A Smile for Kids
Contact: Christian Moller-Andersen
Phone: (541) 280-4214
Email: cma@asmileforkids.org
Date: 12/17/23
Press Release for Immediate Release
ODS Community Dental and A Smile for Kids Join Forces to Elevate Orthodontic Care for Oregon's Medicaid Youth.
Portland, Oregon – A Smile for Kids (ASK) is thrilled to announce a transformative partnership with ODS Community Dental. This collaboration aims to amplify care coordination, case management, and compliance for Oregon's new orthodontic Medicaid members under 21.
ODS Community Dental, an extension of the Oregon Dental Service established in 1955, has consistently championed the cause of Oregon's Medicaid community. Their mission is rooted in ensuring member awareness, utilization of benefits, and the overall promotion of dental health.
Starting January 1, 2023, the Oregon Health Plan began covering orthodontics for eligible OHP Members for the first time. Recognizing this significant shift, ODS Community Dental turned to ASK for its unparalleled expertise. With ASK's two-decade-long experience in managing compliance, care coordination, and its deeply rooted relationships with most of Oregon's orthodontists, this partnership promises to achieve unparalleled health outcomes for OHP members who are assigned to ODS Community Dental.
Dr. Teri Barichello, ODS Vice President and Chief Dental Officer says, "This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide comprehensive oral healthcare solutions to Oregon's Medicaid youth. We believe together with ASK's dedication and expertise; we can make a remarkable impact on the well-being of these young individuals and their families.”
Christian Moller-Andersen, Executive Director of A Smile for Kids, expressed, "This collaboration embodies our shared commitment to ensuring every child in Oregon benefits from top-tier dental and orthodontic care. Together, we're not just offering orthodontic solutions; we're fostering confidence, resilience, and high-quality health outcomes for Oregon’s Medicaid youth.
While ASK's standard nonprofit program adopts a holistic approach, requiring beneficiaries to volunteer, and maintain commendable academic performance, it's essential to note that the ASK Medicaid partnership with ODS will run separately, free from these specific requirements.
Considering this partnership being one of the most robust collaborations around a new Medicaid benefit that Oregon has witnessed in years, ASK and ODS Community Dental are poised to make a profound positive difference, one family at a time.
For more information about this partnership or to delve deeper into the initiatives of ASK and ODS Community Dental, please contact Christian Moller-Andersen at cma@asmileforkids.org.