Maine Oral Health Program - Information for Providers

Fluoride Varnish Information for Dental and Primary Care Providers

These links will provide information for physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals as well as for dentists and dental hygienists about the use and application of fluoride varnish. Fluoride varnish has been proven to be effective in treating children who have a greater risk for dental decay. In September 2008 MaineCare (Maine’s Medicaid Program) began covering the application of fluoride topical varnish in physician offices. The service is already covered when it is given by a dentist or licensed hygienist. It is now covered when it is given by physicians with subspecialties of general or family practice, preventive medicine, pediatric, or internal medicine. It is covered for members under the age of twenty-one (21) who are at high risk for dental caries.

• Fluoride Varnish: An Evidence-Based Approach (PDF)

  • A Research Brief, Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors Fluorides Committee, September 2007

  Fluoride Varnish: An Overview (PDF)

  • What is Fluoride Varnish?
  • How do Fluorides prevent dental decay?
  • How does fluoride varnish work?

• Implementing a Supplemental Fluoride Program in a Primary Care Medical Setting: Critical Success Factors (PDF)

• A Quick Guide to Fluoride Varnish Application (PDF)

  • What to do and how to do it

  For more information: Online Training and Other Resources (PDF)

• Fluoride Varnish: An Overview for Health Professionals (PDF)

From the First Tooth  (FTFT) is a prevention initiative whose goal is to improve the oral health of Maine children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children have their first oral health check up by age one. FTFT staff train healthcare providers all over the state how to do a basic oral health assessment, apply fluoride varnish to all newly erupted teeth, coach parents how to properly care for their child's mouth, and refer to a dental home.  Children receive fluoride varnish at well child visits with their healthcare provider from approximately 6 months to 42 months. At this time, the healthcare providers will assist the family in transitioning the child to a local dentist. From the First Tooth helps to build the capacity needed to ensure that all children can meet the AAP standard, and that they have access to early oral health care – from the first tooth.

MaineCare Policy for Fluoride Varnish Application

MaineCare’s dental policy covers fluoride varnish application by Dental Providers. In September 2008, MaineCare began covering the application of fluoride topical varnish in physician offices. In July 2022, MaineCare’s Dental benefits expanded to cover Adults.

Topical Fluoride Varnish is covered up to four (4) times per year for members under Twenty-one (21) and up to twice per year for members twenty-one (21) and over.