Cigna Healthcare Launches Smartphone-Powered Oral Health Screenings

Cigna Healthcare has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, allowing its dental customers to conduct no-cost oral health screenings using their smartphones. This innovative service, powered by SmartScan, is designed to alleviate the anxiety that millions of individuals experience when facing dental visits by enabling them to assess their oral health remotely.

The online tool offers step-by-step instructions, guiding customers through the process of capturing five guided photos of their teeth and mouth. These photos are then analysed by SmartScan and subsequently reviewed by a Cigna Healthcare network dentist. Beyond providing an overall oral health score and personalised dental recommendations, the tool identifies areas of concern and facilitates connections to virtual or in-person dentists for follow-up care.

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Addressing Dental Anxiety and Delays in Care

Dr Cary Sun, Chief Dental Officer at Cigna Healthcare, touched on the impact of dental anxiety and cost concerns on people’s willingness to seek dental care. Delaying necessary dental visits can leave individuals vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. He stated, “Together with SmartScan, we are providing a quick and convenient way for people to access an oral health screening from home.”

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The SmartScan tool is not intended to replace regular, in-person dental care. Instead, it serves as a proactive way for individuals to stay informed about their oral health and gain peace of mind when dental concerns arise. It can also serve as a valuable resource for quick check-ins between dental visits, especially when a customer experiences tooth pain.

Addressing Dental Care Gaps

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 36% of adults have not undergone a dental exam or cleaning in the past year. Cigna Healthcare’s virtual care solution aims to address this gap by empowering individuals to monitor their oral health regularly.

This innovative offering is part of Cigna Dental Health Connect, a suite of clinical programs designed to provide employers with tailored dental care services for their workforce. It enhances the convenience of accessing dental care for Cigna Healthcare customers when and where they need it. The service became available on August 17 to more than 16.5 million Cigna Healthcare customers with dental coverage through their employers or ACA Marketplace plans.

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Beyond SmartScan

In addition to the SmartScan tool, Cigna Healthcare customers can access other dental services, including on-demand dental care, including emergency care, through Teledentix.

Cigna Healthcare continues to advocate for better health across all stages of life, offering integrated health services encompassing medical, dental, behavioural health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and more.

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