New Year 2020

DDOK BROKER SUMMITS
 
OkMOM Provides Free Dental Care in Stillwater
Oklahoma Mission of Mercy (OkMOM) was held at the Payne County Expo Center in Stillwater February 7-8.  

OkMOM is a two-day clinic designed to meet the critical needs of dental patients of all ages by providing dental care at no charge.

More than 2,000 dental professionals and general volunteers provided free care to 1,243 patients at the event. Delta Dental of Oklahoma had more than 40 employees volunteer their time onsite this year.


Anne Thi, DDOK Sales and Account Services Manager (in blue), with Employer Advocates staff volunteering at OkMOM in Stillwater

“For many of our patients, the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy is a life-changing event,” said Delta Dental of Oklahoma President and CEO John Gladden. “More than twelve hundred patients walked out of our clinic in Stillwater no longer in pain, with a healthier mouth and improved quality of life. We also guided them to resources that will help them maintain their dental health.”

Dr. Daniel Wilguess of Edmond Family Dental Designs and Dr. Chris Leslie of Cornerstone Family Dentistry in Stillwater served as chairs for the 2020 OkMOM.

“The 11th annual Oklahoma Mission of Mercy was a huge success, thanks to the hundreds of dental professionals and general volunteers who donated their time and skills to provide care to Oklahomans in need,” said Dr. Daniel Wilguess, Oklahoma Dental Association president and 2020 Oklahoma Mission of Mercy co-chair. “Year after year this event brings volunteers together to serve communities and alleviate pain to those in need by providing critical care, while educating patients on how to prioritize oral health in the future.”

Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation, the Oklahoma Dental Association and the Oklahoma Dental Foundation are co-producers of the event, providing leadership and resources to ensure everything runs smoothly each year. Delta Dental of Oklahoma and its Foundation donated more than $120,000 to underwrite the event.

2021 OkMOM event will be held in Shawnee February 12 and 13.

2020 Rates and Materials
As a reminder, our group packets and applications are customized for the 2020 plan year. Please replace previous documentation to help avoid delays in processing.

Groups 26+ packet

Delta Dental - Select (2-99) packet
 
If you need to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP), DDOK’s form is available here.

Online enrollment for our 2020 individual plans is also now available at DeltaDentalOK.org/CoversMe.

    DDOK Paperless Payment Options

    Delta Dental of Oklahoma (DDOK) offers two (2) convenient ways for groups to make premium payments electronically: Auto Draft through Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) and FastPay™.

    Auto Draft (EFT) is a recurring payment that occurs from a specified bank account on the fifth (5th) of each month. If you would like your organization’s monthly dental premiums deducted automatically, please complete and submit an Automatic Draft Authorization form.

    FastPay™ is a one-time payment initiated by a group administrator through our benefits administration portal, Online Resources. If you need to register for an Online Resources account, please complete and submit the Broker Application for Online Resources.

    If you have questions regarding online payment options, please contact our Client Relations team at 405-607-4777 (OKC Metro), 866-503-4294 (Toll Free) or ClientRelations@DeltaDentalOK.org.

    How is Delta Dental Different? We give back
    Delta Dental of Oklahoma (DDOK) strives to provide quality, affordable plans to suit a range of client needs. Still many Oklahomans are uninsured, and unable to afford necessary dental care.

    We established the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation (DDOKF) more than 20 years ago to advance our company’s not-for-profit mission to improve the oral wellness of all Oklahomans. Our Foundation is funded entirely by proceeds from DDOK.

    Since its inception, DDOKF has distributed more than $23 million to produce and support programs across Oklahoma that aim to provide oral health education and dental care to those in need.

    For additional information on how our Foundation makes a difference throughout Oklahoma, please visit DDOKFoundation.org/Impact.

    Broker Support Staff Reward Program
    Fourth Quarter Winners


    RFP Category Winner    :
    Katie Littlefield with Gallagher Benefits in Tulsa (pictured above, to the right of Tashara Houston, DDOK Account Services Representative).

    New Group Category Winner    :
    Jessica Richardson with Health Insurance Source, LLC in Ponca City.

    Both third quarter drawing winners received a Crest+Oral-B Adult Gentle Clean System Bundle consisting of:

      ▪ Oral-B® PRO 3000 Electric Toothbrush and Brush Refills
      ▪ Crest® PRO-HEALTH™ Clean Mint Toothpaste and Gum Care Rinse
      ▪ Oral-B® Glide™ Gum Care Floss Picks
    Each New Group or Request for Proposal a broker support staff member submits to DDOK earns one (1) entry into a quarterly drawing
    Benefits of Secure Email

    Did you know encrypted email is the most secure way to send Protected Health Information (PHI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII)? Email encryption, better known as secure email, protects messages and attachments as they leave your network and cannot be opened or viewed by unauthorized recipients.

    DDOK’s Client Relations team encourages you to use secure email for all PHI related correspondence. Set up a Delta Dental of Oklahoma secure email account today by clicking here.

