Posted by Meghan Weaver on Wed, Sep 01, 2010 @ 12:19 PM
Are you between the ages of 45 and 64 (and part of the “Baby Boomer” generation)? If so, you should take note of something a sizeable majority of your peers fail to see. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, 63% of Baby Boomers fail to recognize the strong connection between oral health and systemic health (i.e. the simple fact that healthy teeth and gums can help them keep many chronic and fatal health problems at bay).
Findings reported in the Journal of Dental Education punctuate the need to integrate oral health and general health care as there are established links between periodontal disease and diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease. That’s why it’s imperative for Boomers to take excellent care of their oral health by practicing healthy dental habits and visiting the dentist regularly.
Is Dental Care Really Necessary?
One of the main keys to maintaining a healthy mouth as you get older is establishing a strong, trust-based doctor-patient relationship with your local Massachusetts dentist. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, almost one-third or (31%) of baby boomers don’t get preventive dental care (i.e. they only go to the dentist when they have any emergency).
We all know how costly dental care is these days (so this statistic probably doesn’t shock you all that much) but the cost of delaying your dentistry takes a much greater toll on both your health and your wallet. Affordable dental insurance alternatives such as discount dental plans put affordable dental care within reach so you can avoid the painful and costly consequences of delayed dentistry. Universal Dental Plan has options for baby boomers as well as those who have already reached retirement age (our senior dental plan) so visit our site and see what you can save.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Thu, Aug 26, 2010 @ 09:52 AM
Nutrition and your oral health are highly intertwined. Good nutrition promotes good oral health by enabling your mouth and its tissues to develop and stay healthy. However, some foods and habits are known to spur on plaque development, leading to a heightened risk of tooth decay and dental disease.
With all of this in mind, we’ve put together several quick facts and nutrition tips to keep your teeth and gums disease and decay free.
Quick Facts and Tips:
- Sugars and cooked starches (fermentable carbohydrates) can make a huge impact on your risk of tooth decay, so avoid consumption of these items in excess
- About 20-40 minutes after you eat, your mouth releases acids. Each of these “acid attacks” increases your risk of tooth decay so it's important to limit the number of between-meal snacks you have (as you’ll limit the number of acid attacks as well).
- Foods such as bread and crackers stay on teeth longer that jelly beans or caramels despite perceived stickiness of the latter two. Look to consume foods that clear the mouth quickly, as they pose less of a threat of tooth decay.
- Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when infants’ or young children’s teeth get severely damaged from prolonged exposure to liquids containing sugars. For this reason, you should avoid letting your child fall asleep with a bottle of formula or juice.
- Make sure you get your Vitamin C. It helps protect your gums from infection and can be found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
- Last but not least, if you do consume sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods, make sure it’s as part of a balanced meal. This helps to increase saliva production and neutralize acid production in the mouth.
Need more tips on nutrition for oral health? Ask your dentist at your next dental checkup.
And, for those who need to find a dentist, Universal Dental Plan can help. Universal Dental Plan is an affordable dental insurance plan alternative in Massachusetts. We connect you with local Boston dentists and providers throughout the state who will be able to answer your questions and point you on a path towards excellent oral health.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Tue, Aug 24, 2010 @ 12:17 PM
Let’s face it, people put off their dental care and have many excuses for it:
“I’m afraid of the dentist…”, “I don’t have time…” “Will it hurt?”, “It just costs too much!”
Whatever your excuse is (cost being a very common one), there are a few considerations everyone should take on the potential consequences of delayed dentistry.
Waiting until it hurts is never a good strategy for successful dental care. Besides stifling your personal and professional success, delaying dental care can also create a huge burden on your pocketbook.
Preventive care, such as a cleaning and exam ($93 average cost in MA), is significantly cheaper than restorative care. In Massachusetts, restorative care such as a root canal or a crown (i.e. procedures that you’ll probably need if you keep putting of the preventive ones) can cost well over $1,000!
Delayed dentistry runs in the family:
Studies show that among parents who put off their own dental care for financial reasons, 27 percent of their children have delayed dentistry as well. In contrast, only 3 percent of children whose parents have not delayed their dental care have their own dental care delayed.
