With many patients still anxious about visiting the dentist since the novel coronavirus outbreak, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America has revised its policy for covering dental hygiene to encourage more patients to come in for treatment.
In new survey results from Guardian Life, about 40% of adults said they or their children developed an oral health problem that would have prompted an office visit in nonpandemic times. Though three out of four patients anticipated that they will feel comfortable returning to their dentists by the end of 2020, the insurer is making it easier for them to get back there, according to the company.
"It is no longer necessary for patients to wait a full six months before having the second cleaning of the year," Randi Tillman, DMD, the company's chief dental officer, said in a release issued August 17.
Only about 45% of adults reported receiving semiannual exams before the pandemic, though the ADA recommends that patients visit the dentist every six months, according to the insurer.
Easing a bad situation
The findings came from approximately 2,200 responses from adults ages 24 and older in two online surveys, triggering Guardian Life to make coverage for dental cleanings more flexible. Patients and providers may applaud this move, considering the ADA's Health Policy Institute (HPI) reported that dentistry's recovery is near tapering off, and there are some signs of a patient drop-off in the fall.
PPE relief
Guardian Life also is offering personal protective equipment (PPE) relief to network dentists.
With about three in 10 respondents feeling anxious about returning to dental offices, and respondents universally agreeing that increased safety precautions are necessary to relieve their uneasiness, the insurance company created a relief program to alleviate some of the financial pressure dentists are feeling with the implementation of new infection control practices. Many dentists have passed the expenses on to their patients. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently told participating dentists they shouldn't charge patients for PPE, and, instead, insurance carriers should recoup those costs.
"Not surprisingly, adults ranked dentists and staff wearing personal protective equipment as the top factor that would help them feel comfortable and safe," said Stu Shaw, Guardian's vice president.
Dental providers must enroll in the relief program by September 15.
Better habits
One out of five adults responded that they improved their oral health habits during the pandemic, which is a plus, considering evidence has linked the severity of COVID-19 complications to poor oral hygiene. Patients reported eating better, including consuming less sugar, flossing more, and brushing more frequently and thoroughly, according to the survey results.
