Dental

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is announcing updates to several policies. The updates are described below and are effective for dates of service beginning July 1, 2021.  

Recognition of Licensed Addiction Counselors (LACs) as Licensed Practitioners of the Healing Arts (LPHAs)

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is issuing the following policy updates and clarifications for South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid dental providers effective for dates of service on and after Oct. 1, 2020.

Effective for services rendered on or after May 1, 2019, the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) will no longer reimburse for Current Dental Terminology (CDT) code D2940 (Protective Restoration) as a separate service. Reimbursement rates for restorative services will include the costs of providing temporary or protective fillings as a component of permanent restorative care.

For questions regarding this bulletin, please contact the DentaQuest Provider Service Center at (888) 307-6553.

Effective for dates of service on and after Jan. 1, 2019, the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) will limit reimbursement for moderate sedation or deep sedation/general anesthesia ("sedation services") in dental offices to providers with a sedation permit from the State Board of Dentistry. For sedation services in a dental office to be reimbursed, a valid dental sedation permit must be on file with DentaQuest, and both the authorized office location and administering provider must be clearly documented in the patient's record. 

Effective May 1, 2018, the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is updating the SCDHHS Dental Periodicity Schedule. This update follows the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommendations on Periodicity of Examination, Preventive Dental Services, Anticipatory Guidance and Oral Treatment for Infants, Children and Adolescents.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is issuing the following policies for dental providers effective for dates of service on and after April 1, 2018: