FYI

January 25 is National Fluoride Day — a great time to remember the importance of fluoride in your  patients’ oral health.

Fluoride varnish is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for all infants and children starting at tooth eruption through age 5. Children in this age category should receive an application of fluoride varnish at least once every six months.
 

What Delta Dental covers

Most Delta Dental PPO™ and DeltaCare® USA plans cover fluoride treatments for children up to age 12, and many cover treatments up to age 18 and older. Check your patients’ benefit details in Provider Tools to make sure they are covered.

The specific codes for fluoride treatments are:
 

• D1206 — Topical application of fluoride varnish
• D1208 — Topical application of fluoride excluding varnish
   

The Affordable Care Act also requires health insurance coverage of fluoride varnish applied to the baby teeth of all children ages 5 and younger at no cost.
 

How to talk to hesitant parents

Preventive dental care is important at any age, and you should always inform patients and parents about the role that fluoride plays in that care. Some parents, though, may object to fluoride applications.

Ask them questions about why they want to opt out of treatment, and listen closely to help build trust. Reassure them that you respect their health care decisions, and make sure they understand the risk involved if their children do not get treated.