Members of Delta Dental of Washington now have the choice to obtain dental care just about via a brand new on-line platform.
Delta Dental of Washington has partnered with Dentistry.One to supply digital dental care to its greater than 4 million sufferers throughout the state. Via this partnership, sufferers can entry a spread of Dentistry.One’s digital providers, together with dwell video consultations, asynchronous telephone evaluations and SmileScan — a synthetic intelligence-powered device that displays and tracks a affected person’s oral well being.
Digital visits can handle frequent oral well being issues resembling figuring out cavities, gum illness, chipped tooth, oral hygiene, crowding, ache or swelling, and different dental considerations, in accordance with Delta Dental of Washington’s web site.
Communications Supervisor Marya Lou stated Delta Dental of Washington acknowledges the systemic limitations that exist throughout dentistry. This digital possibility is a method to fight a few of these limitations and enhance entry for sufferers, particularly these inside underserved and rural communities, she stated.
Delta Dental of Washington presently serves about 69,000 folks throughout Clark County.
“Making sure we’re reaching members across the state and ensuring they have access to care is really important to us,” Lou stated.
Digital dentistry is now one in all two ancillary providers Delta Dental gives. The dental insurance coverage firm additionally lately partnered with retailer Amplifon to supply entry to financial savings on listening to aids.
“Both of these partnerships are great examples of Delta Dental of Washington’s commitment to expanding the well-being of Delta Dental of Washington members and expanding access to health care,” Lou stated.
To entry the digital care, sufferers can go to, www1.deltadentalins.com/members/virtual-dentistry.html. Sufferers will solely be related to a dentist licensed to observe within the state a affected person is in. In Washington, there are presently eight licensed dentists that members have entry to.
Dental hygienist care advisers may also supply recommendation and coordination of in-person care when wanted.
After digital care appointments, Dentistry.One will share sufferers’ oral well being reviews instantly with their most popular dentists and coordinate follow-up appointments, if wanted.
Almost 130 sufferers throughout the state have already participated in this system, which launched six weeks in the past. Of these sufferers, 14.3 p.c of them obtained follow-up care, in accordance with Lou.
Lou stated that the digital dental possibility isn’t supposed to switch long-term or preventive dental care. As a substitute, it’s designed to enhance present advantages accessible to sufferers.
Delta Dental of Washington is constant to search for revolutionary methods to shut gaps in care and make dentistry extra accessible, Lou added.
“Through our virtual consultations, we can identify potential oral health issues before they become serious, offer immediate triage, and coordinate in-person care, when necessary,” stated Derek Weigand, a dentist at Dentistry.One. “For populations like diabetic patients or expectant mothers, this proactive approach can be truly life-changing.”
