As dental professionals, we recognize the pivotal role preventive care plays in maintaining oral health and mitigating overall health care costs. By prioritizing prevention, we can help patients avoid more extensive and costly treatments in the future. UnitedHealthcare is committed to supporting preventive care through comprehensive coverage for regular check-ups and cleanings.
Our commitment to preventive care
Coverage
- Full coverage for preventive services: UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for routine examinations, cleanings and radiographs with minimal or no out-of-pocket expenses. Ensuring patients can access necessary care without financial barriers helps promote regular dental visits and proactive oral health management.
- Telehealth dental consultations: UnitedHealthcare offers telehealth dental consultations, allowing patients to receive professional advice and preliminary assessments from the comfort of their homes. This service enhances accessibility, especially for those in remote areas or with mobility issues, ensuring that preventive care is always within reach.
Immediate access
- No waiting periods: Members can access preventive care services from the inception of the plan, ensuring immediate benefits without delays
- Early intervention for pediatric patients: Immediate coverage for routine cleanings and fluoride treatments for children under age 16 fosters the establishment of good oral hygiene habits early on, promoting lifelong dental health
Extensive provider network
- Convenient access: A broad network of dental providers helps patients easily find a participating dentist close to their residence or workplace, facilitating convenience and continuity of care
- Streamlined billing: Direct payment to in-network dentists simplifies the billing process and reduces administrative burdens, allowing dental practices to focus on patient care
Educational initiatives
- Patient education: UnitedHealthcare offers educational resources to help patients maintain optimal oral hygiene at home, including guidance on brushing, flossing and selecting appropriate dental products. Resources can be found on Colgate Professional, Crest + Oral-B and the American Dental Association.
- Oral hygiene guidance: Providing patients with information on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as dietary recommendations, empowers them to take an active role in their dental care, thereby reducing the risk of dental problems.
Benefits of preventive dental care
Mitigation of cavities and periodontal disease
- Prophylactic cleanings and fluoride applications help prevent caries and periodontal disease
- Early diagnosis enables timely intervention
- Periodontal maintenance is crucial in preventing the progression of periodontal disease. Nearly half (42%) of adults aged 30 years and older have periodontitis, and severe periodontitis affects about 8% of adults.1
Economic advantages
- Cost-effective interventions can significantly reduce the incidence of expensive treatments by addressing issues at an early stage
- Encouraging patients to invest in preventive measures can result in substantial savings on future dental expenses. Studies highlight that for every dollar spent on preventive dental care, patients can save between $8 and $50 in restorative and emergency treatments.2
- Enhanced systemic health
- Maintaining optimal oral health is associated with a reduced risk of systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory infections. Educating patients on this correlation is imperative.
- Regular dental visits can reveal early signs of systemic health issues, such as oral malignancies or nutritional deficiencies, allowing for prompt medical intervention and improved health outcomes