Local Dentist Offers Patients A Novel Alternative To Dental Insurance

All the advantages without the headache, Dr. Zive introduces Compass, a direct dental membership benefit.

Westfield, MA (PRWEB) - Local dentist Marc Zive, D.M.D. is breaking new ground with the introduction of an effective alternative to dental insurance. Compass is a direct membership benefit plan that puts treatment planning back in the hands of dentists and patients. With Compass plans patients can choose from a variety of monthly subscription options that puts an emphasis on preventive, rather than restorative care. Maintaining a healthy mouth is a key factor in obtaining total body health. Regular dental visits can prevent the development of oral disease and limit the progression of existing dental disease.

There are a few misconceptions when it comes to dental insurance. First, it is not at all like medical insurance. Within the medical model, companies collect small monthly premiums from a large number of participants and then pay out loss-connected benefits according to their policies of statistically rare events. Dental ‘insurance’ on the other hand does not follow this model. Dental insurance was introduced in the 1960’s as an employer sponsored benefit to simply assist with offsetting some of the costs of regular dental maintenance; most limited to $1,000-$2,000 per year. Traditional dental insurance plans restrict patients and doctors to the bare minimum care. Consequently, most patients will only do as much as their insurer allows regardless of what is medically necessary. This model of care sets patients up for a lifetime of restorative needs versus a lifetime of wellness.

Dental professionals have been frustrated for a long time because the insurance companies control so many of the day to day decisions of their patients. Patients believe that if a therapy or procedure is not covered by their benefit plan, it is not medically necessary—which could not be further from the truth.

With Compass, patients and providers can choose a plan that will provide the most benefits to patients based on their individual dental needs. Plans range from a more minimal Treatment Membership that provides regular delivery of prescription strength cavity prevention products directly to patients, to a more extensive Health Membership. The Health membership includes all regular exams and x-rays, preventive therapy products, an emergency exam as well as a discount on all other procedures (including cosmetic). Patients can save upwards of $350 a year in costs with Compass plans.

It is extremely easy for dental providers sign up and begin offering the benefit plans to their patients. As soon as a dental office registers, their patients can start receiving benefits immediately. Compass plans are ideal for:

• Patients with immediate treatment needs
• Patients without current dental insurance
• Retirees on a fixed income
• Families on a budget
• Entrepreneurs and small business owners
• Recent graduates without insurance
• Children without preventive coverage

There are also Compass plans that include regular periodontal maintenance and treatment.
Bob Bowers, COO of OralBio Tech states: “Compass is a dental membership plan for the 40% of people who do not have dental insurance. Dental disease is the #1 disease in the United States and changing that starts with patient’s having affordable access to preventive dental care.”

To find a Compass provider near you go to: Compass Dentist

About Court Street Family Dentistry:
Located in the heart of Westfield, Massachusetts, Court Street Family Dentistry is a modern, full service general dental practice. Dedicated to the health of families in our community, we offer a full range of dental services to patients of all ages.

Court Street Family Dentistry offers the highest quality of care available. We use the finest dental materials and technologies to provide our patients with a relaxed and comfortable dental experience. We offer digital radiographs for high resolution imaging with dramatically reduced radiation exposure. Our CEREC System provides patients with single visit crowns, veneers and restorations without messy impressions and weeks of an uncomfortable temporary. Court Street Family Dentistry has even been featured on ABC40/Fox6 Springfield News.

Until recently, the practice of dentistry has been based on reactively repairing decay. Dentistry is now proactive in combating the development of tooth decay. Our staff uses CAMBRA, Caries Management by Risk Assessment, a method of assessing caries (cavity) risk and making specific dental treatment and restoration recommendations. Through the use of a patient questionnaire, clinical exam and simple swab test of the plaque film on your teeth we are able to determine your risk of future dental caries. We are also able to suggest changes to risky habits and provide prescription level medications to help reduce your levels and activity of decay causing bacteria and caries risk. Additionally, all patients receive Oral Cancer screenings at each visit. We use the OralCDx Brush Test for easy and painless identification of common red and white oral spots.

Our office uses a state-of-the-art 3-dimensional imaging system that effectively brings our dental services to another dimension. The GALILEOS 3D Cone Beam Imaging system raises diagnostic assessment and documentation to the highest level, with real-time 3D displays, more complete planning assistance and the production of dental surgical guides. When coupled with our CEREC Single Visit Crown system, it provides an integrated solution to providing the most precise method for implant placement and restoration. This results in a safer and more effective end-result for our patients. This technology also allows us to provide denture wearers with the comfort and confidence they often lack, due to loose and uncomfortable dentures, through Denture Stabilization using the MDI Mini Dental Implant system.

We also offer our adult patients the opportunity to get that attractive smile they always wanted but thought they could never afford. Using the short term orthodontic system of Six Month Smiles, patients can improve their appearance and self-confidence without the hassle, expense and years long commitment of traditional orthodontic methods.