© 2004 American Public Health Association
At the time of this investigation, Jessica Y. Lee was a PhD candidate in health policy and administration at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, School of Public Health. R. Gary Rozier and Edward C. Norton are with the Department Health Policy Analysis and Administration, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. William F. Vann Jr is with the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Jonathan B. Kotch is with the Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Correspondence: Requests for reprints should be sent to Jessica Y. Lee, DDS, MPH, PhD, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, CB 7450 Brauer Hall, Carolina Campus, Chapel Hill, NC 275997450 (e-mail: jessica_lee{at}dentistry.unc.edu).
Objectives. We estimated the effects of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) on dental services use by Medicaid children in North Carolina. Methods. We used linked Medicaid claims and enrollment files, WIC files, and the area resource file to compare dental services use for children enrolled in WIC with those not enrolled. We used multivariate models that controlled for child clustering and employed 2-step methodology to control for selection bias. Results. Children who participated in WIC had an increased probability of having a dental visit, were more likely to use preventive and restorative services, and were less likely to use emergency services. Conclusions. Childrens WIC participation improved access to dental care services that should lead to improved oral health. This article has been cited by other articles:
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