Course Overview
This course aims to provide a foundational overview of the Washington Apple Health Dental program, including federal and state policy, the Healthcare Authority, and the nuts and bolts of the program. It is widely recognize that understanding and navigating Medicaid policy is challenging and this course aims to address some of the common myths or sources of confusion. This course is appropriate for all members of the dental team, including non-clinical personnel, and for providers/organizations currently enrolled or considering enrollment.
Course Objectives
- Identify the federal and state policies that are relevant to the Apple Health dental program.
- Describe the Healthcare Authority and the dental program in Washington State, including structure, benefit, and network.
- Identify several of the most common questions or myths that organizations/providers inquire about; be able to respond accurately to these topics after the session.
Earn 1.5 continuing dental education credits with this course.
Presenter Bios:
Dr. Sarah Vander Beek
I am the Dental Director at the Washington State Health Care Authority, supporting our Medicaid Dental program (Apple Health). Before starting in June 2023, I spent over a decade at Neighborcare Health, first as a staff dentist during the 2010 Apple Health adult dental cuts, later as Site Dental Director, and ultimately as Chief Dental Officer from 2014–2023. I continue to serve there as a locum tenens provider, maintaining my connection to patients and the mission. I also serve as Board Secretary for the Washington State Oral Health Coalition.
My path to dentistry was shaped by being born without eleven teeth and by my sociology studies at the University of Washington, which deepened my understanding of access to care and health equity. I earned my DMD and Public Health Certificate from the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health in 2009, followed by a General Practice Residency at UW. I am passionate about improving access to care, advancing equity, and supporting the dental workforce, particularly through career laddering for dental assistants, as well as infection control and compliance.
Born and raised in rural Montesano, Washington, I now live in Seattle with my wife, a firefighter, and our two young boys. I’m an avid outdoorswoman, happiest in the mountains, and a voracious reader who loves getting lost in a good book.
Jayson Diaz,
I am the Clinical Dental Program Manager for the Washington State Health Care Authority’s Apple Health Dental Program. While I’ve been in this role only a few months, I’ve worked with Apple Health Dental for nearly seven years. Before joining HCA as a program administrator, I practiced as a registered dental hygienist for about ten years. I earned my dental hygiene degree from Pierce College in 2009 and my MBA with a Healthcare Administration concentration from Eastern Washington University.
Public health has always been my passion. While practicing, I volunteered with the Olympia Union Gospel Mission and Arcora SmileMobile, and I was fortunate to work for dentists who participated in Apple Health—reinforcing my belief that oral health is systemic health and a right, not a privilege. Today, we aim to clarify Apple Health Dental policies and inspire attendees to consider becoming providers for vulnerable populations.
On a personal note, my wife is a registered dental hygienist as well. Our house is never short on floss, picks, and electric toothbrushes.
