Dental companies offer aid in wake of Gustav

Dental product and service providers are stepping up to provide assistance to dentists and their patients in the wake of Hurricane Gustav.

Aetna has temporarily lifted some policy requirements for members affected by Hurricane Gustav, including relief workers traveling to the impacted areas, according to a company press release. For the time being, Aetna members from the hurricane zone who have had to evacuate may temporarily receive in-network benefits for care out of their network in any state, and seek care from providers (including dentists) other than their designated primary care physicians.

In a separate press release, Henry Schein reminded customers about its disaster relief hotline, designed to assist dentists, physicians, and healthcare facilities that may experience operational, logistical, or financial issues as a result of hurricanes or other natural disasters. The toll-free number for all dental, medical, and veterinary customers -- 800-999-9729 -- is being staffed from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central time, and is monitored 24 hours a day.

"Henry Schein is ready to help support our dental, medical, and veterinary customers whose practices may be adversely affected by natural disasters," said Stanley M. Bergman, chairman and CEO for Henry Schein. "We encourage our customers in areas that may be affected by tropical storms, hurricanes, or other natural disasters this season to call our hotline for assistance."