What is Virtual Dental Care?
Jake Newby
| 3 min read
Virtual health care has helped countless people deal with physical emergencies, injuries and illnesses developed after hours, when primary care providers are not accessible. This same level of convenient care is now available for your teeth, through Virtual Dental Care.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Virtual Dental Care is here for members seeking more options for urgent dental care. Powered by Teledentistry.com. Virtual Dental Care is included with all commercial Blue Dental plans (unavailable for Medicare Advantage members). Here’s how this newly available service can benefit you.
When to rely on Blue Cross Virtual Dental Care visits
Virtual Dental Care represents an in-network solution for members to use when they experience a dental emergency and need immediate access to a licensed dentist. Maybe you develop a case of inflamed or irritated gums or an infection you’re not sure how to treat. Virtual Dental Care service is there for you when you:
- Are having a dental emergency and need immediate access to a licensed dentist.
- Need dental care or answers after-hours or when their regular dentist is not available.
- Are traveling and unable to get immediate dental care.
“The Blue Cross Virtual Dental Care program reduces barriers and increases access to oral care,” said Dr. Kristi Thomas, DDS, MPH, FICD, an associate dental consultant at Blue Cross. “It provides support for our hard-working provider partners as we all work to address oral health needs in a clinical setting and prevent unnecessary and costly visits to emergency rooms.”
Virtual Dental Care can help members find solutions to their dental issues. It’s a service that provides expanded access choices to deter costly emergency room visits stemming from a dental issue.
How to access Virtual Dental Care and get started
It’s easy for Blue Cross members to get a Virtual Dental Care visit. Here’s what to do:
- Log in to your Blue Account, go to my coverage and select Dental to search for a dentist or visit mibluedentist.com. Virtual Dental Care will appear below the search menu and in your search results. Or you can call 1-866-788-9997 to get connected.
- Follow the prompts to get started and complete all required online forms.
- You will be connected with a virtual dentist to begin your consultation.
After your initial consultation, virtual dentists can write prescriptions when appropriate. They will email consultation notes to your Blue Cross network dentist for further treatment. If you do not have a dentist, the virtual dentist will refer you to an in-network dentist with your authorization.
Teledentistry is meant to supplement your current dental plan and should be used after business hours, on holidays and weekends, or when experiencing a dental emergency and your regular dentist is not available.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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