October 2018

Get Certified to Provide Fluoride Varnish to Children

Early childhood caries (ECC) is the most common chronic childhood disease, which can impair eating, nutrition, sleeping and school performance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that ECC is more common among at-risk populations and those with limited access to dental services.

Oral health is a significant indicator of overall health. People with a dental home are more likely to follow-up on routine checkups and other dental health concerns. The application of fluoride varnish and preventive education have demonstrated to significantly decrease childhood caries and improve overall health.

Get Certified to Fight ECC
Providers can earn certification to apply fluoride varnish and improve the health of your patients. You can also receive reimbursement for oral evaluation and fluoride varnish. This reimbursement is only available to medical checkup providers who have been certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Oral Health Program.

Here’s how to get your certification:

• Attend an Oral Evaluation and Fluoride Varnish (OEFV) Continuing Education training online through Texas Health Steps’ many free courses. Note: Additional information is required to certify you to bill for this service.
• Next, go to the DSHS website to download the Certification Request form.
• Lastly, complete the form and then follow the instructions at the bottom of the page to submit.

Note: OEFV in the Medical Home materials can be accessed on the DSHS’s website.

Thank you for your continued partnership to ensure our shared patient’s overall health.

If you have any questions for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas’ Quality Improvement Department, please reach out to: