Panhandle orthodontist receives Nebraska medicaid honor

Dr. Sami Webb, a Scottsbluff orthodontist with an office in Chadron, is one of 4 doctors recognized in ceremonies at the State Capitol Monday as outstanding providers working with Heritage Health Adult, the state’s Medicaid program.

Gov. Pete Ricketts presented the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Award to one doctor each from the dental plan and the 3 managed care organization networks that contract with the state.

He said the award winners “delivered great customer service and responsibly stewarded Taxpayer dollars.”

Dr. Webb, the only full-time resident orthodontist in Western Nebraska participating in the Medicaid program, says being selected for the award was a big surprise, although the presentation ceremony wasn’t.

Webb visits Chadron twice a month and also has offices in Alliance, Sidney, Torrington, and Cheyenne. She says working with Medicaid isn’t always easy, but her patients make it worth the effort.

Webb earned her undergraduate degree from UNL and her dental degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before starting her practice in Scottsbluff 16 years ago. She’s deeply committed to giving back to others personally and through her practice.

Webb Orthodontics has given some $500,000 in sponsorships and donations to strengthen and support the community.

Webb and her team frequently volunteer with non-profit groups and community events by providing free dental care and services to those in need.

They also work with area schools to provide on-the-job shadowing and internship opportunities for young adults who are interested in the dental profession.

The other honorees were Dr John Tubbs of Stuart and Nebraska Total Care, Dr Erica Peterson of Lincoln and the UnitedHealthCare Community Plan, and Dr Kris McVea of Omaha and Healthy Blue of Nebraska.