Although they’re among the largest factors, high costs are just one of the reasons people put off necessary dental treatments. Research states that 15% of our population suffers from some form of anxiety and many others know they must seek out necessary dental treatments but need to find a dentist that they trust. For those who need to find a dentist and an affordable dental plan in Massachusetts, Universal Dental Plan can help.
We’re a discount dental plan and dental insurance alternative. Check us out on the web at www.universaldentalplan.com to learn more and see what you can save.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Wed, Aug 11, 2010 @ 12:52 PM
Whether you’re on a first date, a job interview, or meeting clients for the first time one thing’s for certain—you want to make a good first impression. Many factors go into the impression that you make but it certainly starts with a bright, healthy smile.
Studies show that your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. During the first few minutes of your first interaction with someone new, they’ll often make assumptions about your economic and educational level, your trustworthiness and your level of sophistication—just from the quality of your smile.
Your breath also plays a huge role in shaping first impressions (and it goes without saying that bad breath is a huge strike against you). That being said, here are 3 helpful tips to keep bad breath at bay:
- Use a mouth rinse daily to clean out bad breath causing bacteria
- Don’t forget your tongue when brushing (make it part of your twice daily teeth brushing routine or perhaps use a tongue scraper)
- Get regular dental cleanings (if you’re looking for a new dentist, our plan has a growing network of Boston dentists plus other Massachusetts dentists and specialists to choose from)
On top of bad breath, crooked, missing or broken teeth create can negatively effect your first impressions, causing a stigma in both your personal and professional life. Individuals can restore their smile and self-esteem with various cosmetic dental procedures (i.e. dental implants) and orthodontia. But, these procedures can get very expensive, especially for those without insurance (or an affordable dental plan).
Universal Dental Plan is a Massachusetts dental insurance alternative that saves its members 20-50% off all procedures according to a fixed rate fee schedule (dental implants and braces included). Visit our website to learn more about us or just give us a call.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Tue, Aug 03, 2010 @ 11:46 AM
Everyone gets stressed, it’s an inevitable part of American life. Also, most of us know it can have a negative impact on our mental, physical and social well-being. But did you know that stress can negatively impact on our oral health as well?
Stress, whether at work or at home, can cause a variety of oral health complications including:
- Bruxism (i.e. teeth grinding)
- Canker sores
- Dry mouth
- Burning mouth syndrome
- Lichen planus (characterized by white lines, sores and ulcers in the oral cavity)
- TMJ/TMD
- Gum disease—Studies have shown that long-term stress affects our immune systems. This increases our susceptibility to various infections, such as the ones responsible for periodontal disease.
Do you suffer from any of these problems? Or have you just been stressed lately and perhaps worried these problems could crop up soon?
If so, it’s vital that you talk to your dentist and work together to develop healthy habits.
Here are 3 steps you can take to decrease stress and improve your oral health:
- When you’re feeling stressed, don’t forget your oral health. Instead, take time to focus on your dental hygiene regimen.
- Don’t use tobacco or alcohol as stress relief vehicles. In addition to being highly addictive, these substances can cause significant damage to your oral cavity.
- Take proper measures to reduce stress in your life such as eating well, getting a full night’s sleep and exercising regularly
Last but not least, if you’re worried that stress is affecting your teeth and gums, call your dentist for an appointment. He or she can treat stress-related dental problems and offer suggestions for better at-home care.
Need help finding a dentist? Universal Dental Plan can help you locate one close by from our growing network of Massachusetts dentists and specialists. Call us today at 617-859-1777 and join our affordable dental plan for deep 20-50% savings on all procedures.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Wed, Jul 28, 2010 @ 02:08 PM
Never discount the impact of a good first impression, or the role your smile can play in making or breaking it. Studies show that your smile is the first thing people remember about you and a bright, healthy smile conveys success, power and happiness. On the other end of the spectrum, individuals with visible dental problems (i.e. crooked or broken teeth, visible plaque buildup, etc.) often suffer low self-esteem or even stop smiling all together.
