Michigan Awards Healthy Kids Dental Contract to Delta Dental of Michigan
Summary
Michigan DHHS awarded the Healthy Kids Dental (HKD) contract to Delta Dental of Michigan. The program covers approximately 955,000 children under age 21 enrolled in Medicaid. The five-year contract begins October 1, 2026, with three one-year extension options.
What changed
MDHHS announced the award of the Healthy Kids Dental program contract to Delta Dental of Michigan. The contract, issued through the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, begins October 1, 2026 and runs for five years with three one-year extension options. The HKD program provides dental coverage including X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and sealants at no cost to families.
Affected parties including beneficiaries, dental providers, and other partners will receive additional information prior to the October 1, 2026 effective date. No immediate compliance actions are required from the public. Dental providers currently participating in the HKD network should monitor for updated provider information ahead of the contract transition.
Archived snapshot
Apr 18, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
MDHHS awards contract for Healthy Kids Dental to Delta Dental of Michigan
April 17, 2026
LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has awarded the Healthy Kids Dental (HKD) contract to Delta Dental of Michigan. The program serves approximately 955,000 children under age 21 in Michigan.
Healthy Kids Dental is a dental benefit program for children enrolled in Medicaid. It covers services such as X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions and sealants at no cost to families. The program provides access to a network of dental professionals across Michigan and promotes patient-centered best practices for children. The goal of the program is for children and their families to have a better understanding of the value of daily oral health and preventive dental care to support lifelong healthy habits.
“For more than 25 years, Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental program has helped improve the oral health of millions of children across the state,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Oral health plays a critical role in overall health, and Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental Program is vital to supporting children’s health, confidence and success in school.”
"We are proud to help lead the Healthy Kids Dental program in partnership with the State of Michigan, supporting the nearly one million children who rely on the program,” said Kush Shaqiri, senior vice president of government programs for Delta Dental of Michigan. “Delta Dental has championed the HKD program throughout its 25-year history, and we’re honored to continue serving Michigan families.”
The Department of Technology, Management and Budget issued a Request for Proposal on behalf of MDHHS in November 2025 seeking to further improve the quality and access to oral health services for enrollees served through Healthy Kids Dental. Bids were reviewed by a joint evaluation committee. The new contract will begin Thursday, Oct. 1. It is a five-year contract with three one-year extension options.
Additional information for beneficiaries, providers and other partners will be made available prior to Thursday, Oct. 1. More information about Healthy Kids Dental is available at HealthyKidsDental.org. Information on additional Medicaid benefits is available at Michigan.gov/MIBridges.
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Department of Health & Human Services MI Newswire Department of Health & Human Services 04 - April Press Release Media Contact:
Lynn Sutfin
517-241-2112
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