DentaQuest Enters into First-of-Its-Kind Value-Based Contract in Texas
Alternative payment agreement with Brident Dental supports
DentaQuest’s goal of person-centered care
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DentaQuest, the nation’s leading purpose-driven oral health company,
today announced it has entered into a first-of-its-kind agreement in
Texas to administer a contract under the state’s Medicaid program using
a value-based care and payment model.
The contract with Brident Dental, which supports 34 affiliated dental
offices in 11 Texas counties, took effect in mid-September and will run
through 2019. It represents an initial step towards a shift from a
fee-for-service payment model to an alternative payment model (APM) that
rewards value and outcomes. Under this APM contract, Brident Dental’s
reimbursement levels are tied to quality metrics and overall cost of
care.
“As a ‘double bottom line’ company, DentaQuest has invested millions of
dollars in research and evaluation of payment and care models, and with
Brident Dental, our care improvement initiatives come to life in Texas,”
said Joe Vesowate, Regional Vice President, DentaQuest. “We applaud
Texas Medicaid for taking the lead to promote value-based alternative
payment models as a critical step to achieving person-centered care, and
we are confident the Brident Dental program will not only help control
costs, but will also result in better patient care.”
The state’s Health and Human Services Commission has encouraged
partners, including DentaQuest, to work with providers to begin
transitioning to value-based programs. Over time, these types of
contract structures are expected to reduce administrative paperwork and
promote a focus on disease prevention and oral health maintenance.
“Our mission has always been to offer quality dental care that is
convenient, affordable and accessible to all,” said Dr. John Luther,
Chief Dental Officer of Western Dental, of which Brident Dental is an
affiliate. “We are pleased to work with the state of Texas and our
dental partners in the Medicaid program on a value-based program with
DentaQuest as we continue to carry out that mission.”
The contract with Brident Dental’s affiliated dental providers requires
quarterly monitoring to ensure that providers are meeting appropriate
guidelines for providing preventive services to patients.
DentaQuest stressed that no dental practices will be required to switch
to a value-based model. The model is being introduced first to a small
number of practices that are willing and best situated to begin the
change from a fee-for-service model. “Brident Dental is in a great
position to take advantage of the model and we are hopeful that other
practices will follow their lead,” said Vesowate.
About DentaQuest
DentaQuest is a purpose-driven oral health care company that is
dedicated to advancing oral health for all. We bring a uniquely holistic
perspective to our work – as we manage dental and vision benefits for
more than 27 million Americans and provide direct care to patients
through our network of more than 85 oral health centers in five states.
DentaQuest provides flexible and customized dental solutions for
Medicaid and CHIP, Medicare Advantage, small and large businesses and
individuals throughout the U.S. Our clients range from state governments
to leading health plans.
To learn more about DentaQuest, visit www.dentaquest.com,
and follow us on social: Twitter @DentaQuest,
Facebook www.facebook.com/DentaQuest,
Instagram @Inside_DentaQuest,
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/DentaQuest,
and stay up to date at https://whatsnew.dentaquest.com/.
About Brident Dental
Brident Dental is an experienced dental service organization with 34
convenient locations throughout Texas, providing comprehensive business
support services to affiliated dental offices owned by licensed
dentists. Brident is an affiliate of Western Dental, one of the nation’s
largest dental providers and the leader in accessible, affordable oral
healthcare, serving approximately 2.4 million patient visits annually in
249 affiliated offices throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, and
Texas. Brident offers general dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery,
pediatric dentistry, periodontics and endodontics in its offices,
creating a convenient full service “Dental Home.” www.brident.com;
www.westerndental.com
Contacts
KRISTIN LAROCHE
857-275-5038
kristin.laroche@improvingoralhealth.com
