Smiles by the Bay Orthodontics

Oct. 24, 2024

3:51 p.m.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DR. MARY C. TRAHAR-THOMAS, DDS, PA

In the news: In 2017, Dr. John Placido, an Eastern Shore Orthodontist passed away leaving nearly 500 active Medicaid (Maryland Healthy Smiles) children without an Orthodontist. The majority of Maryland Orthodontist do not participate with the Medicaid program and for valid reason. The Medicaid reimbursement for braces has stayed the same as it was nearly 25 years ago making the current reimbursement schedule insufficient to cover the costs of doing business ; putting the treating Orthodontist in the position of personally subsidizing a child’s care in many cases.

Dr. Mary Trahar-Thomas stepped up to care for those children without an Orthodontist after Dr. Placido’s passing, despite the anticipated financial risk. According to Dr. Trahar-Thomas, “It is challenging to participate in the Medicaid system but it is extremely rewarding to offer Orthodontic care to children whose family would otherwise not be able to afford care. “

Dr. Trahar-Thomas, is now on a mission along with a few Orthodontic colleagues, to make a change in the Maryland Healthy Smiles program. Keep your eye out on her website to see how you can help with Medicaid reform and show your support for our underserved children.

About Dr. Trahar-Thomas

Dr. Mary C Trahar-Thomas grew up in Annapolis. And while she traveled the world while in the United States Air Force and earning her advanced degrees in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Annapolis always tugged at her heart strings. It is because of this that she opened her 1st location in the winter of 2005 in Annapolis. Since then Dr. Trahar-Thomas has opened additional locations in Stevensville and Denton.

Dr. Mary Trahar-Thomas now lives on her Eastern Shore farmette with her husband and their big blended family—plus their 2 horses, 3 donkeys, 7 peacocks, 4 goats, dozen chickens, and their 5 cats and 4 dogs .