MassHealth
MassHealth is a state-funded program and, as such, is subject to annual budget decisions. The Massachusetts state budget runs on a fiscal-year cycle that begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. MassHealth adult dental benefits have been a frequent target over the past years, with significant benefit reductions that have created havoc for patients and providers. In January of 2021, the MassHealth Dental Program restored adult benefits. MassHealth patients over 21 years old can now access more dental benefits, including restorations (fillings), extractions, root canals, and crowns. Patients still have access to preventative visits, including cleanings and x-rays, periodontal services for periodontitis, and partial or complete dentures. It is recommended that dental providers educate patients about these changes.
Problems? Contact the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) Member Assistance Center at 800.342.8747.
About MassHealth
Dentist License Renewal Attestation Questions
Massachusetts dentists are required to renew their dental licenses by March 31 of even years. M.G.L. c. 112, s. 45 mandates that the Board of Registration in Dentistry (BORID) condition the renewal of all dental licenses on a dentist’s application to participate in MassHealth as an Ordering, Referring, and Prescribing (ORP) non-billing provider unless the dentist is already enrolled as an approved billing provider. Accordingly, you will not be permitted to renew your dental license unless and until you submit an ORP enrollment form to MassHealth.
This law went into effect in November 2017. Massachusetts dentists will need to attest to participating as a MassHealth provider or as a non-billing provider as a condition of the license renewal process at each cycle.
Attestation Questions (Note: You must answer 'yes' to both related questions)
Are you enrolled in MassHealth as a fully participating provider or non-billing provider OR have you submitted a thoroughly completed application to be a fully participating provider and a signed provider contract with MassHealth?
Do you consent to the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and its enrollment vendor, to obtain, read, copy and share with each other information regarding your MassHealth application and enrollment status and professional licensure status?