Date Archives March 2015

What does EOB mean? Explanation for an Explanation of Benefits (EOB)

03/31/2015 read Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits

Girl checking here dental benefits online with her dog by her side.

*Updated April 2024

Navigating dental insurance terms and documents can feel like deciphering a foreign language. One such document that can leave patients scratching their heads is the Explanation of Benefits (EOB).

What is an EOB?

An Explanation of Benefits, commonly referred to as an EOB, is a paper or digital statement sent by your dental insurance provider detailing the costs of services or treatments that they have covered on your behalf, as well as any charges you’re responsible for.

While it may seem similar to a bill at first glance, an EOB serves a different purpose altogether. Instead of indicating the amount you owe, it serves as a summary of the claims processed by your insurance company, outlining what services were provided, the associated costs, and how much your insurance covers. If your procedure with your dentist was fully covered, you won’t receive an EOB. That’s because the rate the dentist requested was covered by insurance.

Why is an EOB important?

An EOB provides information about any outstanding payments owed to your dentist. It also serves as an opportunity to verify that you’ve been accurately billed for the services and to ensure that the charges align with your plan’s coverage.

It’s important to review your EOB to check for any billing mistakes. Typically, an EOB provides information such as the treatments administered, dentist fees, insurance reimbursements, potential costs for deductibles or copays, details on procedures not covered by your policy, coordination of benefits (if applicable), utilization of your annual maximum, and your contributions toward the deductible in the current benefit year.

An EOB is a way to keep all parties informed and honest. It allows the insurance company to communicate to the member what exactly you are financially responsible for. You shouldn’t pay any more or any less than what is stated on the EOB. If your statement says “not chargeable to patient” anywhere, this is a reflection that the dentist billed above what their contracted rate allows.

What to do if there is a mistake on your EOB

You shouldn’t have to take any action when you receive an EOB. However, if you didn’t receive the services listed on the document or if something looks to be incorrect from what you recall during the treatment, it’s important to contact us.

Teeth are Food Tools, Not Power Tools

03/26/2015 read Uncategorized

Everyone has done it at one time or another. You’re away from your scissors and you need something to cut with. Why not use your pearly whites? Well, we’ll tell you why it’s time to break those bad habits.

The enamel on your teeth is one of the hardest substances in your body. But that doesn’t mean you should use it as your own personal Swiss Army knife. We’ve heard of people doing wild things with their teeth. This includes biting off price tags, ripping open containers, chomping off pieces of tape, or even opening bottles!

Crazy, right?

Your tooth enamel is a protective coating in place to protect the tools you need to eat food. And while enamel may be tough, your teeth are not abuse-resistant. They can crack and break just like anything else. Tooth damage is painful, so don’t put your smile at risk.

Be kind to your pearly whites! Use them for chewing and speaking, not as power tools! Here are some ways to start breaking bad habits:

Stop Chewing Ice

It’s easy to do, especially when it’s hot outside and you’re thirsting for every last drop of your icy beverage. If you feel like you need the water, opt for a glass instead of chowing down on that hard ice. Save yourself some irreparable damage to your teeth.

No More Cutting. Teeth are Not Scissors.

Avoid actually using your teeth to cut or pull on anything, like tape, bags of chips, fishing line, or even shopping tags. This can wear your enamel down unnecessarily, which could lead to cavities, sensitivity to temperatures, and worse. Opt for actual tools instead and save yourself the pain and financial misery that comes with oral health damage.

Don’t Be a Show Off

When large crowds are gathered, it seems there’s always someone trying to pop a cap off a bottle in a strange way. Whether with an eye socket or teeth, it can be neat to see, but it’s also very dangerous. Not only can the cap cut you somewhere on your face or neck, but you may break something important. If you want to be the life of the party, learn some cool card tricks instead.

Your teeth should be used for three tasks:

cutting and chewing food,
helping you pronounce words,
and smiling.

They’re definitely not supposed to do all of the other things we ask of them daily.

Chips and cracks on your teeth can be very painful and may lead to permanent damage or even extraction! For some people, chewing on objects like pencils or fingernails is a hard-to-break habit. However, you can stop. It just takes patience and practice.

Learn more about how to keep your teeth healthy with these ideas on how to stop biting your fingernails.

Looking for a dentist near you? Click here.