That’s where cosmetic dentistry comes in. There are many cosmetic dental procedures available to help you regain your bright healthy smile and the self-confidence you may have lost along with it.
Here are a few of the most popular ones (plus some great advice on how to access them at affordable prices).
Teeth whitening:
We all want a brighter smile. That’s why teeth whitening is one of the most common forms of cosmetic dentistry. For whatever reason, many of us have teeth that aren’t as white as they could be. Perhaps we’ve consumed too much coffee or tea, or forgotten to brush our teeth twice daily on too many occasions. Effects of these actions all add up and our teeth lose their luster as years go by.
Whatever the reason, you have 2 options for making your teeth bright again: at-home dental whitening kits or treatments performed by a dentist. We go over the pros, cons and specific details on these in an earlier blog entry.
Porcelain Veneers:
Another popular solution for teeth discoloration is porcelain veneers. However, they do more than just brighten up the appearance of your smile. Veneers are placed by dentists over the front teeth to change their shape and color. So, they’re ideal for individuals with oddly shaped teeth, chipped or crooked teeth or teeth with small holes in them and can significantly enhance the look of their smile in a very short period of time.
Veneers are very popular with cosmetic dentistry patients because they’re very difficult to stain, last roughly 10 to 15 years and come with very little maintenance short of follow-up visits after the procedure plus regular brushing and flossing.
Dental Implants:
Dental implants are fixtures of titanium surgically screwed into a patient’s jaw bone. The implants themselves act as anchors for a naturally-appearing false tooth or a set of false teeth.
Dental implants generally have a very high success rate and are an excellent alternative to dentures. Learn more about the dental implant process and advantages here.
Dental Bonding:
Many individuals with close, small gaps between their teeth, as well as teeth that are chipped or cracked have embraced dental bonding to even out their smiles. During the procedure, your dentist uses a composite resin to essentially bond your teeth together.
The dentist begins the bonding procedure by applying a thin coating of plastic material on the front surfaces of your teeth to cover natural flaws. Then, he or she will apply a bonding material, sculpting and shaping it to provide desired results. A high intensity light hardens the bonding material after the bonding is complete and the dentist will finely polish the surface of your teeth to complete the procedure.
As you’ve seen above, dentists can perform one of many cosmetic procedures to restore the brightness and contours of your smile. However, cosmetic dentistry can be expensive and most dental insurance will not cover it.
That’s where Universal Dental Plan comes in, with 20-50% discounts on all procedures performed by Massachusetts dentists and specialists. Visit our website to learn more and sign up.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Tue, Jul 13, 2010 @ 11:17 AM
So, you need to find a new dentist, where do you start? For many of us, our first instinct might be a Google search. Or, perhaps we’ll thumb through the Yellow Pages and let our fingers guide the way. Others might call a local dental school and consult faculty members about trusted practitioners nearby.
When you find a dentist, what matters far more than the search itself is where it leads you: to a skilled and trusted practitioner. Here are a few helpful guidelines to go by when searching for a dentist.
The best place to start is with a general dentist. General dentists are licensed to diagnose oral health conditions, provide treatment plans and perform certain treatments. Depending on your condition, he or she may refer you to a specialist for more specialized care and treatment.
Qualified dentists will have either one or two designations beside their name, a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine). Once you’re in front of an individual with either of these three letter distinctions, you’re going to want to ask a few questions to ensure that he or she is the right doctor for you.
Here’s a few to get you started.
- How long has your practice been in operation? Longevity and patient loyalty are key elements here. When a dental practitioner has a loyal base of patients they’ve been seeing for years it’s a wonderful indicator that they’re a skilled and trusted doctor.
- (When you require a specific procedure) What training have you undergone and what clinical experience do you have in performing it?
- What is your referral process? (if the dentist does not perform certain procedures you require or may require)
- What professional dental societies do you participate in? Many professional dental societies have stringent continuing education requirements for all members to ensure that they are up-to-date on the latest advances in dentistry.
