Are Oral Cancer Services Covered By Dental or Medical Benefits?

At a routine checkup, dentists can spot a lot more than just cavities. In fact, your dentist can detect the symptoms of more than 120 diseases, including oral cancer.[1] That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly.
You may not realize it, but your dentist is looking for signs of oral cancer during your regular exams. If you have symptoms or if you’re at risk for getting oral cancer, your dentist may request additional screenings. Depending on your dental benefits plan, these preventive services are often covered at 100 percent, so you incur little or no out-of-pocket costs.
If oral cancer is diagnosed, the stage of the disease will determine the level of treatment needed. Whether discovered by a dentist or a physician, the treatment for oral cancer is typically a multi-disciplinary approach. Oral cancer patients may see a number of dental and medical specialists, including surgeons, oral surgeons, radiation oncologists, chemotherapy oncologists and restorative specialists. Some of these specialist services may be covered by a dental plan, while others are covered by a medical plan.
Members should check their dental benefits plan to find out what oral cancer services and treatments are covered. You can log into your account for more information.
Remember, along with a healthy lifestyle and maintaining good oral health habits, regularly visiting your dentist is an important part of the fight against oral cancer.
[1] Steven L. Bricker, Robert P. Langlais, and Craig S. Miller, Oral Diagnosis, Oral Medicine and Treatment Planning (Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1994).
Related stories
-
Dentists: Position Your Practice for Success with Delta Dental
We want to expand access to dental health care, and we want YOU to be a part … Read More
-
The Psychology Behind Nail Biting Habits
Studies show up to 50% of adults habitually bite their nails. Nail nibbling is one of many … Read More
-
Why We Dig Gardening
We know gardening is great for your mind, body and soul, but did you know it can … Read More
Sign Up Now
Tweets
Most Liked
- 1 Do Expiration Dates on Dental Products Matter? 300 Likes
- 2 Is Activated Charcoal Safe for your Smile? 166 Likes
- 3 Crazy and Cool Fish Teeth Facts 91 Likes
- 4 Delta Dental Protects Your Eyes with DeltaVision® Coverage 65 Likes
- 5 Recipe: Quick Pumpkin Pudding 48 Likes
- 6 The In-between Tooth: Guide to Bicuspids 47 Likes
- 7 Bad Taste After Brushing? Common Explanations 44 Likes
- 8 Own Your Oral Health: Subscribe now for tips to ensure a bright smile 37 Likes
- 9 How COVID-19 Impacts Oral Health 34 Likes
- 10 People with Dental Benefits are Healthier 29 Likes