Dental
Dental Benefits
Although you can choose any dental provider, when you use an in-network dentist, you will generally pay less for treatments because your share of the cost is based on negotiated discount fees. With out-of-network dentists, the plan will pay the same percentage, but the reimbursement will be based on out-of-network rates. You may be billed for the difference.
Dental exams can reveal a lot about your overall health to your doctor. It’s important to schedule regular exams to help detect significant medical conditions before they become serious.
Guardian Website
View covered services, print an ID card, claim status or your account balance; find a dentist; update your information; and much more at guardiananytime.com.
Do You Need a Quick Overview of Your Dental Benefit Options?
Click below for a short summary of the dental options Epic Staffing offers you.
- You can elect the Guardian dental plan regardless of whether you are enrolled in the medical or vision plan.
Benefits Summary
What is a Benefits Summary?
The summary below explains what services and products are covered under our dental plans in, and out, of network and at what frequency.
High and Low Plan Summary of Benefits
Annual Plan Maximum Rollover Feature
Preventive care can help you avoid costs of serious oral health issues. With the Guardian maximum rollover feature, you are rewarded for taking care of your oral health by going in for your preventive care with regular dental visits. With maximum rollover, a portion of your unused annual maximum is rolled into your personal maximum rollover account. This can be used in future years when you may reach your annual maximum. This feature is available for each member enrolled in the dental plan.
The Oral and Overall Health Connection
Periodontal disease is known to trigger the body’s inflammation response and adversely affect various organs.
- The brain: Gum disease carries a stronger risk for stroke than diabetes. Its impact is almost equivalent to high blood pressure, a major cause of strokes.
- The heart: Those with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from heart disease compared to those with healthy gums.
- The lungs: Poor oral health may worsen respiratory illnesses by promoting the growth of harmful bacteria that can be transported to the lungs.
- The pancreas: Research suggests a significant association between gum disease and pancreatic cancer.
- The kidneys: Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Edentulism (being toothless) is closely associated with chronic kidney disease.
Understand the Underlying Issue
Nearly one in two Americans aged 30 or older has periodontal disease, affecting 64.7 million people with mild, moderate, or severe forms.
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth, caused by poor hygiene, unhealthy diet, smoking, and stress.
Gingivitis: The early stage, characterized by red, swollen, bleeding gums. It affects only the gums and is usually reversible with proper oral care and regular dental visits.
Periodontitis: The advanced stage, where gums pull away from teeth and bone loss occurs. This stage is irreversible and may require surgical treatment.
Other health concerns: Periodontal disease is a concern for pregnant women and diabetics. Expecting mothers with gum disease are four to seven times more likely to have a baby born too early or too small. Nearly 95% of Americans with diabetes also have periodontal disease, which can disrupt blood sugar levels.
A distinct connection exists between the health of your mouth and that of your body. Research shows more than 120 illnesses can be identified in the mouth through a dental exam, including osteoporosis, bulimia, diabetes and oral cancer. Even more importantly, an unhealthy mouth can have harmful effects on the heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas and brain.
Proactively Protect Your Oral and Overall Health
Maintaining good oral health practices is essential to keeping your natural teeth strong and healthy as you age. Establishing and maintaining good oral health is essential to your overall health and wellness.
To prevent gum disease, be sure to:
- Brush at least twice a day (morning and evening) with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss gently once a day
- Drink fluoridated water
- Eat wisely and limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
- Visit your dentist twice a year
Benefits+ Hotline
Available Monday to Friday, 8am – 8pm EST.