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DENTAL NEWS: In an effort to get more people vaccinated against the H1N1 virus or swine flu, New York State is now allowing dentists, dental hygienists and podiatrists to administer flu shots.
New York Governor David Paterson issued the executive order on Thursday that will increase the number of health care professionals that will now administer the vaccine. "Local governments are reporting that the current public health workforce is not sufficient to thoroughly execute a vaccination campaign of this magnitude," Paterson said. "Those local governments and health care providers specifically requested that we issue this emergency order to give them flexibility to use additional personnel and resources in New York's vaccination campaign." At least 75 deaths in New York have been attributed to the swine flu.
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DENTAL VIEWS: Allowing dental offices to vaccinate patients against the swine flu is all well and good but it's lack of the vaccination medicine that's the problem. Too bad the governor can't issue an executive order that would make more medicine ASAP.
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Drinking white wine can cause more damage to teeth than red wine or coffee, which is known to lead to staining, according to a new study published in the journal Nutrition Research. The report found that white wine is more likely to cause dental erosion.
"White wine will have a lower pH, so it's more acidic. The acid will erode the enamel surface" said Karen Coates, dental advisor for the British Dental Health Foundation. "You can neutralize the acid in the mouth by having something of an alkali or a neutral pH. Things like cheese, breadsticks, nuts and seeds will help to get the saliva pH back to the even level again."
In related news, a survey conducted by Align Technology found that 46 per cent of women feel embarrassed about their teeth.
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A group dental plan costs less per person than individual plans, the coverage offered by both types is about the same, and a group plan can cost a small business next to nothing (as little as $15 per person per month) to offer. So what's the catch?
Aside from the obvious and unavoidable disadvantage that group dental insurance cannot be tailored to every individual in your organization, it is also unlikely to provide as much coverage for certain procedures. For example, a group plan will typically cover a lower percentage --usually around 50%-- of the cost of orthodontic braces or not cover it at all.
If your employer offers a group dental plan, you should read the plan's details carefully to decide if you want to opt out. For instance, if you're planning on getting braces and your group policy doesn't cover them, then you need to find either supplemental coverage or a way to supplement your current coverage in order to make braces affordable.
However, many employers allow an employee to enroll in his or her own dental insurance and will then reimburse the employee whatever the company would pay for inclusion in the group policy, so you can potentially have your own policy and still have it partially covered by your employer. If your employer's group dental plan is insufficient for your needs, you should consider this option to plug in the missing coverage gaps.
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Chew on this; Halloween causes more emergency visits to the orthodontist than any other day of the year according to Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling, a professor at Boston University School of Dental Medicine.
Although one reason orthodontists see emergency visits during Halloween is damage caused by stinky candies and gum, other Halloween party staples associated with the holiday -- such as bobbing for apples and pizza crusts, in particular -- can wreak Halloween havoc on braces.
But orthodontists aren't the only ones who should be scared of his time of the year; parents should also be scared because frequently a child wearing metal braces -- typically costing between $4000 and $7000 -- reports a wire is broken or a bracket is bent from Halloween candy. And guess who has to pay out of pocket to get the braces fixed? Mom and/or Dad.
Dr. Fulop-Goodling recommends that parents of children with braces be extra vigilant about their kids brushing, rinsing and flossing habits after eating any Halloween candy. She also recommends removing pieces of candy or treats that can get stuck in braces and between teeth, because if not removed, this debris can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
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One Massachusetts dentist is taking an innovative approach in helping his young patients avoid developing dental caries. Dr Thomas Pushak of Lexington, Massachusetts has been collecting Halloween candy from local children for the past 15 years. What's his secret? He pays them for it.
Pushak offers to buy up to five pounds of Halloween candy from trick-or-treaters at $2 a pound. This means if a child had a particularly successful night, they can make up to $10 from the dentist and the children selling their candy to him don't have to be current patients and that his aim is to improve the dental health of young people.
Not to be outdone, a dental office in Wausau Wisconsin has a candy buyback program but is only offering $1 per pound of candy. However, each child bringing candy will receive a goodie bag and a free toothbrush in addition to being eligible for an IPod Shuffle that will be raffled off. The candy buy back will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 2 at Wausau Family Dental, 3650 Stewart Ave., Wausau, Wisconsin and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Fort Worth Dental has a new patient special. For $1, new patients can receive an exam and X-rays. Those of you who live in the area can call 817-921-0253 or go to FortWorthDental for more information.
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Last Tuesday (Oct 13) the Senate Finance Committee passed a health care proposal that included a revenue proposition that would include a "Cadillac Plan" excise tax. The excise tax amounts to 40% of the cost of benefits over certain thresholds and they would be higher for plans covering early retirees and employees in high risk industries, such as mining or law enforcement.
