June 16, 2015

OHCA Contacts: Jo Kilgore - (405) 522-7474,  Jennie Melendez- (405) 522-7404   

OHCA dentist selected to lead national organization  

OKLAHOMA CITY – Leon Bragg, DDS, Chief Dental Officer for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, was recently named President of the Medicaid-CHIP State Dental Association during their annual conference in Washington, D.C.

The national organization serves to develop and promote evidence-based Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) oral health best practices and policies. Dr. Bragg has served the organization as vice-president since 2013.

In February 2004, Dr. Bragg became the OHCA’s first full-time dentist. As Chief Dental Officer, he has helped develop program policy for dental care for SoonerCare members, established benefits standards for quality and assisted with utilization review for the program.  Dr. Bragg also serves as a liaison between the state agency and its dental providers.

Prior to his OHCA employment, Dr. Bragg served as Assistant Professor in Operative Dentistry and Dental Materials at the University Of Oklahoma College Of Dentistry.  During his time there he completed a Master of Education degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and graduated from the Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center Faculty Development program.  Dr. Bragg was the first Langston graduate to attend, and the second African American to graduate from, the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry.   

On Aug. 1, 2003, Dr. Bragg was named Assistant Dean for Clinics, the first African American to hold this distinction in the history of the Dental College. He also maintained a private practice for more than 20 years. In June 2006, Dr. Bragg was invited to Fellowship in the American College of Dentists, a non-profit professional organization comprised of dentists who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and contributions to the profession and their community.  He has also served as president of the Board of Directors for Community Health Centers, Inc.

“I am pleased that my colleagues from across the country placed their trust in me to lead this organization.  Nationally, the SoonerCare dental program has gained a lot of attention and serves as a reference for some states.  It is also wonderful to have the support of the OHCA leadership, especially our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sylvia Lopez,” Dr. Bragg said.

More information about the SoonerCare dental program is available at www.okhca.org.

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About OHCA 

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) administers Oklahoma’s Medicaid program, known as SoonerCare, and Insure Oklahoma, a premium assistance program funded by tobacco tax revenue. SoonerCare works to improve the health outcomes of Oklahomans by ensuring that medically necessary benefits and services are responsive to the health care needs of our members. Qualifying Oklahomans include low-income children, pregnant women, seniors, the disabled, those being treated for breast or cervical cancer and those seeking family planning services. All must meet income guidelines. Insure Oklahoma assists qualifying adults and small business employees in obtaining health care coverage for themselves and their families. OHCA works with our current 821,858 members, our statewide network of 42,070 health care providers and numerous state and local partners to promote responsible health care service utilization, healthy behaviors and improved health outcomes. For more information, visit www.okhca.org or www.insureoklahoma.org.