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2/11/05 - Free Dental Accident Insurance for Des Moines Students Delta Dental Plan of Iowa gives free coverage to 1,500 at-risk students in Des Moines DES MOINES, Iowa ? February 11, 2005 ? At a time of rising health care costs, many families, particularly those in challenging financial situations, might not consider the risk of accidental injuries to the teeth, mouth and gums. But dental accidents can be costly, with treatments running into the hundreds and thousands of dollars. To help meet this need, Delta Dental Plan of Iowa has donated 1,500 of its "IowaSmiles" dental accident insurance policies to Des Moines Public School students. The IowaSmiles insurance policies are available on a first-come, first-served basis to at-risk students who do not have other dental insurance, and will provide free emergency dental care for accidental injuries to the teeth. IowaSmiles pays up to $2,000 for treatment of each accident, including dental examination, diagnosis, dental X-rays, oral surgery, crowns, bridges and dentures. IowaSmiles coverage is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week for one year, and will cover all dental accidents not just when the child is at school. "Unfortunately, not all children have dental insurance, and dental accidents can be much more expensive than most parents might expect," said Dr. Ed Schooley, Vice President and Dental Director, Delta Dental Plan of Iowa. "As part of our mission to improve the oral health of Iowans, Delta Dental Plan of Iowa is proud to donate dental accident coverage to help protect the smiles of Des Moines students." "We've been pleased to work with Delta Dental Plan of Iowa to make this accident coverage available to at-risk students," said Jean Phillips, Health Services Facilitator for the Des Moines Public Schools. "Dental health is an important factor in a child's success at school. When a child has an untreated dental injury, he or she is less able to attend school, and less able to concentrate on studies. Parents never know when their child might have a dental accident ? on the playground, while riding a bike, or while playing sports. IowaSmiles dental accident coverage can help parents to help their children when these unfortunate accidents occur." IowaSmiles brochures and applications are available through the school nurse at each Des Moines Public School. The donated dental accident insurance policies are intended for students whose parents cannot afford dental insurance, do not receive dental insurance from their employer, and have incomes too high to qualify for government-sponsored insurance programs. To be eligible for the free IowaSmiles dental accident insurance, children cannot have dental insurance through other means. The IowaSmiles dental accident insurance policies are available to the first eligible 1,500 students who apply. Parents who would like to enroll their children in the program should contact their school nurse, or call Jean Phillips at 242-7831. |