Select members of Delta Dental of Washington now have the option to receive dental care virtually through a new online platform.
Delta Dental of Washington has partnered with Dentistry.One to offer virtual dental care to its more than 4 million patients across the state. Through this partnership, patients can access a range of Dentistry.One’s virtual services, including live video consultations, asynchronous phone reviews and SmileScan — an artificial intelligence-powered tool that monitors and tracks a patient’s oral health.
To access the virtual care and check for eligibility, patients can visit, https://www.deltadentalwa.com/virtual-dental-care.
Virtual visits can address common oral health problems such as identifying cavities, gum disease, chipped teeth, oral hygiene, crowding, pain or swelling, and other dental concerns, according to Delta Dental of Washington’s website.
Communications Manager Marya Lou said Delta Dental of Washington recognizes the systemic barriers that exist across dentistry. This virtual option is a way to combat some of those barriers and increase access for patients, especially those within underserved and rural communities, she said.
Delta Dental of Washington currently serves about 69,000 people across Clark County.
“Making sure we’re reaching members across the state and ensuring they have access to care is really important to us,” Lou said.
Virtual dentistry is now one of two ancillary services Delta Dental provides. The dental insurance company also recently partnered with retailer Amplifon to provide access to savings on hearing aids.
“Both of these partnerships are great examples of Delta Dental of Washington’s commitment to expanding the well-being of Delta Dental of Washington members and expanding access to health care,” Lou said.
Patients will only be connected to a dentist licensed to practice in the state a patient is in. In Washington, there are currently eight licensed dentists that members have access to.
Dental hygienist care advisers can also offer advice and coordination of in-person care when needed.
After virtual care appointments, Dentistry.One will share patients’ oral health reports directly with their preferred dentists and coordinate follow-up appointments, if needed.
Nearly 130 patients across the state have already participated in the program, which launched six weeks ago. Of those patients, 14.3 percent of them received follow-up care, according to Lou.
Lou said that the virtual dental option isn’t intended to replace long-term or preventive dental care. Instead, it’s designed to complement existing benefits available to patients.
Delta Dental of Washington is continuing to look for innovative ways to close gaps in care and make dentistry more accessible, Lou added.
“Through our virtual consultations, we can identify potential oral health issues before they become serious, offer immediate triage, and coordinate in-person care, when necessary,” said Derek Weigand, a dentist at Dentistry.One. “For populations like diabetic patients or expectant mothers, this proactive approach can be truly life-changing.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to clarify that only some members have access to the program.
