Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the goal of the State Mutual Dental Plan?
The State Mutual Dental Plan is a comprehensive insurance and dental service package that provides much needed dental care to nursing home patients. Services included in the plan are; cleanings, most extractions, fillings, denture relines and repairs.
Do you make new dentures for patients?
Yes, one of our plans provides you with brand new dentures, still at no out-of-pocket cost. Our $95 dollar plan includes the option for brand new dentures, our dentist is able to make his impressions in your facility, and your new dentures or partials are completely covered by the premium paid for by Medicaid.
Where do you actually treat the patients?
On a predetermined day and time we arrive at nursing home, and bring our mobile dental equipment into the nursing home. Often we set up in the beauty salon; however we can work out of any designated room. Once set up, the patients can be brought to our treatment room one at a time. In cases of patients that are bed-bound we can go to their specific room for treatment.
What about patients that do not have any teeth, do they need to be in this program?
As a dentist I believe that every patient can benefit from having routine exams from a dentist. If the patient has dentures we can clean their dentures for them as well as try to repair any damages that have occurred to the dentures. Proper oral health begins with a thorough examination by a qualified Dentist. These exams are critical in the early detection of oral health problems.
Here are the services we provide for patients without teeth:
We have found that many of the residents that claim to have no teeth actually have remnants of teeth that are broken off at the gum line. In these cases, the remnants of these teeth are decayed and can very easily become infected. There is overwhelming research that shows that this is one of the major contributing factors to pneumonia in the elderly population.
Here are the services we provide for patients without teeth:
- Oral Exam every 6 months
- Check the condition of the gums
- Thrush
- Fungus
- Sores
- Osteonecrosis
- Oral Cancer Screening
- Denture Care
- Cleaning
- Realignment
- Repair
We have found that many of the residents that claim to have no teeth actually have remnants of teeth that are broken off at the gum line. In these cases, the remnants of these teeth are decayed and can very easily become infected. There is overwhelming research that shows that this is one of the major contributing factors to pneumonia in the elderly population.
How do you keep track of what each patient needs?
At the initial visit we complete a comprehensive oral exam which includes an oral cancer screening. Complete mouth charting is documented and a treatment plan is created for each patient. From that treatment plan we then know what each patient needs and we schedule appropriate procedures for future appointments accordingly for that patient.
Are all dental procedures covered under the insurance plan?
No. This dental program covers most procedures. However, there are cases in which more complex treatments are necessary and the patient will be referred to a private practice dentist for treatment at the patient's expense. An example of this would be: a tooth extraction that is considered too complicated and/or too dangerous to complete in the nursing home. The patient and/or the patient's family will be notified and a suggestion to seek treatment from an oral surgeon will be given.
A list of the covered procedures is provided with the application papers.
A list of the covered procedures is provided with the application papers.
What happens if the patient refuses to see the dentist once enrolled?
- The first appointments are hard for some patients.
- If they refuse one month we will put them back on the schedule for the following month and try again.
- Even if it takes a few months to make them comfortable, the patient still benefits from being on the program because they would still be covered in case of an emergency or if pain develops.
How can you cancel the program?
Call your social services representative at your nursing facility and she will take care of it. It is important to know that if you do cancel the program you may NOT sign back up for it.
Why choose Dynamic Mobile Dentistry over other mobile dental services?
- We come to each home monthly or bimonthly depending on enrollment numbers.
- We are the first and only licensed mobile dental company in the state.
- We provide EMERGENCY SERVICES.
- We use local dentists.
Do you provide services for residents that are not on Medicaid?
Any resident is eligible for the dental insurance for the monthly payment of $65.00. We do not take emergency calls for patients not enrolled in the program.
Does enrollment change the amount of spending money the resident will receive every month?
- NO! It is completely covered by Medicaid and will not cost you or your family any additional out of pocket expense.
- It will not come out of the monthly spending money that the resident receives.
When will the dentist be coming?
Our first visit occurs most commonly within 30 days of enrollment. Our policy provides for a visit within a maximum of 90 days after enrollment. Emergency care begins immediately.