2018-65: Reminder: Smiles For Life Certificate Required On File

Date: 12/12/18

In June 2017, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) released Informational Bulletin 16-7 (IB16-7) informing providers that fluoride varnish applications will be 100 percent reimbursable by Medicaid. This coverage is for varnish application once every six months for children ages six months through five years.

Eligible provider types must review the “Smiles for Life Caries Risk Assessment, Fluoride Varnish and Counseling Module” and successfully pass the post assessment. The module and post assessment can be found at www.smilesforlifeoralhealth.org. Providers are required to submit program certification to Louisiana Healthcare Connections in order to receive reimbursement for this covered service.  Effective March 1, 2019, claims that are billed without a certificate on file at Louisiana Healthcare Connections will be denied.

Please Note: The only disciplines that can apply the fluoride varnish are appropriate dental providers, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified medical assistants. Physicians must maintain documentation in the employee records indicating competency for staff involved in the application of fluoride varnish.

If providers have already completed the course, there is no need to retake it. Providers can submit certification to Louisiana Healthcare Connections via email to LHC_PROVIDER_CREDENT@CENTENE.COM. Providers will need to include "Smiles for Life Certificate" in the subject line.