Member newsletter - April 2024

hennepin health member newseltter

 

April 2024

In this issue:


Everything you need to know about dental health care as a Hennepin Health member

Schedule a dental appointment today

Dental care is just as important as other medical care and can positively impact your overall health. We strongly encourage our members to see the dentist regularly to ensure good dental health. Your Hennepin Health dental coverage includes check-ups, cleanings, fillings and restorative work. Everyone ages one year and older — even people who don’t have their natural teeth — should see a dentist twice a year. Denture wearers should be checked at least once a year.

Schedule a dental appointment or find a dentist by calling Delta Dental at 651-348-3233 (866-298-5549), TTY 711, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Learn more about your dental coverage on our website at https://hennepinhealth.org/members/dental-care.

Child at dentist

Kids' dental care

Give your children healthy smiles by making sure they:
• Brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss between their teeth daily.
• Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks.
• See their dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral diseases.

Find fun coloring and activity sheets for your kids in English and Spanish at the ADA Children’s Dental Health Month website. 

See a dentist – get a gift card!

Members (ages 1+) can earn a $25 gift card for completing an annual dental visit by a Delta Dental network dentist. To get a gift card, make an appointment with an in-network dentist for an annual exam. Print the dental rewards voucher and bring it with you to the visit. Afterwards, return it to Hennepin Health and you will receive a $25 gift card. Step-by-step instructions for how to receive this reward can be found on the dental rewards voucher.

Read more about the rewards program on our website or call Hennepin Health Member Services at 612-596-1036, TTY 711, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with any questions.

Adult at dentist

Dental care coordination available

Need help finding a dentist or making an appointment? You can get assistance from a dental care coordinator through Delta Dental. Dental care coordinators will help you:

  • Find the right provider for you.
  • Schedule an appointment.
  • Get transportation or interpretation services if you need them.

The dental care coordinator also will make appointment reminder and follow-up calls to make sure you have everything you need for your dental appointment. 

Dental care coordinators work with medical care coordinators and case managers. This ensures that your care team works together to support you and your health.  

To connect with a dental care coordinator, call Delta Dental at 651-348-3233 (866-298-5549), TTY 711, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

How diabetes affects your dental health

A healthy mouth is important for everyone, but high blood sugar can make it harder to keep your mouth well. If your diabetes is not under control, you are more likely to develop problems in your mouth like gum disease, which can make blood sugar harder to control. Here’s what you need to know about protecting your teeth and gums, and how taking extra-good care of your dental health can boost your overall health, too.

Diabetes can take a toll on your oral health 

  • You may have less saliva, causing your mouth to feel dry. (Dry mouth is also caused by certain medicines.)
  • Your gums may become inflamed and bleed often. You may notice that your gums bleed when you brush or floss. These are possible signs of early gum disease (gingivitis), which can be harmful to your overall health.
  • Diabetes can also make it harder for you to taste your food.
  • Diabetes can increase the chances that small cuts or sores inside your mouth will become infected. Infections in your mouth can take longer to heal.
  • People with diabetes have a higher chance of having gum disease, an infection of the gum and bone that hold the teeth in place. Gum disease can lead to pain, constant bad breath, chewing difficulties and even tooth loss.

Keep your teeth and gums healthy 

  • Tell your dentist if you have diabetes.
  • Keep regular dental visits to prevent problems. Follow your diabetes care schedule.
  • Ask your dentist how often you should have your teeth checked.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss your teeth at least once a day.
  • If your gums are red, swollen or bleed easily, see your dentist. These may be signs of gum disease. Other signs include dry mouth, loose teeth or mouth pain.
  • If you smoke, quit. Smoking increases your risk of gum disease and can worsen your diabetes.

To find a dentist who is accepting new patients and to schedule an appointment, call Delta Dental at 651-348-3233 (866-298-5549), TTY 711, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

If you need an interpreter or a ride to your dental appointment, call Hennepin Health Member Services at 612-596-1036, TTY 711, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Dental Days at the Hennepin Health Member Service Center in downtown Minneapolis

We want to make getting dental care easy for our members. During our Dental Days at the Hennepin Health Member Service Center in downtown Minneapolis, members can receive care from expert providers from Children’s Dental Service (serving adults and children).

Members can make an appointment to get dental care at one of the Dental Days throughout 2024. See below for dates and times.

2024 Dental Days schedule

2024 Dental Days schedule

To make an appointment to receive care at Hennepin Health Dental Days, speak with the Hennepin Health Member Services team in person at the Member Service Center (see address above) or call Member Services at 612-596-1036, TTY 711, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

To make an appointment for care at a dentist office (not part of Dental Days) or if you need help finding a dentist, call Delta Dental at 651-348-3233 (866-298-5549), TTY 711, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

DHS approved 04/08/2024 ID# MC-1603-MC

Language and civil rights notices

Contact us

612-596-1036

Email

hennepinhealth.org

Follow us

facebooktwitterinstagramyoutubelinked in
Hennepin County