VNS Health Total: Dental Services
Poor dental care can lead to infection, chewing/swallowing problems, even heart, lung, and brain diseases, as well as an inability to enjoy our favorite foods!
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How To Receive
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Schedule a dental exam with an in-network dentist. Healthplex is the partner provider recommended.
For dental-related questions, contact Healthplex at (800) 468-9868 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220), 8:00am–6:00pm, Monday–Friday.
-OR- Search for an in-network dental services provider: Click on the Dental tab on the page.
Attend the appointment and complete the dental exam.
If transportation is needed to/from the appointment:
Call (877) 718-4219 (TTY: 711), M-F 8am-8pm, at least 48 hours in advance of the needed transportation.
Have the date, time, location, and reason for transportation ready when calling.
Receive authorization and guidance on scheduling the transportation service.
Get confirmation of scheduled transportation.
Use the transportation service to and from the appointment.
The dentist will develop a care plan for any issues and may schedule follow-up appointments for additional work.
It is the responsibility of the dental office to inform you of the total cost and any out-of-pocket expenses related to recommended services.
If needed, obtain a network dentist referral to a network orthodontist, periodontist, or other specialist for conditions requiring a higher level of care.
Contact the VNS Health Total Care Team at (866) 783-1444 (TTY 711) for inquiries about prior authorization.
It is likely that the dentist or specialist will help with prior authorization before scheduling any procedures.
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Proper dental care is about much more than teeth, though clean and healthy teeth are an essential start. Many people don't realize that issues with the teeth and gums lead to far greater problems that what is seen or felt on the surface. Many older adults ignore signs and symptoms of poor dental health.
Cavities are sometimes seen and felt, though oftentimes not, and they are best addressed early, just as with any other condition. Once tooth pain is felt, drilling and filling are a certainty, and maybe more. Avoiding dry mouth (which occurs frequently in older adults) and brushing regularly are essential in preventing cavities.
Broken or missing teeth are a gateway to the tissues, vessels, nerves, and bones beneath. Those vessels and nerves, especially, are direct pathways to the heart and brain. Therefore, if an infection occurs beneath the teeth, it could travel to the heart or brain. Dental problems can actually cause heart disease and irreversible angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart).
Likewise with gum disease, which is why gingivitis should not go untreated. Gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease affects the tissues around the teeth, including the bone to which they are anchored. It is a risk factor for both heart and lung disease.
Dental problems can also affect speech, and cause difficulties with chewing or swallowing, leading to poor nutrition and aspiration risk (liquids or foods pass into the lungs).
Probably most importantly, poor dental care can prevent people from enjoying the foods they prefer. It takes healthy teeth and gums to process meats, fibrous foods (most fruits and vegetables), and crunchy snacks.
Dentures and implants are excellent alternatives when required, though they are expensive and not as reliable as natural teeth. They are also avoidable with proper dental care.
In general, preventive dental services (such as cleaning, routine dental exams, and dental x-rays) are not covered by Original Medicare, though may be covered by Medicaid.
Medicaid-covered dental services include regular and routine dental services such as preventive dental checkups, cleaning, x-rays, fillings, dentures, dental implants and other services to check for any changes or abnormalities that may require treatment and/or follow-up care.
The health plan covers comprehensive dental services:
2 visits a year for diagnostic services
2 visits a year for restorative services (fillings, crowns)
2 visits a year for prosthodontics (bridges, implants, dentures), other oral/maxillofacial surgery
You do not need a referral from your provider to see a dentist.
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