A Message to Delta Dental Customers and Patients About Coronavirus

Delta Dental continues to actively monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We have a strategy in place across our organization to address the issue and to make sure you have the latest information. To help you save time and remain as current as possible, our website and Twitter and Facebook platforms will be kept up to date as the situation evolves. Please continue to check those channels for updates.

We understand the critical role the care we deliver plays as part of the overall healthcare system and want to assure you that our top priority is the health and well-being of Delta Dental enrollees, providers and employees. We recommend that all non-urgent, non-essential dental treatment be postponed, as recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). We remain focused on making sure patients can still receive emergency oral care and that providers receive timely reimbursement for their services.
 

Information and recommendations for dental patients

As of March 16, the ADA and CMS have advised dentists nationwide to postpone elective procedures. For urgent and essential oral care appointments, the ADA has issued a guide with recommendations for ways to decrease risk in dental offices. Offices are being asked to:

• Follow the same stringent cleaning and disinfection strategies used during flu season and to use no-touch receptacles
• Offer patients the option to remain in their car or a nearby location, instead of a waiting room, and receive a phone call or text when it’s their turn for treatment
• Take extra precautions when assisting patients who may have a cough or other respiratory symptoms

Additionally, dentists who aren’t feeling well can seek the assistance of a temporary doctor and continue to be reimbursed.

For important updates and the latest information about the coronavirus, we strongly recommend reviewing and following the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
 

Keeping you and your loved ones healthy

We strongly urge practicing active and appropriate hygiene. Wash your hands frequently for no less than 20 seconds. If you sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve and dispose of the tissue in a wastebasket. If you don’t feel well, please stay at home.

As recommended by Dr. Daniel Croley, DMD, Delta Dental’s Vice President of Network Development, it is especially important now to keep following a robust, at-home oral care routine by brushing and flossing regularly. By being proactive about your oral health, you can decrease your risk for tooth decay and gum disease, which can weaken your immune system, and you can lessen the need to leave your home to see a dental care provider.
 

Ensuring care in a safe setting

While we believe strongly in the quality of care provided by the dentists in our network, please let us know if you experience anything in a dental office that causes you concern. This includes experiences with discrimination of any type — whether related to the coronavirus outbreak or not — or other instances where you feel you may not have received the care you needed. In such a case, please let us know immediately through our customer service forms.
 

Caring for the broader community

This outbreak is creating additional strain for organizations who help vulnerable populations at highest risk for infection. To help, the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation is matching donations to the Red Cross up to a total of $100,000.

For more information and tips to help prevent further spread of the coronavirus, check out the Red Cross’ Coronavirus: Safety and Readiness Tips for You.

We will continue to actively monitor information about the coronavirus from the CDC, ADA and other public health agencies and provide updates through our website and Twitter and Facebook channels. Our top priority is to continue meeting the needs of our customers and enrollees and ensure your health and safety.