- Do you offer emergency care, if so, what types? Most dentists will budget time each day to help current patients suffering from any dental emergency from knocked out teeth, to lost crowns to abscesses. Discuss emergency care in advance with your dentist to ensure that in the event of the unexpected, you have someone you can go to right away for help.
- What procedures and amenities do you offer to help me feel more comfortable in the dental chair? Examples include nitrous oxide, various pre-medications for major procedures and calming amenities such as music or heating pads.
- Can you show before and after photos? This question is especially important to ask if you seek a dentist for cosmetic procedures (i.e. teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental implants, etc.) or orthodontic treatment.
- Are you located nearby? We all hope and expect to find a dentist located within reasonable driving distance of our homes, especially when searching for our general dentist. After all, his or her practice will be our home base for all of our dental needs, hopefully for many years. That’s why Universal Dental Plan provides all members an online member search tool that lets them search for Massachusetts dentists and specialists anywhere from 5 to 100 miles from their zip code.
- How much will all of this cost me? Depending on the procedure you receive, dental cost totals include procedure fees anesthesia fees, and facility fees. If you have dental insurance, chances are the costs of your preventative work (i.e. your oral exams, cleanings and x-rays) will be covered in full and amalgam fillings (the traditional metal ones) will be covered nearly in full. You’ll also likely have some coverage for composite fillings (fillings with an enamel-like finish) as well as restorative procedures like dental bridges and crowns. These benefits will certainly go a long way. But for those without insurance, dentistry can get very costly and a discount dental plan can be a huge help in bringing down all of the above costs.
Universal Dental Plan is a smart dental insurance alternative for Massachusetts individuals, couples and families who lack affordable options. Visit our website at www.universaldentalplan.com to learn more and sign up today.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Fri, Jul 02, 2010 @ 11:10 AM
Traditional dental insurance is predominately bought on a group basis through employers, associations, etc. Most plans have deductibles, annual procedural limits and require tedious claim forms (a major pain for both the insured and his or her dentist). Also, some plans have long waiting periods for major services and limitations on certain procedures (i.e. cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers).
Discount dental plans are designed to provide major savings on members’ dental care needs. Since discount dental plans are not insurance, there are no limitations on cosmetic procedures, no claim forms, no waiting periods, no deductibles, no annual limits and memberships are activated immediately.
Traditional dental insurance is also largely unavailable to seniors once they’ve retired (typically at age 65) and no longer have access to dental benefits they had while employed. Many of these individuals are living well into their 80’s and therefore must endure 15-20 years of costly dentistry on fixed incomes. Discount dental plans are a wonderful way for seniors to save money on their dental care.
Discount dental plans are available directly to individuals, couples, families and seniors. Businesses and associations can also purchase discount dental plans on a group basis and provide them as an employee benefits. They’re an easy, affordable and flexible way for businesses to save money on valuable dental care for their employees.
Unlike many dental insurance plans, discount dental plans do not have a minimum participation policy and do not require employer contribution.
Universal Dental Plan is a discount dental plan and smart insurance alternative providing individuals, families, seniors and groups 20-50% discounts on all dental procedures via our robust network of Massachusetts dentists and specialists—all for an affordable monthly or annual membership rate.
If you’re a Massachusetts resident looking for a cost-effective solution to save on dentistry, visit our website at www.universaldentalplan.com to learn more and enroll today.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Tue, May 18, 2010 @ 10:30 AM
We all know that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (aka PPCA or "health reform legislation") will bring about some major changes in the health care arena. But what about your dental plan?
Although the legislation won't have as profound an effect on dental benefits as it will on medical benefits (and there doesn't appear to be an immediate impact on dental coverage), employers still should take note of one vital thing. The law will affect their dental plans.
However, so many of us are still confused as to how. That's why we've put together this synopsis for you. We've itemized the various PPCA provisions that may, may not and absolutely will not impact your dental benefits.
Let's start off with a rundown of the provisions that won't impact your dental plan. These provisions apply to medical plans only and are as follows:
- Extension of Dependent Age Limit to 26
- Removal of Lifetime Dollar Limits
- Removal of Annual Maximums
- Tax on high-value benefits plans (aka "Cadillac Tax")
Now, on to the provisions that will impact dental coverage. There are two in particular that employers should be aware of. Although the earliest of these provisions doesn't take effect until 2013, employers should definitely take note of them so they can start planning and budgeting for future implications.
