The business behind dental treatment for America’s poorest kids

By David Heath and Jill Rosenbaum

Joint investigation with PBS FRONTLINE finds pressure to meet production goals may have compromised treatment of poor young patients.

Excerpts from this story referencing "stainless-steel crowns":

"… d she became alarmed when she saw a disproportionate spike in kids getting stainless-steel crowns to treat cavities coming from a number of dental offices. The state pays a …"

"… ool Smiles’ most controversial practices is its dentists’ heavy use of stainless-steel crowns to restore decayed baby teeth. Crowns can be the best treatment if much of …"

"… dentist no more than $8 each. It’s not clear why Medicaid pays more for stainless-steel crowns, since dentists agree that they’re easier and quicker to do than filling …"

"… obert Regan said it never occurred to him that his daughter might not need stainless-steel crowns. “I trusted the dentist,” he said. Kool Smiles diagnosed Jacey as a hi …"

Evidence of overtreatment at dental clinics serving poor children

By David Heath

Sen. Charles Grassley says the business model of corporate dental chains has led to overtreating patients medicaid patients.

Excerpts from this story referencing "stainless-steel crowns":

"… en accused by regulators in Georgia and Connecticut of overusing expensive stainless-steel crowns to treat small cavities.Kool Smiles vigorously denies this, saying that it …"

"… f Kool Smiles most controversial practices is its dentists’ heavy use of stainless-steel crowns to restore decayed baby teeth. Crowns are more profitable than fillings fo …"