Enhanced Benefits Program

July 29, 2010

Delta Dental of Iowa offers an optional benefit for employer group plans (51+ eligible employees) called the Enhanced Benefits Program that links medical conditions and dental benefits. This coverage may help employers lower overall costs by directing preventive care where it’s needed most – in addition to helping promote medical cost savings.

The Enhanced Benefits Program is based on research supported data from emerging science. Enrollees with the conditions listed below are eligible for additional dental benefits. For more information on the Enhanced Benefits Program, please click here.

Pregnancy – Scientific evidence suggests that there may be an association between women with periodontal (gum) disease and low birth weight of premature babies.

Diabetes – When diabetes is poorly controlled, diabetic patients who receive more professional teeth cleanings may have better controlled glucose levels.

Periodontal Disease – This condition may lead to tooth loss and tooth replacement costs that are much greater than preventive measures such as additional cleanings.

High-Risk Cardiac Conditions – A recent guideline released by the American Heart Association indicates that the presence of dental disease may increase the level of bacteria in the bloodstream and predispose at-risk patients to acquiring infective endocarditis or producing adverse outcomes associated with the disease.

Suppressed Immune Systems – With extra cleanings, patients that are HIV positive or have organ failure may reduce the build up of bacteria in the mouth that may enter the bloodstream, create infection and further compromise their health.

Kidney Failure or Dialysis – Dental infections increase the risk of systemic infection and may be harmful to general kidney functions in people with kidney disease.

Cancer, Chemotherapy and/or Radiation – These therapies may increase the risk for gum infection and cavities because of weakened immune systems.