TMPPM 2008 > Texas Medicaid Services > Dental > Texas Health Steps (THSteps) Dental Services

19.3 Texas Health Steps (THSteps) Dental Services

THSteps is the Texas version of the Medicaid program known as Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT).

THSteps dental services are mandated by Medicaid to provide for the early detection and treatment of dental health problems for Medicaid-eligible clients birth through 20 years of age. THSteps dental service standards are designed to meet federal regulations and incorporate the recommendations of representatives of dental professional organizations at the state and national level.

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1989 mandated the expansion of the federal EPSDT program to include any service that is medically necessary and for which federal financial participation (FFP) is available, regardless of the limitations of the Texas Medicaid Program. This expansion is referred to as the Comprehensive Care Program (CCP). Dental services that are a benefit through CCP are designated in the Limitations column of the Medicaid Dental Fee Schedule beginning on page 19-10 with the notation "CCP."

Note: According to federal Medicaid guidelines, dental services that are not a benefit under the THSteps Dental Program that are medically necessary, and for which FFP is available, may be considered for THSteps-eligible clients through CCP.

Refer to: "THSteps Medical and Dental Administrative Information" on page 43-5 for more information.

THSteps' designated staff (Texas Department of State Health Services [DSHS], Department of Assistive and Disability Services [DADS], or contractor), through outreach and informing, encourage eligible children to use THSteps dental check ups and services when children first become eligible for Medicaid, and each time children are periodically due for their next dental check up.

Children within Medicaid have free choice of Medicaid-enrolled providers and are given names of enrolled providers. Call 1-877-847-8377 for a list of THSteps dental providers in a specific area.

Upon request, DSHS (or its contractor) will assist eligible children with the scheduling of and free transportation to their dental appointment. For transportation arrangements, clients can call the Medical Transportation Program at 1-877-633-8747.