Who You Gonna Call in a Dental Emergency? A Virtual Dentist

“I had 2 teeth pulled this morning—can I use my CPAP machine tonight?”

True story.

A member recently sent us that question via Facebook PM.

Our social media team was stumped—as employees of a dental insurance company, we are not licensed to give dental or medical advice.

That was something only the member’s dentist or physician could answer, they responded.

“But my dentist’s office is closed now and won’t open again until Monday.” (This was Thursday."

The conversation is a perfect example of when to schedule a Virtual Dental Visit.

What are Virtual Dental Visits?

Delta Dental of Arkansas has partnered with Teledentistry.com to offer our members 24/7 access to virtual dental visits.

• Like when your dentist has closed for the weekend, and you have an urgent concern that can’t wait until Monday morning. See above.
• Or when you’re on vacation several states away, and you crack a tooth.
• Or when you experience a dental emergency and don’t have an established dentist.

Teledentistry is a convenient, safe and effective way to receive immediate care. Virtual visits can give you peace of mind and avoid costly emergency room visits.

What Type of Care Does a Virtual Dentist Provide?

The TeleDentistry.com dentist will provide

• an initial consultation and
• write prescriptions when appropriate.

If additional dental care is needed, TeleDentistry.com will

• refer you to a Delta Dental network dentist for further diagnosis and treatment. Your dentist will also
• receive notes on your consultation with TeleDentistry.com. 

How To Schedule a Virtual Dentist Visit

You will need a smartphone, tablet or computer with audio/visual capabilities.

1. Access the Delta Dental patient portal to create an account or log in.
2. Complete your e-documents as instructed.
3. Connect with a TeleDentistry.com dentist to begin your consultation.

It’s that simple.

How Much Does a Virtual Dentist Visit Cost?

A Teledentistry.com consultation is already included in your existing dental coverage.

It counts as a problem-focused evaluation (D0140) under your dental plan. Your Teledentistry.com dentist will verify your coverage at the time of your visit. (While the virtual dentist visit benefit is offered to all Delta Dental of Arkansas members, not all groups currently participate.)

A deductible, co-pay and/or maximum may apply according to your dental plan specifications.  

When NOT to Schedule a Virtual Dentist Visit

Use a Virtual Dentist Visit only

• if you have a dental emergency,
• ·need access to a dentist after hours, or
• ·need to consult a dentist without leaving home or while traveling.

Call the Delta Dental of Arkansas Customer Service or access the online Member Portal for all other questions, e.g.,

• How can I get my ID card?
• Where can I find a network dentist?
• What are my dental benefits?
• What are my expected out-of-pocket expenses for a certain dental treatment?
• When does my coverage start?

Call

1-800-462-5410 if you have dental insurance through your employer or

1-844-368-6484 if you have individual or family coverage.

Or access the member portal at https://www.deltadentalar.com/; click Login/Register in the upper right corner.

But Wait. There is More … Dental Coverage        

Delta Dental of Arkansas has brought healthy smiles to Arkansans for more than 40 years. We offer a variety of dental insurance plans for individuals, families and small, medium and large groups at competitive rates and with access to the state’s largest network of dental providers.

Check us out.