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Texas Edition  •  April 2020
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Coronavirus Resources for Your Office
Coronavirus Resources for Your Office

The coronavirus pandemic continues to have widespread effects on patients and dental providers across the country. As part of its regularly updated collection of coronavirus resources, the American Dental Association (ADA) encourages the adoption of additional best practices for your dental office to observe to reduce the risk of patient-to-patient and patient-to-provider transmission of COVID-19.

If your office treats patients during this challenging time, the ADA recommends that you take the following steps in addition to the standard precautions already in place at your facility:

  • Screening patients for travel and signs and symptoms of infection when they update their medical histories.
  • Taking temperature readings as part of their routine assessment of patients before performing dental procedures.
  • Making sure the personal protective equipment they use is appropriate for the procedures being performed.
  • Using a rubber dam when appropriate to decrease possible exposure to infectious agents.
  • Using high-speed evacuation for dental procedures producing an aerosol.
  • Autoclaving handpieces after each patient.
  • Having patients rinse with a 1% hydrogen peroxide solution before each appointment.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting public areas frequently, including door handles, chairs and bathrooms.

The ADA has established a collection of frequently asked questions (FAQ) from their member dentists as a reliable resource for continuously updated information. To see the full list, visit the ADA's FAQ webpage. You will also find more information on the ADA Coronavirus Center for Dentists. We encourage you and your staff to consult the ADA resources frequently for up-to-date information valuable to your office.

As one of our valued network providers, MCNA is committed to ensuring that our operations continue to function at the same high levels as you have come to expect. Our operational teams, including all Claims, Utilization Management, and Provider Relations staff, are 100% dedicated to continuing to support your office during this challenging time. If you have any questions, please call our Provider Hotline at 1-855-776-6262 (8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Friday).

Your Practice
Coronavirus Resources for Your Office

The coronavirus pandemic continues to have widespread effects on patients and dental providers across the country. As part of its regularly updated collection of coronavirus resources, the American Dental Association (ADA) encourages the adoption of additional best practices for your dental office to observe to reduce the risk of patient-to-patient and patient-to-provider transmission of COVID-19.

If your office treats patients during this challenging time, the ADA recommends that you take the following steps in addition to the standard precautions already in place at your facility:

  • Screening patients for travel and signs and symptoms of infection when they update their medical histories.
  • Taking temperature readings as part of their routine assessment of patients before performing dental procedures.
  • Making sure the personal protective equipment they use is appropriate for the procedures being performed.
  • Using a rubber dam when appropriate to decrease possible exposure to infectious agents.
  • Using high-speed evacuation for dental procedures producing an aerosol.
  • Autoclaving handpieces after each patient.
  • Having patients rinse with a 1% hydrogen peroxide solution before each appointment.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting public areas frequently, including door handles, chairs and bathrooms.

The ADA has established a collection of frequently asked questions (FAQ) from their member dentists as a reliable resource for continuously updated information. To see the full list, visit the ADA's FAQ webpage. You will also find more information on the ADA Coronavirus Center for Dentists. We encourage you and your staff to consult the ADA resources frequently for up-to-date information valuable to your office.

As one of our valued network providers, MCNA is committed to ensuring that our operations continue to function at the same high levels as you have come to expect. Our operational teams, including all Claims, Utilization Management, and Provider Relations staff, are 100% dedicated to continuing to support your office during this challenging time. If you have any questions, please call our Provider Hotline at 1-855-776-6262 (8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Friday).

Documenting a Preferred Language for MCNA Members
Documenting a Preferred Language for MCNA Members

MCNA believes that clear and accurate health information is essential to the delivery of quality oral health care. One way we assist your office is by offering interpretation assistance for MCNA members with limited English proficiency. If your office encounters a member whose primary language is not English or faces other communication barriers, it is important that you clearly document their preferred language in the dental record. Having a record of the member's preferred language is a...

Your Practice
Documenting a Preferred Language for MCNA Members

MCNA believes that clear and accurate health information is essential to the delivery of quality oral health care. One way we assist your office is by offering interpretation assistance for MCNA members with limited English proficiency. If your office encounters a member whose primary language is not English or faces other communication barriers, it is important that you clearly document their preferred language in the dental record. Having a record of the member's preferred language is a...

The Benefits of Case Management with MCNA
The Benefits of Case Management with MCNA

MCNA's Case Management Unit assists with the coordination of care for members with special health care needs, members who are pregnant, and those with a catastrophic dental condition, which is defined as 10 or more teeth requiring treatment at one time. A Case Management Coordinator (CMC) works in cooperation with a member's family and/or caregiver(s) to assist with the coordination of dental health care that meets the member's unique needs.

Our CMCs can assist with the following:

  • Liaising between members and providers
  • Ensuring referrals to the dental provider(s) are completed that can accommodate the member's unique needs
  • Ensuring dental treatment and routine care occurs appropriately through ongoing monitoring (for example, reviewing pre-authorizations to ensure all proper documentation is attached for clinical review)
  • Coordinating transportation to and from dental visits with the appropriate vendor
  • Assisting members in coordination of treatment and procedures covered by a health plan
  • Collaborating with other community partners and ...
Utilization Management
The Benefits of Case Management with MCNA

MCNA's Case Management Unit assists with the coordination of care for members with special health care needs, members who are pregnant, and those with a catastrophic dental condition, which is defined as 10 or more teeth requiring treatment at one time. A Case Management Coordinator (CMC) works in cooperation with a member's family and/or caregiver(s) to assist with the coordination of dental health care that meets the member's unique needs.