Strategies for a Speedy Smile Routine

03/24/2015 read Uncategorized

Chef. Chauffer. Teacher. Event Coordinator. Financial Planner. Personal Shopper.

What if we told you approximately 66% of Americans juggle all six of these jobs? Would you believe these individuals make a $0 per year salary? It’s true, and you might even be one of them.

So, who are these remarkable, multi-tasking people?
Parents.

Moms and dads will do just about anything to ensure healthy, happy children. But with the constant appointments, practices, and crazy schedules, it’s hard to keep everything (and everyone) in line.

While it’s fine to rush out the door and forget to grab your cell phone or brush your hair, you should never leave the house without brushing your teeth. Tooth decay is nearly 100% preventable, which means healthy smiles for the whole family are possible.

When we get busy, we tend to be less organized. Here are some tips to ensure a smoother routine and a smile-filled family:

Repetition makes routine.

Make your brushing behaviors second-nature. Do everything in the same order. Wake-up, shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, BRUSH. Regardless of which order works for you, enjoy meals before you get your brush on.

Use a timesaving toothbrush.

Electric toothbrushes can be a time-saver for the whole family. They’re a great choice for kids that have a hard time reaching all parts of their mouths. Many power brushes feature timers, so you get the best brush in the recommended two minutes. Do you or a family member get bored easily? Try a musical toothbrush.

Do it together.

Make brushing and flossing a family affair! If you can’t do it together everyday, keep kids accountable with a brushing and flossing chart.

Do you have any tips for establishing a routine? Share them in the comments below!

Make Time for Break Time: Lunchbox Ideas for Work

03/19/2015 read Uncategorized

Our brains need periodic breaks to refresh. Studies show taking breaks rather than “practice, practice, practice” can improve our performance. Make the most of your workdays by taking a lunch break away from your desk.

Sounds like an easy to-do, right? Unfortunately, it may not be for many. More than half of Americans studied said it was “rare or unrealistic for them to take a proper lunch break away from their work.” Now, we’re more likely to eat at our desk than anywhere else with the misconception that it will help us get more done. Studies prove that the real impact, though, is that we’re left feeling:

tired (44%)
stressed (31%)
overwhelmed (24%)
exhausted (26%)
anxious (20%)

Properly fuel up with lunch box ideas for work that will boost your smile health! Eat from the five major food groups; the more colorful your plate, the better! Include:

whole grains
fruits
vegetables
lean sources of protein such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish; dry beans, peas, and other legumes
low-fat and fat-free dairy foods

This allows your body to get a variety of nutrients from different sources. Oral health and overall health are closely related, so they’re good for your smile, too!

Try one of these three easy lunches:

Zesty Shrimp and Black Bean Salad

90% of the calories in shrimp are protein, making them perfect fuel for your body and mind. Three ounces of shrimp can provide over 20 different vitamins and minerals. Shrimp can help reduce inflammation and promote heart health. The American Dental Association recommends eating at least 8 oz. of seafood a week. Full Recipe via eatingwell.com

Watermelon Gazpacho

Watermelon packs almost 23 milligrams of vitamin C per serving, which helps to protect us from infections. Studies prove a link between low Vitamin C levels in the plasma and periodontitis or severe gum disease. Full Recipe via today’s parent.com.

Asian Chopped Kale Salad

Dark, leafy greens add an enormous amount of nutrients to your meal. Vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, and phosphorus are our front-runners when it comes to kale. Our teeth and bones store phosphorus, which aids in how we absorb calcium and magnesium. Full Recipe

Claim an office drawer to satisfy hunger distractions. Pack it full of healthy, tasty snacks for a satisfying (and more productive) day at work. Consider things like:

almonds
whole-grain crackers
peanut butter
crunchy veggies and hummus
apples and bananas
granola

Hopefully skipping lunch will never cross your mind again. A nutrient-rich meal is sure to keep you smiling wide until dinnertime. Looking for more tooth-friendly meal ideas? Check out:

RECIPE: Greek Yogurt Hummus

4 Reasons Why It’s Easy Being Green

03/17/2015 read Uncategorized

A wise frog once told us, “It’s not easy being green.” Well, no offense Kermit, but we have to disagree. Here are four green things to help your body and smile:

1. Mint: There’s a reason most dental products are mint-flavored. Besides their fresh taste, mint leaves clean your tongue and teeth. How? They block harmful bacteria growth inside your mouth. If you’re not partial to leaf chewing, refresh your dental gear with a minty paste and pack of floss.

