. The model is being introduced first to a small number of practices that are willing and best situated to begin the change from a fee-for-service model. “Brident Dental is in a great position to take advantage of the model and we are hopeful that other practices will follow their lead,” said Vesowate.
About DentaQuest
DentaQuest is a purpose-driven oral health care company that is dedicated to advancing oral health for all. We bring a uniquely holistic perspective to our work – as we manage dental and vision benefits for more than 27 million Americans and provide direct care to patients through our network of more than 85 oral health centers in five states.
DentaQuest provides flexible and customized dental solutions for Medicaid and CHIP, Medicare Advantage, small and large businesses and individuals throughout the U.S. Our clients range from state governments to leading health plans.
To learn more about DentaQuest, visit www.dentaquest.com, and follow us on social: Twitter @DentaQuest, Facebook www.facebook.com/DentaQuest, Instagram @Inside_DentaQuest, LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/DentaQuest, and stay up to date at https://whatsnew.dentaquest.com/.
About Brident Dental
Brident Dental is an experienced dental service organization with 34 convenient locations throughout Texas, providing comprehensive business support services to affiliated dental offices owned by licensed dentists. Brident is an affiliate of Western Dental, one of the nation’s largest dental providers and the leader in accessible, affordable oral healthcare, serving approximately 2.4 million patient visits annually in 249 affiliated offices throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. Brident offers general dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and endodontics in its offices, creating a convenient full service “Dental Home.” www.brident.com; www.westerndental.com