Our CMCs can assist with the following:

  • Liaising between members and providers
  • Ensuring referrals to the dental provider(s) are completed that can accommodate the member's unique needs
  • Ensuring dental treatment and routine care occurs appropriately through ongoing monitoring (for example, reviewing pre-authorizations to ensure all proper documentation is attached for clinical review)
  • Coordinating transportation to and from dental visits with the appropriate vendor
  • Assisting members in coordination of treatment and procedures covered by a health plan
  • Collaborating with other community partners and ...
We Can Help!
We Can Help!

MCNA's outreach teams engage in active member and community outreach year-round to improve our members' understanding of oral health and hygiene as well as to encourage them to schedule regular checkups. If your dental office plans to host or sponsor an event in the coming months, MCNA's Member Advocate team would love to take part in it! A representative from our experienced outreach team will come prepared to offer hands-on instruction, supported by ...

Quality Improvement
We Can Help!

MCNA's outreach teams engage in active member and community outreach year-round to improve our members' understanding of oral health and hygiene as well as to encourage them to schedule regular checkups. If your dental office plans to host or sponsor an event in the coming months, MCNA's Member Advocate team would love to take part in it! A representative from our experienced outreach team will come prepared to offer hands-on instruction, supported by ...

Self-Care Leads to Quality Dental Care!
Self-Care Leads to Quality Dental Care!

Dentistry is a very rewarding and well-respected profession. Due to their full schedules and commitment to patients, dentists may sometimes not recognize when they should prioritize their own health and wellness.

Working in a dental office can expose dental practitioners and their staff to a wide variety of elements that can affect their health. The possibility of serious infections, daily exposure to radiation, and even allergic reactions to commonly used tools such as latex gloves are sources of concern. Psychological stressors may also factor into the health and wellness of the dental team. Some of the most intensive stressors are those that also affect the patient experience at the office, such as running behind schedule.

In order to provide the best dental care to patients, it is important that dentists ...

Your Practice
Self-Care Leads to Quality Dental Care!

Dentistry is a very rewarding and well-respected profession. Due to their full schedules and commitment to patients, dentists may sometimes not recognize when they should prioritize their own health and wellness.

Working in a dental office can expose dental practitioners and their staff to a wide variety of elements that can affect their health. The possibility of serious infections, daily exposure to radiation, and even allergic reactions to commonly used tools such as latex gloves are sources of concern. Psychological stressors may also factor into the health and wellness of the dental team. Some of the most intensive stressors are those that also affect the patient experience at the office, such as running behind schedule.

In order to provide the best dental care to patients, it is important that dentists ...

Mother's Day - May 10
Mother's Day - May 10

The first Mother's Day in the United States was founded by Anna Jarvis and celebrated on May 10, 1908, in the city of Philadelphia. In 1914, Mother's Day was officially adopted as a national holiday. Today, it is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

Jarvis wanted to create a holiday that honors the sacrifices that all mothers make for their children. She reportedly envisioned a day where people wore white carnations in honor of their own mothers and spent time with them at such family-centric activities like church services. To help spread her vision, Jarvis started "Mother's Day Work Clubs" where she organized education for local women about how to take better care of their children. Eventually, more commercial interests took hold of this holiday, which led it to evolve into one of the biggest days for consumer spending each year.

No matter how we choose to spend Mother's Day, the spirit of this holiday helps us to come together with family and create memories that last a lifetime.

Upcoming Events
Mother's Day - May 10

The first Mother's Day in the United States was founded by Anna Jarvis and celebrated on May 10, 1908, in the city of Philadelphia. In 1914, Mother's Day was officially adopted as a national holiday. Today, it is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

Jarvis wanted to create a holiday that honors the sacrifices that all mothers make for their children. She reportedly envisioned a day where people wore white carnations in honor of their own mothers and spent time with them at such family-centric activities like church services. To help spread her vision, Jarvis started "Mother's Day Work Clubs" where she organized education for local women about how to take better care of their children. Eventually, more commercial interests took hold of this holiday, which led it to evolve into one of the biggest days for consumer spending each year.

No matter how we choose to spend Mother's Day, the spirit of this holiday helps us to come together with family and create memories that last a lifetime.

Memorial Day - May 28
Memorial Day - May 28

Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to the memory of all those in the U.S. Armed Forces who have died while serving their country. It is celebrated on the final Monday of every May and has been a federal holiday since 1967. This holiday has roots in traditions observed during the summer months when families gathered for reunions and picnics. After the Civil War, the tradition was adapted to a national holiday named Decoration Day to honor fallen soldiers. Over time, the name was changed to Memorial Day. With the end of World War I, the scope of those honored was expanded to include all American wars.

Upcoming Events
Memorial Day - May 28

Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to the memory of all those in the U.S. Armed Forces who have died while serving their country. It is celebrated on the final Monday of every May and has been a federal holiday since 1967. This holiday has roots in traditions observed during the summer months when families gathered for reunions and picnics. After the Civil War, the tradition was adapted to a national holiday named Decoration Day to honor fallen soldiers. Over time, the name was changed to Memorial Day. With the end of World War I, the scope of those honored was expanded to include all American wars.