Cigna has launched a smartphone-based dental screening tool, in collaboration with Dental.com, enabling 16.5 million members to assess oral health. The free tool guides users to capture dental images, analyzed by SmartScan technology, with subsequent review by a Cigna dentist. It delivers an oral health score, personalized care tips, and offers virtual or in-person follow-up treatments. The program aims to address delayed dental care concerns. While not a substitute for in-person visits, the tool enhances oral health awareness. It complements Cigna’s Dental Health Connect program, including Teledentix’s on-demand dental care services.
Cigna has unveiled an innovative tool enabling its members to utilize their smartphones for self-assessment of dental health issues, encompassing gum diseases and cavities.
On Thursday, the insurance company announced the launch of this online service, supported by Dental.com, which will be accessible at no charge. The tool provides step-by-step guidance for users to capture five images of their teeth and oral cavity via their smartphones. These images will subsequently undergo analysis by the SmartScan technology. A Cigna-affiliated dentist will then review the scans.
By leveraging this tool, users will receive a comprehensive oral health score along with personalized dental care suggestions. The technology will also promptly identify any potential concerns and facilitate connections with virtual or in-person follow-up treatments.
Starting today, this program will be accessible to over 16.5 million Cigna members, including those enrolled in employer-sponsored plans and Affordable Care Act exchange plans.
Cary Sun, Chief Dental Officer at Cigna Healthcare, remarked, “Many individuals harbor concerns about dental visits or the associated expenses, leading them to postpone care. This delay can render them vulnerable to tooth decay and gum diseases. By partnering with SmartScan, we are presenting a swift and convenient avenue for individuals to conduct oral health screenings from the comfort of their homes.”
Furthermore, members can harness the SmartScan technology for interim assessments between visits to the dentist’s office. For instance, in cases of acute tooth pain, users can use the tool for symptom evaluation.
Cigna’s announcement also highlighted data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, revealing that 36% of adults have not undergone dental screenings or cleanings in the past year. Although this new tool doesn’t replace in-person appointments, it offers an additional channel for patients to seek care.
“While this tool cannot replace regular in-person dental care, it empowers individuals to stay vigilant about their oral health and provides reassurance when dental concerns emerge,” Sun emphasized.
This tool is an addition to Cigna’s Dental Health Connect initiative, a comprehensive suite of dental services available for employers to enhance the dental well-being of their employees. In addition to the SmartScan feature, members can access on-demand dental care, including emergency services, through Teledentix.
