For the estimated 7 million adults and children living within the United States with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), visiting the dentist for oral health care can be overwhelming or even inaccessible. In an effort to advance its mission to create a path to better health and wellness, most Delta Dental of Arizona dental plans will give children and adults with special health care needs access to increased benefits.
These benefits include:
- Additional dental visits to increase patient and caregiver comfort and set treatment expectations.
- Up to four dental cleanings in a benefit year.
- Extra chair time for treatment delivery modifications necessary to accommodate patients with sensory sensitivities, behavioral challenges or other barriers to treatment.
- Use of anesthesia to provide dental care, which may include up to four units of anesthesia, when necessary.
Any eligible enrolled employee or their enrolled family members diagnosed with a special health care need that significantly impairs their ability to receive routine covered dental services may have access to additional services. Delta Dental of Arizona defines a person with a special health care need as an individual with a physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or a limiting condition requiring medical management, health care intervention, and/or the use of specialized services or programs.
Delta Dental has also invested in increased training for providers by partnering with the University of Pennsylvania on a free continuing education series aimed at building awareness of oral health care to this population.
Learn more at deltadentalaz.com
