Orthodontic Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Orthodontic, including details on braces, retainers, treatment.

Comparison of Treatment Result and Compliance between Private Practice Medicaid and Non-Medicaid Orthodontic Patients - A Brief Communication.

Dickens S, Beane RA, Caplan DJ, Vann W

Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Treatment result and compliance for orthodontic Medicaid patients were assessed and compared to non-Medicaid patients of similar initial severity. All 55 North Carolina practices providing orthodontic treatment covered by Medicaid were asked to submit their last five Medicaid cases and five non-Medicaid cases of similar initial treatment complexity. Nine practices agreed to participate. Initial models, final models, and progress notes were obtained for all subjects. Casts were scored using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index to assess initial and posttreatment orthodontic status, and progress notes were reviewed for compliance data. No clinically important differences were seen between the Medicaid and non-Medicaid groups with respect to initial PAR, final PAR, percent PAR reduction, broken appointments, broken appliances, or poor oral hygiene. In this study, Medicaid and non-Medicaid patients did not differ substantially with respect to effectiveness of treatment received or their compliance with treatment.

Published 8 January 2008 in J Public Health Dent.
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