2. Green Exercise: The top ‘o the morning doesn’t seem so dim anymore. Spring is only a few days away! Get outside for a jog and enjoy the budding greenery. Your body, mouth, and mood will thank you.

3. Green Tea: This steamy beverage is a smile superstar. Green tea contains bacteria-fighting polyphenols that help prevent tooth-attacking acids. Bonus points to those who brew their tea with fluoridated water.

4. Leafy Greens: Believe it or not, leafy vegetables are luckier than leafy clovers. These veggies promote good digestion and help support oral health. For example, green goodies like spinach and kale require a lot of chewing. Chewing increases saliva flow, which is a wonderful (natural) way to kick plaque to the curb.

Follow our suggestions to enjoy a green-with-envy and luck-filled St. Patrick’s Day!

Oral and Overall Health: A slam dunk

03/12/2015 read Uncategorized

Girl playing basketball dribbles past her opponent

Delta Dental of Wisconsin is a proud sponsor of the 2015 WIAA State Basketball Tournament.

The Girls State Basketball tournament kicks off March 12-14 at Green Bay’s Resch Center, and the Boys State Basketball tournament is March 19-20 at Madison’s Kohl Center. These tournaments are the culmination of a season of hard work and intense physical activity.

Did you know that oral and overall health are closely linked? Increase your physical activity to improve your smile. Your body’s systems work as a team. Athletes who maintain a healthy weight and exercise on a regular basis are less likely to develop gum disease.

4 tips to keep your oral health and fitness game in winning condition:

1. Set realistic weekly workout goals. Keep a chart to track your progress, and reward yourself for reaching your fitness goals.

2. Hit the gym with a fitness buddy. A partner is also great for talking you out of that donut. Encourage one another to take classes at the gym or go for a de-stressing walk .

3. Control your inner cookie monster. If unhealthy foods aren’t around, you’re less likely to indulge in sweets. Replace junk food with healthy fruits and veggies that are tooth-friendly (and delicious).

4. Combine fitness and your toothbrush routine. While brushing, dance or do a 2-minute wall-sit.

Small steps can have a big impact on your oral and overall health. Work these changes into your day to live a healthier life, and make sure to cheer on all your favorite athletes at the 2015 State Basketball Championship!

Teeth Brushing Basics

03/10/2015 read Uncategorized

Brushing your teeth may seem simple, but many people do it incorrectly. Make sure you’re brushing properly with these simple steps:

1. Use the correct toothbrush and toothpaste
Start your routine with a soft, nylon toothbrush. Use a pea-sized amount of ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste.

2. Brush in big circles!
Move the toothbrush back and forth in short circular strokes. Pay special attention to the gum line (where the teeth and gums meet).

3. Use the right pressure
Hard brushing can damage your tooth enamel. Go easy on your teeth and gums by brushing gently.

4. Clean all surfaces of the teeth
Brush the cheek side, the tongue side, and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Concentrate on the tongue side surfaces – studies show they’re often neglected.

5. Brush your tongue
This will remove plaque and other bacteria which can cause bad breath and encourage bacteria growth.

6. Sing a simple melody
Silently sing the A, B, C’s or Happy Birthday. Brush at least 2 times a day for 2 minutes.

By brushing properly, you can help keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Learn more about proper brushing by visiting the Delta Dental Oral Health Library here.

Dentists: Position Your Practice for Success with Delta Dental

03/03/2015 read Uncategorized

We want to expand access to dental health care, and we want YOU to be a part of it. Here are some advantages to working with us:

• More Patients — Delta Dental network dentists average 5 more patient visits per week than non-participating dentists.

• Visibility — You’ll be listed in our national dentist search. When nearby members search for a participating dentist, your practice will appear in the results.

• Easy Administration — Participating dentists are paid directly when treating Delta Dental subscribers. Our accurate claims processing means you’ll be paid quickly and easily.

• National Coverage —You’ll be in-network for Wisconsin patients and for Delta Dental members nationwide!

• Dental Expertise — We focus on dental insurance — and we do it well.

Research shows insured individuals visit their dentist twice as often as those without insurance.

Contact our Delta Dental of Wisconsin Professional Relations team for more information at 1-800-836-0490.