To help calculate the sets are tax on businesses, the Human Resources consulting Findley Davies has developed the ETC (Excise Tax Calculator). This tool projects current costs for an employer to 2013 and beyond (up to 2017) in order to estimate the impact of the Excise Tax on their projected costs. In this way, employers can begin to evaluate and implement strategies to ensure their total costs will fall below the Excise Tax thresholds. With a minimal amount of current information, the tool allows employers' human resource and finance functions to work together to ensure that strategies are in place well before the 2013 deadline.
Obviously, employers will want their plans to be below these thresholds in 2013. But, the components of the cost ($8,000 for Individual coverage, and $21,000 for family coverage) are not limited to medical coverage. They include other benefits as well: dental, vision, HRA and HSA contributions by employers, and FSA deferrals by employees. So, how do employers know if they might have a "Cadillac Plan" today, tomorrow, or in 2013?
For a demonstration of the Findley Davies ETC, please contact Tod Tillman (Charlotte) at 704.944.7515 or Bruce Davis (Toledo) at 419.327.4133.
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There is now help for survivors of domestic violence to receive free cosmetic dental care thanks to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation's Give Back A Smile program.
"After suffering abuse, it is difficult for survivors to find something to smile about, and even more difficult when they don't have a smile to show, "wrote Give Back A Smile program manager Lisa Fitch. "Volunteers assist survivors of domestic violence by treating their dental injuries, restoring their smiles, self-esteem, and ultimately, their lives."
In order to apply for this program, applicants must make an appointment with a counselor, domestic violence advocate, social worker, or therapist to complete the advocate section of the application form. Give Back A Smile conducts the initial review of the application; however, the dentist has the final say as to the eligibility of the applicant. If eligible, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry connects the survivor with a local Give Back A Smile volunteer who provides treatment at no charge to the recipient.
For more information or to get an application, contact the Give Back A Smile program toll-free by phone at 1-800-773-4227.
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Although pediatric dental care would get a major boost from each of the pending national health care reform proposals call for expanded coverage. However, some insurance industry experts worry that the legislation may create unintended consequences and disruptions for adult and family dental coverage.
While he calls the children's benefit "an unbelievable mark of progress," Jeff Album, the vice president for public and government affairs for Delta Dental insurance company, fears that adults and employers may drop their dental coverage because of the legislation's treatment of dental plans and taxation of insurance benefits.
For example, dental insurers are worried that if Congress goes forward with proposals to tax high-cost or "Cadillac" insurance plans, some of those plans may ditch their adult dental coverage to help keep the overall premiums below the tax threshold. Album said that parents may be less likely to buy coverage for themselves if their children get dental benefits as part of comprehensive medical insurance package.
Initially, all the health-care reform bills called for pediatric dental care to be handled by plans that also offer medical insurance. However, the bill that passed the Senate Finance Committee yesterday was amended to allow stand-alone dental insurance companies to provide that coverage.
"These are unintended consequences that follow from not respecting the way the market delivers dental and vision benefits today," says Evelyn Ireland, executive director of the National Association of Dental Plans. According to Ireland, if Congress wants to keep costs low for those who gain coverage on health care reform, dental and vision specialty carriers should be allowed to provide children's benefits.
Jim Crall, a professor of pediatric dentistry at the University of California at Los Angeles, said it's important to take into consideration how the dental industry works now so that changes can be implemented smoothly and not lead to problems for families that have dental insurance. "Otherwise," he said, "we're going to end up with a hollow promise."
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If you find yourself regularly using mints, gum or mouthwash to mask the odor of bad breath, the Pennsylvania Dental Association recommends talking to your dentist. Through an exam, he or she can determine if your bad breath is the result of an unhealthy mouth and recommend treatment options. There are many causes of bad breath, including:
The Foods You Eat
Once food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs and expelled. Eating foods such as onions and garlic often create an unpleasant breath odor.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth and collect bacteria, contributing to bad breath. Food also gets stuck between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily will help remove odor-causing bacteria.
Gum Disease Or Other Medical Disorders
One of the warning signs of periodontal disease is chronic bad breath. Periodontal disease, an infection of the tissues that support your teeth, is caused by the plaque-forming bacteria in your mouth. Bad breath also can be a symptom of other medical conditions, such as respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance and liver or kidney problems.
Leaking Filling Or Crown
Bacteria can survive and create additional decay in a tooth with a filling or crown if there is a gap or fracture. Your dentist can examine your teeth with an X-ray and a visual exam to see if there are any fillings or crowns in need of repair.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Saliva is the body's natural mouth rinse that washes and dilutes odor-causing bacteria from the mouth. Dry mouth occurs when saliva flow decreases. Talk to your dentist if you think you suffer from dry mouth. He or she may reprimand an artificial saliva, sugarless candy or increasing your fluid intake.
Tobacco Products
Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from bad breath. If you use tobacco, talk to your dentist about ways to quit.
The Pennsylvania Dental Association strongly recommends that you should visit the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup to maintain optimal oral health and detect any problems in their early stages.
