The Face of Orthodontics in the Medicaid World
Dr. Mary Trahar-Thomas DDS, PA - Smiles By The Bay Orthodontics
When Dr. John Placido, a dedicated Eastern Shore orthodontist, passed away in 2017, nearly 500 children on Medicaid were left without a provider. Most Maryland orthodontists do not accept Medicaid due to reimbursement rates that haven’t changed in over 25 years—rates that barely cover the cost of care. Faced with this gap, Dr. Mary Trahar-Thomas stepped in to care for these children despite the financial challenges. “It’s challenging to work within the Medicaid system, but knowing I can provide care to children who might otherwise go without is incredibly rewarding,” says Dr. Trahar-Thomas. Today, she and a group of committed orthodontists are working to reform Maryland’s Healthy Smiles program to support underserved children better. Dr. Trahar-Thomas, a native of Annapolis, served in the United States Air Force, where she earned advanced training in orthodontics and pediatric dentistry. She opened her first practice in Annapolis in 2005, expanding to Stevensville and Denton. Now, she lives on an Eastern Shore farmette with her husband and their big blended family and a lively mix of animals. Stay tuned to her website for ways to support Medicaid reform and help make quality orthodontic care accessible for all Maryland children.
Annapolis: 716 Giddings Ave Kent Island: 160 Sallitt Dr. Denton: 52 Denton Plaza 410-280-2484 • www.smilesbythebay.com
