About 77% of Americans have dental insurance. Generally, these plans cover some services completely, others partially, and a few not at all. Preventive care includes oral examinations, teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and other procedures to keep your mouth healthy. These services often cost significantly less than repairing or treating an existing issue.
Detecting Oral Health Issues
Many people think of their oral health as a “cosmetic” or minor issue that they can ignore, but this assumption is dangerously wrong. Oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer can have profound effects on overall health and quality of life. They can even exacerbate existing medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Aside from being uncomfortable and unpleasant, these dental problems can also be expensive. This is why it is so important to invest in Preventive Care. Regular oral exams and teeth cleanings will allow dentists to spot potential problems before they worsen and help patients develop healthy oral hygiene habits to prevent future issues.
Moreover, family dental plans, such as PPOs or DPOs, typically cover these services. However, patients are generally responsible for paying some of the cost (copayments, coinsurance, and policy deductibles). Therefore, it is essential to understand your coverage before committing to these visits. Furthermore, suppose you or your family member are nervous about visiting the dentist. In that case, it is essential to communicate this with your dental team and explore relaxation techniques or sedation dentistry options. These resources can make your visit less stressful and help you maintain dental wellness. By taking these precautions, you can avoid costly and painful complications.
Educating Patients
Patient education is one of the most important aspects of dental care. In addition to helping patients understand their dental problems, it can help them adopt healthy behaviors and change negative behaviors. Dental patient education can also lead to a stronger patient-dentist relationship. Many people are at risk for oral health issues because they don’t know the importance of preventive care. These issues can be painful and costly, but they are easily preventable with regular dental visits. Patients should be educated about maintaining a solid smile by brushing twice daily with fluoride-based toothpaste, flossing, and maintaining a balanced diet that avoids sugary foods. Insurance plans often cover Preventive dental services at 100% with no or negligible deductibles and copays, depending on the individual plan. X-rays are usually included as well. These exams allow dentists to spot early signs of dental disease. Routine preventive dental care reduces unnecessary strain on the hospital system by reducing ED visits related to dental issues and the use of opioid pain medication. The benefits of routine preventive dental care compound over time and potentially significantly reduce overall dental care costs for Medicaid enrollees.
Creating a Dental Home
The dental home is a concept that aims to improve the quality of oral health care provided by creating a relationship between patients and their dentists. This model of care is similar to the medical home concept and comprises a team of dental and non-dental professionals (such as pediatricians, nurses, nutritionists, and health educators) who work with patients and their families. The goal of a dental home is to increase the availability and quality of oral health care for infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special healthcare needs, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This model has successfully increased patient satisfaction, reduced emergency room visits and hospitalization for oral complications, and decreased invasive dentistry treatments like extractions or conscious sedation. This concept is essential for individuals who suffer from chronic medical conditions that impact their dental and oral health, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, or eating disorders. Regular Preventative care ensures these problems are identified and managed early before they worsen, avoiding costly treatments. In addition to improving the quality of dental and oral health care, a Dental Home also helps save money by preventing expensive procedures.
Saving Money
In addition to helping people maintain their oral health, preventive care can help save them money in the long run. Many dental insurance plans will pay 100% for preventive procedures, with minimal or no deductibles and copays, so patients can get the care they need without the financial burden of high out-of-pocket expenses. When dental problems go untreated, it can lead to severe and sometimes expensive complications. For example, a tooth that breaks off and isn’t treated could require a root canal to save it, which can be very costly. In addition, if oral diseases are left untreated, they can interfere with eating, drinking, and speaking abilities. They can even affect the overall quality of life and productivity of children and adults. Fortunately, most oral health issues can be prevented with regular visits to the dentist for routine cleanings and other care. A recent study of Medicaid enrollees showed that every year, a beneficiary who receives preventive care leads to savings in dental costs. That said, ensuring families have access to affordable dental care is still important. In particular, under-served communities are at greater risk of tooth decay and have higher rates of unmet oral health needs. This is why it is essential to provide them with affordable dental coverage, including preventive services, such as oral evaluations and cleanings, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and annual dental X-rays.