In 2006, Kansas expanded adult Medicaid dental benefits for specific populations with special care needs and frail elders enrolled in Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs.  The  Medicaid program now provides comprehensive oral health services, as determined by an oral health professional, for HCBS waiver enrolled frail elders, and adults with mental retardation, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and traumatic brain injury.                                                                                                                                                    

While it is commendable that Kansas should expand dental benefits, it should be noted that Medicaid-eligible populations (approximately 75,000 adults) not covered by these waivers are limited to emergency procedures only.