DentaQuest Partnership Offers Members Virtual Care

DentaQuest partnered with Teledentistry.com to offer DentaQuest members virtual access to dental providers and alleviate barriers to care.

DentaQuest and Teledentistry.com have partnered to bring DentaQuest members virtual, anytime access to dental providers, alleviating barriers to care with particular focus on those in need of service after hours or while traveling.

By the end of 2023, the organizations expect to make 24/7 dental care available to Medicaid and commercial dental plan members in 20 states. DentaQuest Medicaid and CHIP members in several states, including New Hampshire and Arizona, already have access to the service.

A recent pilot program at DentaQuest’s affiliate dental practices in one state revealed that 30% of teledentistry consult patients did not need to follow up with in-person care and saved up to $140 per visit.

“Together, DentaQuest and Teledentistry.com bring decades of leadership and program expertise to our comprehensive nationwide provider network,” said Brett Bostrack, chief network officer for DentaQuest. “Virtual visits present a great new opportunity to ensure everyone – no matter where you are or what time of day – can access quality, efficient and effective oral health care. They also help to alleviate overburdened hospital emergency departments and dental practice front-office staff.”

In addition to virtual dental care, the partnership is implementing patient-centered engagement services, starting with DentaQuest Medicaid and CHIP members. MESH, or Member Engagement for Sustainable Healthcare, aims to raise awareness and use of available dental benefits, help identify oral disease, and get the patient established in a patient-centered dental home for definitive and ongoing care.

“We are excited to help expand access to dental care for DentaQuest members all over the country,” said Vilas Sastry, DMD, chief executive officer of Teledentistry.com. “Teledentistry is not only an effective delivery model to reduce reliance on emergency rooms for nontraumatic dental conditions, but also a pathway to improved preventive care for thousands of people, and we look forward to growing this partnership.”