Fall 2020

Something to smile about!

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Dental offices are open and taking special precautions to help keep patients safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19. See what they’re doing.

Dental health affects overall health. Even during a pandemic, it’s important that you take good care of your mouth and teeth. The good news is that dental offices are open. And, they’re taking special precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including:

• Screening for COVID-19 symptoms
• Placing rubber dams over patients’ mouths to help limit spray
• Avoiding the use of power tools to help limit spray
• Placing plastic or walls between patients and reception staff
• Having patients stay outside, either in their cars or safe spots, until their appointments
• Removing items typically found in waiting rooms, such as coffee makers and magazines
• Installing high-efficiency air filters to improve filtration

You can also see a dentist virtually

If you still do not feel comfortable returning to the dentist, you may want to use your teledentistry benefit. Check to see if your dentist is offering teledentistry. If they are not and you would still like to have a teledentistry appointment, you can do so with one of our in-network dentists. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your Member Dashboard
2. Select “Dental Tools”
3. Then, select either “Emergency virtual consults” or “Virtual checkups”
4. Answer the questions and upload photos of your dental issue, if applicable

After you submit your responses, they will be shared with the closest available in-network provider. That provider will then review your request and contact you.

Keep your mouth happy and your whole body will thank you!

Source: npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/07/06/886456835/the-dentist-will-see-you-now-but-should-you-go