These provisions are as follows:
1) New Annual Fee on Health Insurance providers:
Starting in 2013, health insurers will be subject to a new fee to help fund the reform. Each insurer's fee will be based on their specific 2013 market share (total insured premium for health, dental and vision).
Potential impact: Carriers may increase dental benefit prices to reflect the newly assessed fee.
2) Pediatric dental coverage provisions (starting in 2014):
Health insurers will be required to package dental and vision benefits for children with the medical plan as part of "Essential Health Benefits Package" (EHBP). These inclusions are required in both the individual and Small Group market. At this point, standalone dental plans sold through the state-sponsored insurance Exchanges (to be established in 2014) can be used to satisfy the pediatric dental requirement.
Potential impact: Details around this provision are still being clarified although it will potentially impact both the purchase and administration of standalone dental insurance plans. We will certainly keep you up to date on this provision as further details surface.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Thu, May 13, 2010 @ 10:31 AM
Just like most benefits, dental plans have grown more complex than they were in prior years. In the past, we basically just had the traditional indemnity plan model and a modified plan design called the dental PPO. Several years ago, the Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) was introduced and segmented the dental insurance market even further.
On the dental insurance front, there are currently three primary plan designs operating in the market today, the DHMO, dental PPO and traditional indemnity plan. Also, employers have other dental plan options to choose from such as discount dental plans and self-funding of employees' dental expenses. Each plan option has its defining features, benefits and advantages. So, how do you know which plan is best for you?
This blog will help you out by defining several distinct options for you and giving you a rundown of the pros and cons on each.
Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO)
A dental HMO works a lot like a health HMO in that it has a panel of dentists from which each plan member selects a primary care provider. Under this plan model, access to providers and procedures are restricted. However, preventative services are provided by most DHMOs free of charge.
DHMO Pros:
- Lower premiums
- Preventative Care provided at no charge
DHMO Cons:
- High co-pays for non-routine services (also, some expensive procedures may not even be covered at all)
- Dentists are paid a fixed fee regardless of how many patients they treat so the reimbursement schedule rewards them for undertreating
Dental PPO:
A dental Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) consists of dentists who agree to perform services at reduced rates. The PPO has both an in-network and out-of-network component giving members more freedom of choice in selecting a dentist.
PPO Pros
- Out-of-network option provides freedom of choice in choosing a dentist
PPO Cons
- Dentists' reimbursements are often lower than the cost of service so some dentists "cut corners" by spending less time with PPO patients or finding procedures to perform that the PPO doesn't cover
- Premiums are higher than DHMO
Indemnity Plan:
This plan design operates as a more traditional dental insurance plan and employees have the freedom to choose any dentists they wish. Under this plan design, the insurance company pays a percentage of the fee for different types of procedures (usually 100% for preventative, 80% for basic and 50% for major restorative).
Indemnity Plan Pros:
- Freedom to choose any dentists w/ no restrictions
Indemnity Plan Cons:
- Higher premiums
- Waiting periods and exclusions on some procedures
- Annual deductible
Discount Dental Plan:
One dental insurance alternative that's rapidly growing in popularity is the discount dental plan. With discount dental plans, members pay a low monthly or annual membership fee and get guaranteed discounts (commonly ranging from 10-60%) on all procedures when performed by a network dentist. Participating plan dentists agree to accept the discounted rates (which are published in a fixed fee schedule) as payment-in-full for dental services performed.
Discount Dental Plan Pros:
- Immediate Plan Membership
- No annual maximums or procedure limits
- No Deductibles
- No claim forms or paperwork hassles
- No waiting periods
- Discounts on orthodontia and cosmetic dentistry
Discount Dental Plan Cons:
Universal Dental Plan is a membership based dental savings organization with cost transparency and immediate point of service discounts for self-employed, retirees and others who lack an affordable dental option. To learn more about our plan and start saving today, visit out website at www.universaldentalplan.com.