How Dental Insurance is Improving Subscribers' Health

Healthier with Dental Insurance

Today, everyone is more aware of the close relationship between dental health and medical health. It is common for physicians to refer their patients to a dentist before a major procedure to ensure that dental health is optimal. Poor dental health may affect the heart. Uncontrolled gum disease may make it difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar level. It has even been suggested that there is a link between gum disease and low birth weight. Dental insurance companies recognize this relationship and are working to improve their clients' overall health while supporting improving dental health.

A year ago, Dental Blue of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts rolled out Enhanced Dental Benefits. Dr. Robert Lewando, Associate Medical Director of Dental Blue, describes the Enhanced Dental Benefit this way:

The Enhanced Dental Benefit Program is designed to help keep the amount of infection or inflammation in the member's mouth to a minimum. With this program, one would receive coverage for an additional two cleanings (or periodontal maintenance visits if their dental plan offers group 2 benefits) every twelve months at 100% coverage with no co-pay. Additionally, periodontal scaling and root planning would be covered at 100% with no co-pay once every 24 months. These Enhanced Benefits will not be subject to a member's deductible or calendar year maximum so that your coverage for other services will not be reduced.

To qualify for the Enhanced Dental Benefit Program, you currently must have a diagnosis of Diabetes or Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) or are pregnant.

How is it that increasing the frequency of dental prophylaxis will benefit those patients with diabetes and heart disease? Is there published research that supports this?