Dental providers and facilities are required to review all members’ information received from Anthem to ensure no misrouted PHI is included. Misrouted PHI includes information about members a provider or facility is not currently treating. PHI can be misrouted to providers and facilities by mail, fax, email, or electronic remittance.

Dental providers and facilities are required to immediately destroy any misrouted PHI or safeguard the PHI for as long as it is retained. In no event are providers or facilities permitted to misuse or re‑disclose misrouted PHI. If providers or facilities cannot destroy or safeguard misrouted PHI, providers and facilities must contact Customer Service or call the number listed on the documentation received to report the receipt of misrouted PHI.

Dental providers and facilities should review claims and documents carefully before submitting for payment to ensure that the member ID and name listed on the claim are accurate. These additional steps will help eliminate explanation of benefits being sent to the wrong member and prevent HIPAA violations.

Dental care is important during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can increase the risk of dental disease. You can help your pregnant patients in the following ways:

• Before providing dental care, review the pregnant patient's medical history and ask about medications or supplements to help identify any potential risks or contraindications.
• Consult with the patient's obstetrician to discuss any concerns or potential risks related to dental care during pregnancy. The obstetrician can provide guidance and help determine the safest approach to dental treatment.
• Based on the patient's stage of pregnancy and medical history, you may need to modify the approach to treatment.
• Review the appropriate type and dosage of anesthesia for your pregnant patients. Local anesthesia is generally safe during pregnancy. General anesthesia should be used with caution and only when necessary.
• Pregnant patients may need to be positioned differently in the dental chair to ensure their comfort and safety. A pillow or wedge is one way to support the patient's back and reduce pressure on the abdomen.
• Reinforce proper oral hygiene and encourage pregnant patients to brush twice a day, floss daily, and use an antimicrobial mouth rinse to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Encouraging patients to continue their dental care visits during pregnancy and following the tips above can help ensure there is no disruption in their dental health maintenance.

Dental providers play a crucial role in successfully establishing an oral care routine. Providers should use the dental home model, which focuses on enhancing overall wellness by improving oral health, fostering greater collaboration among providers, and promoting health education. In addition, children with a dental home are more likely to receive preventive and routine dental care.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) encourages parents and other care providers to help every child establish a dental home by age one. The AAPD states a dental home should contain:

• Comprehensive oral health care, including acute care and preventive services in accordance with AAPD periodicity schedules.
• Comprehensive assessment for oral diseases and conditions.
• Individualized preventive dental health program based upon a caries‑risk assessment and a periodontal disease risk assessment.
• Anticipatory guidance about growth and development issues (for example, teething, digit, or pacifier habits).
• Plan for acute dental trauma.
• Information about proper care of pediatric teeth and gingivae. This includes the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease of the supporting and surrounding tissues and the maintenance of health, function, and esthetics of those structures and tissues.
• Dietary counseling.
• Referrals to dental specialists as needed.
• Education regarding future referrals to dentists specializing in adult oral health issues to continue oral health care throughout adulthood.
• Referrals for dental care, or specialists at an age determined by patient, parent, and pediatric dentist.

Creating a dental home for members can significantly enhance access to care, ensure effective care coordination, and provide high‑quality dental services. We encourage providers to inform members during their initial visit about the advantages of having a dental home. Once this relationship is established, it can develop into a lasting positive oral healthcare connection.