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Former Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson called Delta Dental's focus on prevention a model for the healthcare industry.
"(Delta Dental is) doing something that every other facet of healthcare should be putting an emphasis on: prevention," Thompson said at the annual Delta Dental Staff Seminar.
The case for prevention in dentistry is strong. Because most dental conditions such as cavities and gum disease are largely preventable, it makes sense to motivate patients to seek preventive care. Most of our dental plans fund preventive services at 100%, giving patients a powerful incentive to make smart decisions about their oral health.
Preventive care also makes good financial sense. The Institute of Medicine estimates that every dollar spent on preventive dental care reduces restorative treatment expenses by about four dollars.
"In the dental industry, we all understand the great importance of preventive care," said Janis Oshensky, vice-president of public policy for Delta Dental Plans Association. "But it's energizing when you receive acknowledgment from someone like Secretary Thompson that you're doing the right thing."
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