Fall 2019
Understanding Your 2020 Billing Schedule

Delta Dental of Oklahoma issues invoices on a monthly billing cycle, reflecting active enrollments on a predetermined date known as the ‘billing cutoff date.’

For instance, the January 2020 invoice will reflect active enrollments at the close of business on December 13, 2019, our posted billing cutoff date. Terminations and new enrollments received prior to close of business on December 13 will be reflected on the January invoice. Changes received after the billing cutoff date, will be applied to the February 2020 invoice.

Our monthly billing cycle closes on the billing cutoff date. Since the billing cycle has closed, no changes can be made to the invoice.

It is important to submit payment matching the amount on the invoice. Adjustments for overpayments or unpaid amounts will be made on the following month’s invoice.

Click here to view/print a PDF of the 2020 Billing Schedule.

As always, if you have questions, 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 have the largest networks
Delta Dental of Oklahoma delivers the largest network of dentists, and is proud to have the state’s largest PPO network. Nearly 1,800 dentists practice in Oklahoma, and more than 1,140 participate in Delta Dental’s PPO network.

Visiting a PPO Provider offers significant savings to members, resulting in the lowest out-of-pocket costs of all plans. With our Delta Dental PPO plan subscribers enjoy no balance-billing and coverage of preventive/diagnostic services at 100 percent.

Our Premier network providers greater access for Delta Dental subscribers, but their savings will not be as significant as when they receive treatment from a PPO provider.

If your employees need to search for participating Delta Dental providers, please direct them to DeltaDentalOK.org/DentistSearch.
 
Volunteer Registration Open for OkMOM 2020
Volunteers of all backgrounds are needed for Oklahoma Mission of Mercy (OkMOM) on February 7-8, 2020, at the Payne County Expo Center in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

This two-day clinic is designed to meet the critical needs of people of all ages by providing donated dental care to as many adults and children as time, volunteers and supplies will allow. OkMOM offers a variety of services such as cleanings, fillings, extractions and limited dental flippers (temporary replacement of front teeth). Treatment is given on a first-come, first-served basis and there is no eligibility or income requirement to seek treatment.

More than 1,500 volunteers are needed to execute this free dental clinic. Volunteers needed include dentists, hygienists, assistants, front office staff, dental technicians, physicians and hundreds of non-healthcare volunteers to help with everything from patient and volunteer hospitality to language translation.

Since 2010, Oklahoma Mission of Mercy has treated 16,138 patients, totaling more than $12 million in donated dental services. The event is presented by the Oklahoma Dental Association, the Oklahoma Dental Foundation and the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation. To sign up to volunteer or for more information about OkMOM, visit okmom.org.
Choosing and Protecting Usernames and Passwords for Online Resources

Passwords are the most common means of authentication, but if you do not create strong passwords and keep them confidential, they are almost as ineffective as not having any passwords at all. Many systems and services have been successfully breached or exploited because of inadequate passwords.

To ensure your information and the Protected Health Information (PHI) of members are protected, DDOK recommends creating passwords using a combination of capital and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters when allowed. Often an attack is not specifically about your account, but about using the access to PHI to launch a larger attack.

One of the best ways to protect PHI is to ensure it is only accessible to authorized people. In order to assign the correct level of PHI access within Online Resources, DDOK requires each user to have his/her own username and password. A username and password should never be shared, even with your colleagues. You are responsible for all transactions on your account, including HIPAA violations, breaches or malicious activity. Be sure you have your own Online Resources account, and keep your unique password confidential and secure.  

Additional security tips:
       ▪  Keep your operating system, browser and other software up-to-date. 
       ▪  Use and maintain anti-virus software and a firewall.

Get to Know DDOK
Katelynn West, Client Relations Representative

Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Hobbies: Traveling and sports.

Favorite thing about working for DDOK? The emphasis on giving back to the less fortunate within our community, and the professional and personal relationships I’ve built over the years.
Jason Sheueckuk, Client Relations Representative

Hometown:  Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 

Hobbies: I’m a movie junkie, I’m reliving my childhood with a collection of one-sixth (1/6) scale action figures and I love working on DIY home improvement projects.

Favorite thing about working for DDOK? Whether it’s been in Customer Service or my current position in Client Relations, I’ve had great co-workers surrounding me since day one. 
Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili

Ingredients:
Two (2) tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
One (1) onion, diced
One (1) teaspoon salt
One (1) cup carrots, diced
One (1) red bell pepper, cored and chopped
Three (3) cloves garlic, minced
One (1) tablespoon chili powder
One (1) tablespoon cumin
One (1) teaspoon smoked paprika
One (1) teaspoon oregano
Two (2) tablespoons tomato paste
One (1) can pumpkin puree (15 ounces)
One (1) can tomato sauce (8 ounces)
Two (2) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces each)
One (1) cup frozen corn kernels
One-half (1/2) cup vegetable broth

Directions:
  1. In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and salt to pot. Sauté until onion is softened.
  3. Continue sautéing for two (2) minutes after adding carrots, red bell pepper and garlic.
  4. Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano and tomato paste with other ingredients in pot.
  5. Stir until all veggies are coated and cook for two (2) more minutes.
  6. Add pumpkin puree, tomato sauce, kidney beans, corn and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
  7. Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 20 minutes. Taste and add more salt or spices if needed.
  8. Try topping with avocado, cilantro, sour cream or even crushed red pepper. Enjoy!

