Kentucky meets half of the eight benchmarks aimed at addressing children's dental health needs. While the state passed the threshold for providing dental services to Medicaid enrollees, the rates paid to dentists for providing these services slipped below the national average. The state continues to provide fluoridated water to almost all of its residents who are on community systems.
Kentucky officials are developing regulations allowing dental hygienists in public health settings to place sealants without a dentist's prior exam, but these regulations were not in effect during 2010.1
1. Pew Center on the States survey of state dental directors, communication with Dr. Julie McKee, January 5, 2011.
2. Includes only four procedures, due to missing data.