Dentists play a crucial role in ensuring the current and future health of pregnant patients and their unborn children. Integrating pregnancy screening into routine evaluations is essential for providing optimal care. Beyond providing care, it is essential to communicate the safety and effectiveness of dental treatments during pregnancy to both patients and other healthcare providers. Your support and encouragement can significantly impact maternal and infant health, promoting early adoption of beneficial oral hygiene habits.

Dental care is essential during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that increase the risk of dental disease. To effectively support pregnant patients:

• Medical history review: Thoroughly review the patient’s medical history and current medications or supplements to identify any potential risks.
• Collaboration with obstetrician: Consult with the patient's obstetrician to discuss any concerns or risks associated with dental care during pregnancy. This collaboration helps determine the safest treatment approach.
• Customized treatment plan: Modify the treatment plan based on the patient’s stage of pregnancy and overall medical history to ensure optimal care.
• Anesthesia considerations: When anesthesia is necessary, use local anesthesia, which is generally considered safe during pregnancy. General anesthesia should be used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.
• Patient positioning: Ensure the patient's comfort and safety by appropriately positioning them in the dental chair, such as using a pillow or wedge to support the back and alleviate abdominal pressure.
• Oral Hygiene Reinforcement: Provide clear guidance on maintaining proper oral hygiene. Encourage pregnant patients to brush twice daily, floss daily, and use an antimicrobial mouth rinse to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

These steps facilitate safe and effective dental care for pregnant patients while minimizing risks.

In an effort to streamline operations and enhance provider satisfaction, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our new payment website for submission of your payments related to claim overpayment refund requests.

Key features of the payment website:

• User-friendly access at Availity.com. Do note that you must be currently registered with Availity, or you can sign up:
  • How to navigate to the payment website through Availity:
    • Log in using your user ID and password.
    • Select your state.
    • Select Anthem as your payer.
    • Select the Dental Provider Claim Overpayment tile:
      • You may add this to your favorites for faster access.
• Secure transactions
• Active monitoring of payment processing

Active monitoring payment processing

Dedicated members of our team have been assigned and set up with the necessary access to manage, review, and follow up on all payment activities. We are equipped to provide seamless support.

In the unlikely event of a payment processing error, our team will promptly contact you to inform you of the issue to ensure timely corrective measures are taken.

Stay updated

We are committed to maintaining transparent communication. Look out for follow-up communication for any updates related to the payment website.

Thank you for your continued support and trust. We are confident that this new payment website will significantly enhance your experience with us. For any inquiries or further assistance, contact DentalFinanceOperations@anthem.com.

Welcome to a new era of simplified, secure, and efficient payment processing.

Anthem is actively preparing to meet the requirements of California's mandate AB1048. This mandate necessitates the removal of the missing tooth clause from our small group dental plans, as well as the elimination of both the missing tooth clause and mandatory waiting periods from our large group dental plans. Be aware that these changes will come into effect January 1, 2025. This is part of our continuous endeavor to align with state mandates and provide better services to our members.