FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Dental Benefit Program Shows Promise of Minimally Invasive Care
When given a choice, 94% of eligible members chose minimally invasive care to reduce the need for costly drilling; Delta Dental of Massachusetts expects adoption to grow with education and access.
BOSTON — January 9, 2024 — A new enhanced benefit program by Delta Dental of Massachusetts (DDMA) focused on preventive, minimally invasive dental care is showing promise in keeping patients healthy while reducing the need for painful and costly drilling.
The Healthy Teeth program was conducted in collaboration with 42 North Dental across four supported dental offices—Gentle Dental Braintree, Gentle Dental Quincy, Dynamic Dental, and Allen Dental Associates. The program offered enhanced benefit coverage to adult and pediatric DDMA patients, including minimally invasive treatment options such as fluoride varnish, sealants, self-assembling peptide P11-4, and silver diamine fluoride.
Research has shown these treatments can prevent and, in some cases, reverse the early signs of tooth decay. If decay is not treated at an early stage, it often requires invasive restorative procedures, including dental fillings, that can be painful and costly for patients.
Among the 660 DDMA members diagnosed with early signs of tooth decay and who received one of the minimally invasive treatment options, 97% reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their care experience.
“Educating providers and patients on such valuable treatment alternatives is critical and should lead to healthier patient outcomes with less cost.”
— Dr. Michael Scialabba, Chief Clinical Officer, 42 North Dental
“Our goal at Delta Dental of Massachusetts is to improve the oral health care of all our members, and this new program shows promise that we can enhance care and reduce costs for all. When people are given choice and access, they choose pain-free, minimally invasive treatments that reduce the need for drilling in the long term.”
— Erik Montlack, President, Delta Dental of Massachusetts
Dr. Scialabba emphasized the broader implications of the approach, noting that minimally invasive care has the potential to prevent decay and recalcify existing non-cavitated lesions, allowing millions of people to be treated in a non-surgical way while improving oral health outcomes and reducing the global cost of care.
“The patients that have been part of the Healthy Teeth program have been astounded to find out that there is a non-invasive treatment for early caries. Minimally invasive care—or preventistry—is the future of dentistry and should be a part of future reimbursement models.”
— Dr. Craig Allen, Allen Dental Associates
As a result of the program’s success, Delta Dental of Massachusetts has begun phasing minimally invasive care benefits into its broader product portfolio. Over the next several years, DDMA expects many customers will elect to add these benefits to their standard coverage.
About Delta Dental of Massachusetts
Delta Dental of Massachusetts (www.deltadentalma.com), the largest provider of dental benefits in the state, is a leader in innovative programs that improve the overall health of members, prevent oral disease, and reduce health care costs for employers, groups, and individuals. Headquartered in Charlestown, Mass., Delta Dental of Massachusetts, a member of the Delta Dental Plans Association (www.deltadental.com), covers more than 2 million people.
Follow us on X (@DeltaDentalofMA), Facebook (www.facebook.com/DeltaDentalMA), and Instagram (@deltadentalofma).
About 42 North Dental
42 North Dental (42northdental.com) is a leading dental organization supporting 38 practice brands across more than 100 locations. Committed to setting the quality standard in dental care, 42 North Dental operates under principles of quality, safety, and compliance and is rooted in more than 40 years of experience in dentistry.
