Cigna Launches Dental Virtual Care To Improve Access And Protect Customers In Response To COVID-19
Dental Virtual Care consultations will be provided at no cost by Cigna Dental for employer-sponsored plan customers through May 31, 2020
BLOOMFIELD, Conn.-- To make it easier for customers to access an emergency dental consult during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cigna announced it is launching Dental Virtual Care.
"We fast-tracked our efforts to launch Cigna Dental Virtual Care to help dentists and their patients access an urgent dental consult while minimizing their risk of COVID-19 exposure," said Frederick E. Scardellette, Vice President, Cigna Dental & Vision. "This virtual solution is a simple and convenient option to help our customers access care during this unprecedented time."
Keeping emergency oral health issues from crowded emergency rooms is critically important to minimize the transmission of COVID-19, which is why the American Dental Association recommends customers are screened for dental emergencies using teledentistry.
Dental virtual care will be available through Cigna's growing network of dental providers who offer teledentistry. The company is also partnering with The TeleDentists, a national virtual care dental provider with more than 300 dentists. Through a video consultation, licensed dentists can triage urgent situations such as pain, infection, and swelling and guide the customer on next steps. If necessary, the dentist will prescribe medications, such as antibiotics and non-narcotic pain relievers.
Cigna Dental Virtual Care will be available this month to over 16 million dental customers enrolled in Cigna's employer-sponsored insurance plans1 at no cost through May 31, 2020. The service will continue post pandemic, subject to state regulations and benefit plan design. This virtual care solution is part of Cigna Dental Health Connect, a suite of clinical programs designed to help employers provide meaningful dental care services tailored for their workforce.
Customers who need an urgent dental consult should call their dentist and ask if they offer teledentistry or use myCigna.com to access The TeleDentists.