OKAPD Report – November 2024

Hello from Oklahoma!

First the good news: Children’s Hospital of Oklahoma (CHO) now has a pediatric dentistry residency! Three residents began in July, 2024. Dr. David Ciesla is the program director, and he and his team are doing a fantastic job. The program has experienced some expected growing pains, but everyone involved is thrilled. The pediatric dental community has been supportive; many Oklahoma pediatric dentists are serving as part-time faculty. The residents are rotating through various CHO clinics and are receiving a top-notch education. SWSPD has generously included the CHO residents in grants for various AAPD activities.

More good news: Our annual meeting will be in March 28, 2025. Dr. Vineet Dhar from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry will be our speaker. The CHO residents and OU senior dental students will also present to the group.

Now the not-so-good news: Oklahoma went to managed care Medicaid in February, 2024 and we are reeling. Many dentists will no longer see patients with Medicaid, and those who will see these patients are extremely busy. The private, for-profit companies who administer the program make our jobs much more difficult, but most of us are slowly adjusting to the new program.

Submitted by Janna McIntosh.