Surprised? It’s all part of the growing understanding of the connection between oral health and overall health. These research-supported facts come from the emerging science of evidence-based dentistry, or EBD. Simply put, EBD bridges the gap between dentistry and medical treatment.

Studies show that periodontal disease is linked to complications resulting from diabetes, and that it also is a factor in the incidence of preterm, low-birth weight babies. Together, these problems create additional costs of well over $150 billion annually in the United States, mostly for medical treatment.

That is why Delta Dental of Wisconsin has introduced its new Evidence-Based Integrated Care Plan. EBICP is an optional enhancement to group dental plans that provides special benefits for individuals with specific medical conditions.

Surprisingly affordable and easy to administer, this optional coverage can help employers lower their overall costs by directing preventive care where it’s needed most. For most groups, EBICP can be added to an existing plan for around 1% more than current dental plan costs. For some, switching to EBICP can actually reduce dental plan costs, in addition to promoting medical cost savings.

EBICP benefits for persons with diabetes

With an indicator for diabetes, the enrollee will be eligible for four visits in a year (four CDT code 4910 -- periodontal maintenance, or two CDT code 1110 -- adult cleaning and two CDT code 4910). Coverage will be at the group-contracted benefit level, with the additional frequency allowance being the only change. There is no end date on this additional coverage. There is no age requirement and the patient may be the subscriber, spouse or other covered dependent.

EBICP benefits for pregnant women

With an indicator for pregnancy, the enrollee will be eligible for one additional visit during the time of the pregnancy (CDT code 4910 -- periodontal maintenance, or CDT code 1110 -- adult cleaning). Coverage will be at the group-contracted benefit level, with the additional frequency allowance being the only change. There is no age requirement and the patient may be the subscriber, spouse or other covered dependent.

EBICP benefits for persons who have had periodontal surgery

With a history of periodontal surgery, the enrollee will be eligible for four visits in a benefit year (four CDT code 4910 -- periodontal maintenance, or two CDT code 1110 -- adult cleaning and two CDT code 4910). Additionally, the enrollee will be eligible for two applications of topical fluoride varnish in a benefit year. Coverage will be at the group-contracted benefit level, with the additional frequency allowance being the only change. There is no end date on this additional coverage. There is no age requirement and the patient may be the subscriber, spouse or other covered dependent.

The EBICP option is part of the emerging science of evidence-based dentistry, or EBD. EBD is a set of principles and methods intended to ensure to the greatest extent possible, clinical decisions, guidelines and other types of policies are based on and consistent with good evidence of effectiveness and benefit To learn more about EBICP and other ways Delta Dental is on the forefront of evidence-based plan designs, call your insurance agent, or contact our sales department at 800-236-3713. Get the full story on EBICP by downloading a copy of our white paper.

Evidence-Based Integrated Care Plan white paper (pdf)