20 September 2021

---

Select Delta Dental states to offer IDD benefits in 2022

Katherine E. Pfaff

---

The new year will bring a new benefit to dental patients with special needs. Beginning on the first day of 2022, Delta Dental of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, in collaboration with Delta Dental Foundation, will open increased benefits to intellectually or developmentally disabled patients. IDD patients may have difficulty finding appropriate care based on lack of education or adequate time to treat the patient population as well as coverage of this specialized dental care. 

"We have been engaged in this space for years, working to make oral health care accessible and equitable to all. Now, we are pushing other dental benefit companies to follow suit. Providing excellent coverage that meets all patient needs is the right thing to do," said Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana CEO Goran Jurkovic. "We must be inclusive in all facets of our business as we serve our communities. This is the first step."

Delta Dental's new plan for select states will include as many as 4 dental cleanings per year, extra dentist appointments in advance of a procedure or treatment so that patients can become familiar with the process, and modification of cavity treatment from traditional drilling methods to alternative utilization of silver diamine fluoride. Additional accommodations can be made under the expanded plan to make treatment possible when IDD patients have anxiety, behavioral and sensory difficulties.

Delta Dental Foundation and Penn Dental Medicine are also offering free CE courses on the treatment of IDD patients. Dentists who complete the educational coursework will earn a certificate as a "Disabilities Dentistry Clinician Expert."

"Delta Dental has listened to the pleas of families and caregivers in trying to reduce barriers to care for this most medically and dentally underserved population," said Dr. Steven Perlman, global clinical director and founder of Special Olympics Special Smiles. "Access to and the ability to receive quality oral healthcare is the number one problem faced by children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities."

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/patients-with-special-health-care-needs-will-have-access-to-inclusive-dental-care-more-visits-301370475.html