The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Michigan Dental Program clients to benefit from MDHHS partnership with Delta Dental of Michigan
July 26, 2016
For Immediate Release: July 26, 2016
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Delta Dental of Michigan are pleased to announce a new partnership that will provide eligible residents living with HIV/AIDS greater access to dental care. Effective Aug. 1, 2016, Delta Dental of Michigan will administer the dental benefits to clients enrolled in the Michigan Dental Program.
This partnership will provide beneficiaries with greater access to over 2,000 participating dentists with Delta Dental around the state. It will also streamline the administration of claims and payments for dental providers.
“We are proud to build on our partnership with Delta Dental of Michigan to provide Michigan Dental Program clients with greater access to comprehensive dental services,” said Nick Lyon, director of MDHHS. “Maintaining good oral health is key to improving general health outcomes, and the Michigan Dental Program will continue to help improve overall wellness for thousands of residents.”
Michigan is home to 16,109 people infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. The Michigan Dental Program, federally funded by the Ryan White CARE (Comprehensive AIDS Resource Emergency) Act, is a comprehensive dental access program for persons living with HIV/AIDS that currently serves 2,228 individuals statewide.
According to Oral Health America, 32 to 46 percent of people living with HIV will have at least one major HIV-related oral health problem. Infection in the mouth can stimulate the virus to multiply, resulting in loss of HIV/AIDS viral suppression. Poor oral health may impede food intake and nutrition, leading to poor absorption of HIV medications and leaving patients susceptible to progression of their disease.
Case management and client advocacy agencies can assist residents with completing the MDP application. For more information about eligibility requirements, visit the Michigan Dental Program webpage.
To learn about other oral health programs in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/OralHealth.
# # #