Over 100,000 New Yorkers, many of whom are children, are set to lose access to their chosen dental providers as of April 1, 2025.
The impending crisis stems from a decision by DentaQuest, a Wisconsin-based company and subsidiary of Sun Life, which administers New York’s Medicaid Dental Program. Families close to the issue say the action was a retaliatory response after dental clinics refused to alter the terms of pre-existing contracts.
According to a spokesperson from affected dental clinics, DentaQuest has announced it will breach a multi-year contract with numerous long-standing dental providers, potentially resulting in the closure of several clinics across the city. This upheaval threatens to disrupt ongoing dental care for many patients who have built trusting relationships with their providers, including dentists and dental hygienists.
“This corporate decision comes at a time when underserved communities already face significant barriers to accessing dental care,” Jesse Cappel, an attorney representing the affiliated clinics, said in a statement. “We entered our agreements in good faith, expecting stability and predictability for our patients. This sudden shift undermines those commitments and jeopardizes patient health.”
The clinics affected include well-known locations such as:
– 42nd Street Dental in Manhattan
– Atlantic Terminal Dental in Brooklyn
– Kings Plaza Mall Dental in Brooklyn
– Queens Center Dental in Elmhurst
– Roosevelt Field Mall Dental in Garden City
– New Horizon Dental in the Bronx
– Staten Island Mall Dental
– Washington Heights Dental in Manhattan
– Galleria Mall Dental in White Plains
– Palisades Mall Dental in West Nyack
These clinics serve primarily low-income residents who rely on Medicaid plans from companies like HealthFirst, Molina/Affinity, Fidelis, and MetroPlus. For many, losing their dental provider means the embarking on the exhausting task of finding an alternative provider who accepts their insurance — a challenging process for some.
Capel and other representatives working with the families said these gaps in dental care too often translate into dire health consequences for individuals in these communities.
“We cannot stand by as patients are forced to seek out unfamiliar and potentially unreliable options for dental care because of a business decision that prioritizes profit over patient welfare,” he said.
Richard Bamberger, a representative for the affected clinics, further emphasized the gravity of the situation.
“These dental practices serve a vital role within our communities, particularly for those who struggle to find providers that accept their insurance. Losing these providers is not just an inconvenience; it’s a health crisis in the making,” Bamberger told amNewYork Metro.”The clinics have been put in a position where they must fight back against these unfair contract changes. With over 100,000 residents dependent on these providers, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This isn’t just about business; it’s about the welfare of families who rely on consistent and affordable dental care.”
He also highlighted the difficulties families may face if they lose their providers.
“Imagine being a parent of a child who is currently receiving orthodontic treatment. Forced to find a new provider means facing a new, potentially lengthy search for care. It’s a daunting task that could disrupt treatment continuity and affect the child’s health outcomes,” he said.
Due to the gravity of this situation, the affected clinics filed for a temporary restraining order against DentaQuest to prevent the termination of their contracts. This legal action could help the clinics continue care while they wait for a court hearing scheduled for April 8.
Patients and parents are encouraged to reach out to elected officials to advocate for the retention of their dental providers. Concerns from patients have already begun to flood in, sharing stories of their reliance on trusted dentists and the challenges of finding new providers. The message is clear: enough is enough.