Oral Health Tip
How sugar affects your teeth

Many different types of bacteria live in your mouth. Some are beneficial to your dental health, but others are harmful. Sugar acts as a magnet for bad bacteria.

Studies have found two (2) particularly destructive bacteria in the mouth, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sorbrinus. Both of these bacteria feed on the sugar you eat and form dental plaque, a sticky, colorless film that forms on the surface of the teeth.

If plaque is not washed away by saliva, or flossing and brushing, the environment in the mouth becomes more acidic. Acid dissolves minerals and destroys the tooth’s enamel causing small holes or erosions to form. Over time, these holes will become larger and form cavities.

Below are some ways you can fight tooth decay.

Watch what you eat and drink
  • Make sure to eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • If you do eat sugary foods and sweetened or acidic beverages, have them with your meals, instead of as snacks.
  • Consider using a straw when drinking sugary and acidic beverages. This will give your teeth less exposure to the sugar and acid in the drinks.
  • Add raw fruit or vegetables to your meals to increase the flow of saliva in your mouth.
  • Do not allow infants to sleep with bottles containing sweetened liquids, fruit juices or formula.
Cut Down on Sugar
  • Sugary and sticky foods should only be eaten occasionally.
  • If you do indulge in sweet treats, drink some water — preferably tap water that contains fluoride — to help rinse out your mouth and dilute the sugar that sticks to the tooth surface.
  • Only drink soft drinks in moderation, if at all.
  • Drink water. It contains no acid, sugar or calories.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
  • Floss daily and brush at least twice per day.
  • Brush after each meal whenever possible and then again before you go to bed.
  • Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps protect your teeth.
  • Chewing sugar-free gum may also prevent plaque build-up by stimulating saliva production and remineralization.
Nothing ensures keeping your teeth and gums healthy like visiting your dentist every six (6) months, or more if your dentist recommends. To search for a Delta Dental participating dentist, please visit DeltaDentalOK.org/DentistSearch.


grin! magazine
Relax, breathe deep and improve your teeth
An increasing number of people are turning to yoga to help manage the stress and anxiety of everyday life. But did you know that yoga can also benefit your oral health?  

Reduces stress
Stress can contribute to poor oral health. It can lead to teeth grinding (bruxism), canker sores and gum disease. Those who are stressed will sometimes grab unhealthy foods, neglect their teeth and gums, put off dental visits, smoke or drink excessively. This can increase the likelihood of gum disease. Yoga can help your mind and body better cope with stress and anxiety, and improve your overall well-being. Lowering your stress levels can also reduce inflammation, which, in turn, may reduce your risk of gum disease.  

Improves posture
It’s easy to develop poor posture doing everyday tasks such as driving or sitting at a desk. Slouching can take a surprising toll on your oral health. It pushes your lower jaw forward, which can cause you to develop a misaligned bite and jaw pain. Poor posture can also place strain and tension on your teeth, leading to possible tooth damage. Yoga — which promotes greater awareness of your thoughts, feelings and body — can help get your body back into alignment. It can reduce the strain and tension on your teeth, as well as jaw pain, by promoting better posture.  

Stimulates saliva
Practicing yoga helps with the production of saliva — which plays a key role in good oral health. Saliva shields against gum disease and tooth decay by washing away leftover food particles that feed bacteria. When eating something acidic damages your enamel, saliva repairs that enamel with calcium, phosphorus, fluoride and other minerals. Saliva also helps kill germs and prevent bad breath.  

Provides relief
Some cancer patients say yoga has provided relief to their bodies and improved their quality of life. While not a medical substitute, yoga is considered a ‘complementary therapy’ because it’s helped reduce anxiety, fatigue and depression. More research is needed on whether yoga can be an alternative or integrated approach for managing cancer and other diseases.  

Give yoga a try. Beyond helping your overall well-being, you may notice some great improvements to your oral health.

Editor’s Note: Excerpt from grin! magazine.

DDOK Business Information
November 27
November 28-29
December 24-26
January 1, 2020
 Thanksgiving Holiday (close at noon)
Thanksgiving Holiday
Christmas Holiday
New Year's Day
For Employers:

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

405-607-4777 (OKC Metro)
866-503-4294 (Toll Free)

ClientRelations@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