    If you have questions or need additional information, our Client Relations team is available Monday - Thursday from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at 405-607-4777 (OKC Metro), 866-503-4294 (Toll Free) or ClientRelations@DeltaDentalOK.org.
    Quick Cast-iron Pizza

    Ingredients:
    Olive oil spray, for greasing the pan

    Two (2) six (6)-inch tortillas (use gluten free, if intolerant)

    Four (4) tablespoons tomato or marinara sauce

    One-quarter (1/4) cup full-fat mozzarella (use plant-based or omit for vegan)

    Toppings of choice, thinly sliced vegetables, and dried or fresh herbs

    Fresh basil, for topping

    Directions:
    1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
    2. Spray the oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet and warm over medium-high heat. When hot place one (1) tortilla in the pan. Reduce heat to medium and let cook for one (1) minute.
    3. Flip the tortilla and cook for an additional minute while you add two (2) tablespoons of sauce, spreading it all the way to the tortilla’s edge.
    4. Remove the pan from the heat and add the cheese or any toppings of your choice, reserving fresh herbs to finish.
    5. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for two (2) to four (4) minutes, or until the edges of the tortilla are golden brown but not burned (if you’re not using cheese, check on the early side).
    6. Transfer the pan back to the stove and cook for another one (1) to two (2) minutes over medium heat, until the bottom is browned, but not burned.
    7. Transfer the pizza to a plate and let it cool slightly. Top with fresh herbs, if using.
    8. Repeat with second pizza and serve.

    Get to Know DDOK
    Larissa Avery, Client Relations Representative

    Hometown: Elkhart, Kansas

    Hobbies: Spending time with my nine (9) grandchildren, going to Kansas City Chiefs games and working puzzles.

    Favorite thing about working for DDOK? The work atmosphere and benefits.
    Harmony York, Account Services Representative

    Hometown: Winters, Texas

    Hobbies: I enjoy photography, traveling, Texas Rangers baseball, going to the movies and any adventure with my boys.

    Favorite thing about working for DDOK? I have grown to love my sales team and I am grateful to be a part of a company that shows compassion for people by giving back.

    Oral Health Tip
    Enamel: Your Teeth's Natural Defense

    Your teeth are protected by a hard shell. This coating is called enamel. To maintain a healthy smile, you need to protect your enamel from decay, wear and acid erosion.

    Facts about Foods and Teeth

    Many foods contain some type of sugar, especially processed food that may have sugar added for flavoring. Certain germs in our mouths can create tooth-destroying acid when they combine with the sugar we eat. This acid can dissolve the enamel and lead to tooth decay.

    Some foods are acidic themselves. Juices, citrus fruits, sodas and sports drinks contain a lot of acid.

    Repeated acid exposure can damage teeth and erode tooth enamel. Swish your mouth with water thoroughly after eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages. Wait an hour or so before brushing to allow acid affected enamel to re-develop its hard coat (called remineralization).

    How to Safeguard Your Tooth Enamel
    • Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. This helps strengthen tooth enamel. Gently brush at least twice a day, paying special attention to your gum line.
    • Floss at least once daily to clean between teeth and under the gum line.
    • Try to limit between-meal snacks.
    • Limit soft drinks, sports drinks, and other acidic drinks or foods. Drink plenty of water instead to keep the mouth moist.



    grin! magazine
    THE POWER OF A SMILE: What giving back does for your body
    Giving back can help improve your health and well-being, including your mental, oral and physical health.

    Oral and overall health benefits:
    • When you help others, the hormone oxytocin is released in your body. This combats cortisol, the stress hormone. Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and appreciation, which can also lower stress levels.
    • Stress can take a toll on your oral health and lead to mouth sores, teeth grinding and tooth decay. Managing stress can help better maintain and even improve your oral and overall health.
    Mental health benefits:
    • Scientists say the act of giving to others increases production of three chemicals in the brain — dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin (sometimes called the “happiness trifecta”). Increasing the levels of these brain chemicals, also called neurotransmitters, can boost our mood.
    • Volunteering increases interaction with others and helps build a support system. This can help lower the risk of depression, especially among those 65 and older.
    Physical health benefits:
    • Beyond the mental health benefits, getting out and volunteering can keep you physically active.
    • Volunteering can decrease your risk of hypertension, or high blood pressure.
    • Research also shows that volunteering has decreased pain among those with chronic or serious illness.
    • Volunteering regularly can even lead to a longer life.
    • There’s no better way to share a smile than to help someone. The act of giving improves your overall well-being.
    Editor’s Note: Excerpt from grin! magazine.

    DDOK Business Information
    For Brokers:

    Sales

    Monday-Thursday  7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
    Friday  8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

    405-607-4709 (OKC Metro)
    866-685-2112 (Toll Free)

    Sales@DeltaDentalOK.org

    For Members:

    Customer Service

    Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    Friday 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    405-607-2100 (OKC Metro)
    800-522-0188 (Toll Free)

    CustomerService@DeltaDentalOK.org