Articles
2005 Benefits Manager Survey Results
Being Tabulated; Changes Underway for 2006
Wanted: Users of Delta Dental's Online Eligibility
Submissions Feature
Sixteenth Annual Delta Dental Classic Scheduled
Parents Children's First Defense Against Poor
Oral Health
Employee Named Customer Service Representative
of the Year
2005 Benefits Manager
Survey Results Being Tabulated; Changes Underway
for 2006
We would like to thank everyone who participated
in the 2005 Delta Dental Benefits Manager Survey.
Results are being tabulated, and will be available
in the next issue of Newsletters. More
than 400 benefits managers in New Jersey and Connecticut
shared their insight and experiences with us through
the 2005 survey.
Delta Dental regularly surveys benefits managers
in order to provide groups and their employees with
the best service possible. We depend on your feedback
to assess our performance, identify specific areas
for improvement, and determine how to better meet
your needs.
Delta Dental is implementing a new survey program
for 2006. We will begin conducting quarterly surveys
of benefits managers, starting in March. More frequent
surveys allow us to closely monitor our performance.
Although we will survey a random sample of benefits
managers each quarter, you will not be asked to participate
in a survey more than once a year.
When you receive the next Delta Dental Benefits Manager
Survey, whether it’s this quarter or later
this year, please participate. The survey should
take just five minutes to complete. Your feedback
will help us succeed in our mission to provide “accessible
dental benefit programs of the highest quality, service,
and value” to your organization and your employees.
Wanted: Users of Delta Dental's
Online Eligibility Submissions Feature
Do you submit eligibility changes to Delta Dental
online? Would you be willing to share your experiences
with us?
For the past few years, Newsletters has
featured articles about the benefits of submitting
eligibility changes online. It’s convenient,
letting you manage everything right from your computer.
It’s user-friendly, so even first-time users
can breeze through it. It simplifies record-keeping,
letting you easily view submissions and print reports.
It’s secure, with information password protected.
Plus, eligibility changes take place within 24 hours.
We want to hear about your experiences with Benefits
Connection. You can tell us by going to www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=105481695327,
or by sending an e-mail to dbelle@deltadentalnj.com.
If you haven’t yet tried submitting eligibility
changes online, you can start by calling (973) 285-4144
anytime Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. to get your password. Then, go to www.deltadentalnj.com,
click "Employers," and sign into the Administrator's
Logon area. You're ready to go!
Sixteenth Annual
Delta Dental Classic Scheduled
The 16th Annual Delta Dental Classic, which benefits
Special Olympics New Jersey, will take place on June
21, 2006 at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club in Bedminster,
New Jersey. For information, contact Jennifer Appaluccio
at jappaluccio@deltadentalnj.com.
Be sure to mark the date!
Parents Children's
First Defense Against Poor Oral Health
According to the National Institute of Dental and
Craniofacial Research, tooth decay, or dental caries,
remains the single most common chronic childhood
disease in the United States. By educating children
about the importance of healthy foods and encouraging
them to brush their teeth regularly, parents can
help drastically reduce their children’s chances
of developing oral health problems.
“The sooner parents begin to promote good oral health, the better,” said
Dr. Scott Navarro, Delta Dental’s dental director. “It is recommended
that children have their first dental checkup when their teeth begin to come
through the gums or no later than their first birthday, and every six months
thereafter. Also, promoting a low-sugar diet at an early age by encouraging
children to prefer the natural taste of unprocessed, unsweetened foods could
really make a difference in a child’s oral health as he or she grows
up.”
Tooth brushing should be approached as a fun family
activity that occurs after breakfast and before bedtime.
When brushing, it is best to hold the toothbrush
against the gumline at an angle with a light grasp.
Plaque is soft and is better removed by thorough
but light brushing instead of vigorous scrubbing,
which can cause unwanted wear on teeth. Children's
teeth and gums can be sensitive too; a gentle touch
will make them more comfortable.
“Saliva production slows down during the sleep cycle, and your mouth
can't wash away as much plaque. So it's important to make teeth as plaque-free
as possible before going to bed,” continued Dr. Navarro.
Parents can also help to protect their child’s
teeth by using fluoridated toothpaste and talking
to the dentist about dental sealants and professional
fluoride treatments, which have been proven to be
very effective in protecting children’s teeth
against cavities and tooth decay. Also, children
should always wear a helmet when bicycling and use
protective headgear and mouth guards in other sports
activities to prevent oral injuries.
Wellness articles such as this one regularly appear in Delta Dental’s Subscriber
News, a monthly e-mail newsletter that is sent free to subscribers. Your
employees can subscribe by going to www.deltadentalnj.com, clicking “Members,” and
entering their e-mail address in the Subscriber News subscription box.
Subscribers may unsubscribe at any time. Delta Dental does not sell, rent,
or disclose e-mail addresses to third parties. Subscribers will not receive
unsolicited e-mail, or "spam," as a result of their subscription.
Employee Named Customer Service
Representative of the Year
Senior Customer Service Agent Audra Irwin has been
named 2005 Customer Service Representative of the
Year by the Garden State Chapter of the International
Customer Service Association (GSICSA).
Through a nomination process, the GSICSA presents
one award annually to a customer service representative
who goes above and beyond their job description.
Nominated by Delta Dental Customer Service management,
Irwin won the award for her ability to consistently
demonstrate skills and professionalism that result
in the greatest levels of customer satisfaction.
"During the past few years, Audra has demonstrated 100% effort in all of her
responsibilities," said Michelle Mulhern, director of Customer Service. "Through
her professional manner and ability to resolve the most difficult claims processing
issues with a smile, Audra provides exceptional customer service and is a model
for all of our customer service agents."
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