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DENTAL NEWS: Police in American Fork, Utah have arrested Raul Antonio Garay for allegedly running a dental practice out of a secret, filthy basement "clinic". Investigators say they found rusty dental tools, a dental chair, air hose, water hose and X-ray machine in his basement.
According to charging document, Garay told neighbors that he had been a dentist in El Salvador, but never got licensed in the United States. Garay saw as many as seven patients a day charging up to $600 for a procedure with most of the patients being Latinos who heard about him by word of mouth.
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DENTAL VIEWS: For $600 a pop, this Garay-guy should a least sprung for some sterile dental equipment. Seriously, it's too bad this guy didn't try harder to get licensed as a dentist in the United States because he was genuinely providing a valuable service to the Latino community, albeit illegally.
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DENTAL NEWS: Did you know that you have self-worth to your dentist? Not as a person, but as a dollar amount at least according to a National survey of dentists done by TheWealthyDentist.com which found that dentists overall estimate the value of a new patient in the first nine months to be about $1000, although some dentists had calculated it to be as little as $500, while for others up to $3000.
But that's just a guesstimate, right? Well yes, for the most part, but the survey found that those dentists who actually knew their average new patient value reported a higher value than the dentists who were just estimating $1200 versus $900, respectively. However, this survey was far from scientific as only 68 dentists participated.
Some of the more interesting findings of the survey were the following;
* New patients who come in for a complete exam have first year value of $2,500 plus 2 referrals
* Cosmetic patients typically are shoppers, with about 1/3 proceeding with value in excess of $12,000
* Mini dental implant patients have an average value of $3500 plus an average of two referrals
* Denture patients average $3500-6000 plus at least one and often several referrals
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DENTAL VIEWS: While most of us are nostalgic for days when our dentist was our friend and their marketing plan consisted of repeat business and word-of-mouth, the fact of the matter is that with the high cost of running a modern dental office these days, dentists have to know what a patient is worth to their business or they won't be in business very long.
While approximately 45 million Americans do not have health insurance, about 2.5 times that number do not have Dental Insurance. If you are among the latter group, you may be eligible for free or low-cost dental care.
Dentistry From The Heart is a national nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to provide much-needed dental care for people who do not dental health insurance or who are underinsured. Every year, dozens of dental offices and clinics across the country host a day of free dental care otherwise known as a Dental Event. Twenty-nine states had "dental events" in 2008. To locate a date and place for free dental care near you, visit their list of dental events webpage.
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By Tod A. Bigelow D.D.S.
A dental plan helps cover part of the cost of dental care - it does not cover the full cost of the specific treatment you require. Dental insurance is designed as supplement to your co-payment and will pay a percentage of the dentist's bill, not the entire bill.
Some plans will only provide the level of benefit allowed for the least expensive way to treat a dental need, regardless of the most effective treatment required. Utilize your insurance as a benefit to help cover the costs involved.
The plan was never intended as written by the insurance company to cover 100 percent of everyone's dental needs. Don't allow your dental plan to dictate the care you receive. Some dental plans exclude necessary dental treatment such as sealants, orthodontics, and crowns and bridges. Not doing recommended dentistry because insurance won't cover it can only harm you and let conditions worsen in your mouth.
If you expect your insurance to cover it all and choose to not do completely and totally what your dentist recommends, you will be putting your dental health in jeopardy. Only your dentist can provide you with a treatment plan with your health in mind. It is not the insurance company's job to do so.
Insurance company's primary concern is to make a dividend or profit for its stockholders. Therefore, the more dollars they keep, the more successful they are. Insurance companies can keep their dollars intact in many ways. To name a few:
- Offering coverage at several payment levels.
- Paying less than the dentist fees.
- Paying a lesser percentage on procedures.
- Denying procedures or not allowing (on preauthorization's.
- Not covering certain procedures.
- Recommending lesser alternatives (less expensive) than what the dentist recommended. These usually are alternatives that don't promote ideal optimum health, but only maintains a mouth in its current, sometimes unhealthy condition. Thusly, these alternatives do not heal or stabilize, but can allow further breakdown to occur, which can create more dental problems later on in life.
This is ideal for the insurance company as they pay out less now, keep their money invested and later on if you die or drop off their insurance they don't have to pay for your future dental breakdown.
These are the facts and the way it works. Insurance is a business. Now, having said all of that, I'd like it known that I'm not "dissing" insurance in general. As a matter of fact, I like insurance and support its usage in all ways. I just want people to know how it works so they don't compromise their care by following the insurance company's dental recommendations verses their dentist's recommendations (whose job it is to take care of your health.)
So just a little more advice, find yourself a dentist who practices complete comprehensive dentistry and gives you a complete evaluation of your oral health with recommendations for current and future care to keep your mouth healthy during your lifetime, and use your insurance as a supplement to help you do so.
Tod A. Bigelow D.D.S. is a dentist practicing at Smiles by Bigelow and Tolbert located at 4301 Lincoln Road. Reach him at 582-1623 or visit www.smilesbybigelow.com
