Course Summary:

This course aims to provide a foundational overview of the Washington Apple Health Dental program, including federal and state policy, the Healthcare Authority, and the nuts and bolts of the program. It is widely recognize that understanding and navigating Medicaid policy is challenging and this course aims to address some of the common myths or sources of confusion. This course is appropriate for all members of the dental team, including non-clinical personnel, and for providers/organizations currently enrolled or considering enrollment.

Course Objectives:

1. Identify the federal and state policies that are relevant to the Apple Health dental program.
2. Describe the Healthcare Authority and the dental program in Washington State, including structure, benefit, and network.
3. Identify several of the most common questions or myths that organizations/providers inquire about; be able to respond accurately to these topics after the session.

Presenter Bios:

Dr. Sarah Vander Beek,

I am currently the Dental Director at the Washington State Healthcare Authority, supporting our Medicaid Dental program (Apple Health). Prior to starting my role in June 2023, I was the Chief Dental Officer at Neighborcare Health, a Federally Qualified Community Health Center, from 2014-2023. I actually began my dental career at Neighborcare Health as a staff dentist amidst the Apple Health adult dental cuts in 2010 and then became the Site Dental Director at Rainier Beach. I have remained at Neighborcare Health as locum tenems provider given my long connection with the patients and mission. I also have the privilege of being on the Board as the Secretary for the Washington State Oral Health Coalition.

I came to dentistry through my own personal experience of recognizing the profound impact of access to care as I was born congenitally missing eleven teeth (a story for another day) paired with my love and study of Sociology at the University of Washington. Despite being a born and raised Washingtonian, I headed to Arizona where I attended the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, receiving my DMD, as well as a certificate in Public Health, in 2009. Missing the green, I headed home to complete a General Practice Residency in 2009-2010 at the University of Washington. I care deeply about access to care issues, oral health (and health, period!), equity, and helping our communities and members realize their goals for (oral) health. I love all things related to workforce and career laddering for our dental assistants, and also have a deep knowledge and expertise in infection control and compliance.

And just for fun, as I always think a bio should be more than what you do and capture a snippet of who you are! I was born and raised outside of little Montesano, Washington. Even though I am now an established urbanite living in Seattle, my rural roots are part of my core. I am a mother, with two young boys and a wife to a Seattle Firefighter. I am an avid outdoors-woman and feel most at peace in the mountains. I am a voracious reader and love to disappear into a good read.

Jayson Diaz,

I am the clinical dental program manager for the Washington State Health Care Authority’s Apple Health Dental Program. I have been in this role for a few months, but I have been with the Apple Health Dental Program for almost seven years. Prior to joining HCA as a program administrator, I practiced clinically as a registered dental hygienist for about ten years. I graduated in 2009 from Pierce College with my dental hygiene degree, and while working for HCA, I earned my Master of Business Administration with a Healthcare Administration Concentration through Eastern Washington University.

I have always been interested in public health. While practicing clinically, I volunteered for the Olympia Union Gospel Mission and Arcora SmileMobile providing dental hygiene services. I’ve been fortunate enough to work for dentists who participated in Apple Health, further promoting that oral health is systemic health. From these providers, I’ve learned that oral health is a right and not a privilege. Through today’s presentation, we hope to provide clarity on the various policies within Apple Health Dental. We also want to support attendees who may be considering becoming an Apple Health provider, encouraging them to think about using their gifts and skills to help our most vulnerable populations access oral healthcare.

On a personal note, my wife is a registered dental hygienist as well. Our house is never short on floss, picks, and electric toothbrushes.

Earn 1.5 contiuning dental education credits with this course.