Are Oral Cancer Services Covered By Dental or Medical Benefits?
At a routine checkup, dentists can spot a lot more than just cavities. In fact, your dentist can detect the symptoms of more than 120 diseases, including oral cancer.[1] That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly.
You may not realize it, but your dentist is looking for signs of oral cancer during your regular exams. If you have symptoms or if you’re at risk for getting oral cancer, your dentist may request additional screenings. Depending on your dental benefits plan, these preventive services are often covered at 100 percent, so you incur little or no out-of-pocket costs.
If oral cancer is diagnosed, the stage of the disease will determine the level of treatment needed. Whether discovered by a dentist or a physician, the treatment for oral cancer is typically a multi-disciplinary approach. Oral cancer patients may see a number of dental and medical specialists, including surgeons, oral surgeons, radiation oncologists, chemotherapy oncologists and restorative specialists. Some of these specialist services may be covered by a dental plan, while others are covered by a medical plan.
Members should check their dental benefits plan to find out what oral cancer services and treatments are covered. You can log into your account for more information.
Remember, along with a healthy lifestyle and maintaining good oral health habits, regularly visiting your dentist is an important part of the fight against oral cancer.
[1] Steven L. Bricker, Robert P. Langlais, and Craig S. Miller, Oral Diagnosis, Oral Medicine and Treatment Planning (Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1994).
Related stories
-
Tips for Dentists: How to Check Patient Benefits and Eligibility
Did you know that Delta Dental of Wisconsin offers an easy way to check your patient’s benefits … Read More
-
Create Smile-Worthy Memories with Delta Dental of Wisconsin’s Starting Lineup
PLUS: High-Five Milwaukee Bucks Players Basketball season is here, and we want to help you smile on … Read More
-
Preventive Care & Your Dental Plan
You know it’s important to brush, floss, and eat healthy. But did you also know regular visits … Read More
Sign Up Now
Most Liked
- 1 Do Expiration Dates on Dental Products Matter? 305 Likes
- 2 Is Activated Charcoal Safe for your Smile? 166 Likes
- 3 Crazy and Cool Fish Teeth Facts 91 Likes
- 4 Delta Dental Protects Your Eyes with DeltaVision® Coverage 70 Likes
- 5 The In-between Tooth: Guide to Bicuspids 53 Likes
- 6 Recipe: Quick Pumpkin Pudding 49 Likes
- 7 Bad Taste After Brushing? Common Explanations 44 Likes
- 8 People with Dental Benefits are Healthier 39 Likes
- 9 Own Your Oral Health: Subscribe now for tips to ensure a bright smile 38 Likes
- 10 Signs of diabetic eye problems 36 Likes