Trends in Medicaid-funded adolescent comprehensive orthodontic treatment provided by orthodontists to children in Oklahoma between 2010 and 2016

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the trends and rates of Medicaid-funded orthodontic treatment provided by orthodontists to children younger than 18 years in Oklahoma.

Methods: Enrollment and claims data were evaluated from the Oklahoma Medicaid program for a 7-year period, January 2010 through December 2016. Medicaid total enrollment data by age, sex, race or ethnicity, and county were included. Claims data were collected both for any dental services and comprehensive orthodontic treatment for adolescents. Descriptive statistics were used for the study variables. Proportions and odds ratios were calculated and compared using a chi-square test.

Results: Children aged between 15 and 18 years received orthodontic treatment more frequently than children aged between 6 and 14 years. Females received orthodontic treatment more frequently than males. Caucasians received orthodontic treatment more frequently than other races. Children who live in rural areas received orthodontic treatment more frequently than those living in urban areas.

Conclusions: Comprehensive orthodontic patients are more likely to be Caucasian females between the ages of 15 and 18 years living in rural areas. The Hispanic community is growing significantly in the Medicaid population. Access to care is still a problem faced by many.