Jeanne Nicholson, Colorado State Senator.     As of 2011, Colorado was one of ten states in the United States that did not offer adults oral health benefits under Medicaid. Many of us know that a healthy smile affects our self-esteem and our confidence, especially in the work place. Oral health is also critical in maintaining our overall well-being and bodily health. Research has shown that many diseases can begin as oral manifestations. More than 90 systematic diseases—diseases involving organs of the whole body—such as leukemia, diabetes, pancreatic cancer,  heart disease, kidney disease, and oral cancer—have been linked to oral manifestations.

When I became aware of how critical oral health is to Coloradan's overall well-being, I knew that we needed to provide adults with an oral health benefit that would provide preventative and comprehensive coverage.

In the 2013 legislative session I was the prime sponsor of SB-242: Adult Medicaid Oral Health Benefit that provides adults 21 years and older with an annual dental benefit of $1,000 in dental services. April 2014 marked the first phase of the implementation of SB-242, in which basic preventative services were covered. The full implementation of the bill began in July 2014, where more comprehensive services including root canals, crowns, partial dentures, periodontal scaling, and root planing have begun to be covered.

Providing oral healthcare to those who cannot afford can increase access to jobs, improve overall health, improve self-esteem, and help people to enjoy their lives once again. I was able to hear a few success stories after the implementation of SB-242, and I would like to share at least one of those with you.

A 61 year old female—with degenerative joint disease due to rheumatoid arthritis—came to Dr. Gail Mizner with advanced caries (cavities) on most of her teeth, and advanced periodontal disease. She needed to have a cardiac procedure done, and she also required 5 joint replacements. All of her pending work required the resolution of her oral problems.

She was quickly qualified for the OAP program. Her fillings and periodontal treatment was completed in two months so that she could proceed with her multiple surgeries. After her treatment it was said that she looked like a new person. She pointed out how grateful she was for the dental care, and for the expert care of Dr. Gail Mizner. She said without teamwork, none of this would have been possible.

This is only one success story that I have room to share with you, but there are plenty of others that will come from the dental health benefit.

Many Medicaid recipients are not aware of these new services; please help spread the word that Coloradans are now able to access these benefits.

As your State Senator it is my duty to get benefits like these to my constituents, and I will always uphold these duties. Whether it is oral health, access to education, or job development, I will always find a way to ensure that my fellow Coloradans are given opportunities' to improve their lives and well-being.

Colorado Medicaid partnered with DentaQuest to help Colorado Medicaid recipients find dentists and manage dental health benefits. Medicaid recipients may search for dental providers in the area on the organization’s website, http://www.dentaquest.com, or by calling DentaQuest's Member services Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m, MT at 1- 855-225-1729, TTY: 711.

As always, I love hearing from you. Please feel free to follow me on Twitter, like my Facebook page, visit my website. You can also contact me by calling my office at 303-866-4873 or sending an email to jeanne.nicholson .senate@state.co.us.