Fluoride Varnish Training for Health-Care Professionals

Providers have the option of completing:

1. A MassHealth-approved self-administered web-based training;
2. A MassHealth-approved instructor-led training session; or
3. The Department of Public Health, Office of Oral Health’s training program targeted to CHCs.

Providers must maintain proof of completion of the training (CME credit documentation or certificate – see below) and provide such documentation to MassHealth upon request. 

MassHealth Training Options

MassHealth has approved the following training programs for providers to apply fluoride varnish to eligible MassHealth members:

1. Web-based Training

a. The Smiles for Life, a National Oral Health Program (Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Group on Oral Health) (2 CME credits are available through the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) This is a web-based training program that includes a PowerPoint slide presentation and a video of fluoride varnish; no official application is necessary; physicians are expected to self-report only).

• PowerPoint presentation: Smiles for Life; and
• Video Presentation: Applying Fluoride Varnish (WMV) 48.9MB 

Please click on the following Proof of Completion form to download a copy of the form, sign the form following completion of the training, and maintain the completed form in your records.

• Proof of Completion Document (PDF) | RTF 

b. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Oral Health Risk Assessment Training for Pediatricians and Other Child Health Professionals (1 CME credit available)

This training includes an online presentation and requires the completion of a post-test to receive AAP CME credit (1 CME credit available).

• Oral Health Risk Assessment: Training for Pediatricians and Other Child Health Professionals

2. Instructor-led Group Training Sessions (Two CME credits available)

Group trainings will be held at each of the following locations for each date listed below. 

April 8, 2009
Taunton Holiday Inn, Taunton
6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.

April 16, 2009
Tewksbury Holiday Inn, Tewksbury
7:30 A.M.  – 8:30 A.M.

April 24, 2009
Hoagland-Pinkus/Umass, Shrewsbury
7:30 A.M.  – 8:30 A.M.

Additional training sessions will be offered at other locations when the dates are confirmed. Please check back for posting of this information.

Register online for one of the above group trainings at the UMass Medical School – Office of Community Programs by clicking on following website: http://www.umassmed.edu/forms.aspx?id=65732

3. Department of Public Health – Office of Oral Health Training (certificate available)

The Department of Public Health, Office of Oral Health offers the following MassHealth-approved training targeted for community health centers.  The following link will provide the dates and times of the available trainings.

• The MDPH Office of Oral Health BLOCK Oral Disease and Fluoride Varnish Training  

Additional Information and Resources for Using Fluoride Varnish in Your Practice

• Fluoride Varnish Training for Massachusetts Health Care Providers Manual (PDF) | TEXT

• Implementing Fluoride Varnish in Your Office (PDF) | TEXT
  Information on how to set up your office for applying fluoride varnish, minimizing the impact it will have on office operations.

• Fluoride Varnish Ordering Information (PDF) | TEXT
  Providers may obtain information about the cost and benefits of each type of fluoride varnish and information on how providers may order fluoride varnish. 

• Fluoride Varnish Progress Notes (Template) (PDF) | RTF 
   

• Fluoride Varnish Application Facts (PDF) | RTF
  Information about the process of applying varnish is included. 

• Billing Effectively for Fluoride Varnish (PDF) | RTF
  Providers may obtain information on how to receive MassHealth agency reimbursement for the fluoride varnish visit.

• Information for Caregivers about Fluoride Varnish (PDF) | RTF 

• Sample Fluoride Varnish Caregiver Consent Form (Optional) (PDF) | RTF 
   

MassHealth Transmittal Letters

• CHC-82: Application of Fluoride Varnish by Pediatricians and Other Qualified Health Care Professionals (PDF) | TEXT

• PHY-123: Application of Fluoride Varnish by Pediatricians and Other Qualified Health Care Professionals (PDF) | TEXT