May 2008 Newsletter
What´s New at Savon
◄ Back to What´s New At Savon - Monthly Newsletter Home Page
In every newsletter you will find a secret word or phrase. When you locate the word or phrase, copy the entire paragraph and paste it into an email along with your Savon membership ID number and your name.
Send the email to customerservice@savondentalplan.com. The emails will be printed, and the winning entry will be drawn on the 15th of the following month. All entries must be received by the 10th of the month (i.e. July 10th for June's newsletter, etc.). The winning entry will receive a check from Savon for $25.00. Only one entry per family is allowed, and you may only win once per 12 months. The secret phrase for May is "three-week credentialing process"
Quote of the month: Until I was thirteen, I thought my name was 'shut up.'- Joe Namath (1943 - )
Cohen’s Corner – Straight talk from the Doctor:
Can Different Really Be The Same?
Many of you have asked the question: What is the difference between a dentist with the initials DDS or DMD?
I apologize for the whole dental field, and especially dental schools, for bringing this confusing question into existence in the first place. The initials DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Medical Dentistry.
The DDS degree has been given to graduates of American Dental Schools for many, many years. Recently (I believe in the last 5-10 years) some of the dental schools have decided to give their graduates a DMD degree. To make matters more confusing, I just heard the now there are some schools that are giving their graduates a combination DDS/DMD degree. All this is accomplishing is a confusing situation for the dental consumer and an opportunity for the unscrupulous at heart to take advantage of the situation.
Many dental consumers are questioning if there is any difference between the DDS and DMD degree and the answer is unequivocally: No!
I have also heard that in some dental schools if you graduated and were given a DDS degree in this past and now want a DMD degree, all you have to do is write them and send money. In American Dental Schools the American Dental Association dictates how many hours (at a minimum) each student needs in each class before he or she will be able to receive a dental degree.
It has been brought to my attention that some dentists with DMD degrees are telling their patients that they have more and/or better training in dentistry. This is completely wrong as I have pointed out earlier in this article about the minimum requirements that the American Dental Association has established to receive a degree in dentistry from an American Dental School. It is finally time to set the record straight in telling you, the American consumer, that there is absolutely no difference between a DDS and DMD degree.
Thank-you for your continuing interest, stimulating questions, and overall support of Savon Dental Plan. We are here with one purpose in mind: To help put a healthy and happy smile on every one of our members‘
faces by making professional dental care affordable and at the same time answering any questions that you might have about your oral health care.
Have a safe and happy Memorial Day! Dr. B. Cohen
Blog this article with Dr. Cohen
Congratulations to F. Hernandez of Yuma, AZ Winner of our April $50.00 Visa® gift card drawing
Mr. Hernandez was the winner of the April Visa® gift card drawing. A gift card in the amount of $50.00 was mailed to him.
Again, thank you to everyone that entered the drawing.
Congratulations to D. Schultz of Orlando, Fl. Winner of our April Secret Word Contest
Mr. Schultz's correct answer was drawn and a check for $25.00 was sent to him.
Make sure that you look for the secret word this month, it could be worth $25.00 to you!!
To your health:
Did you know that certain foods are good for your teeth?
It is common knowledge that soda pop and candy can do major damage to your teeth and gums. Actually, if you look into the archives of this newsletter, you‘ll find an article pertaining to soda
pop and it‘s effects on your teeth… While there are hundreds of other types of food that are hard on your teeth, there are foods that are actually good for your teeth and help defend them against plaque and oral disease.
For those of you who don‘t already know, PLAQUE is that nasty film full of bacteria that covers the surfaces of your teeth. When the sugars and starches in your mouth connect with the plaque,
acid forms and begins to attack your teeth. It also releases toxins that attack your bones that support your teeth and your gums. This can be helped by simply changing your eating habits and, as always, practicing good oral hygiene.
Here are some foods that help prevent plaque and buildup that could lead to oral disease and tooth damage:
- Milk, cheese, or other dairy products - the calcium in dairy products help re-build the minerals and make your teeth stronger.
- Eat fluoride-enriched foods. Drink fluorinated water or eat commercially prepared food like seafood products, powdered cereal, and poultry products.
- Foods high in fiber have a cleaning effect in your mouth. They help produce saliva which is a natural defense against oral disease.
- Drink green or black tea. These teas have been known to suppress the bacteria that can cause cavities or gum disease.
- Eat licorice. It‘s been known that licorice can help stop the growth of bacteria.
- Chew sugarless chewing gum. It generates saliva, which is cleansing to your mouth and helps prevent food particles that can cause decay from sticking to your teeth.
Here are foods you should try to stay away from because they are known to cause decay and disease:
- Carbonated beverages! This is the leading cause of oral problems in children, and most soft drinks contain acids that break down your teeth and gums.
- Candy and sweets! These stick to your teeth and are more difficult to clean. If you want to eat sweets, eat those that are easily cleansed out of your mouth such as chocolate or other soft candies that can be broken down faster than caramel or hard candies.
- Starches! Starchy foods get stuck in between your teeth and gums and can hide for long periods of time in those hard to reach areas. This is a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Lemons! Lemons eat away at the tooth enamel and make your teeth more vulnerable to decay and erosion.
- Avoid Alcohol or medications that dry out your mouth! Saliva is your body‘s natural cleanser. It helps wash away bacteria that cause plaque.
Staying away from ALL of these foods is understandably difficult. The American Dental Association suggests consuming sugary foods with meals which will help neutralize the production of acids. Limit your amount of snacking, or choose nutritional snacks that produce saliva. Drink lots of water, brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at lease once a day. These are just a few things you can do, aside from visiting your dentist regularly, to keep your smile healthy.
We invite you to blog this article with us
The above health material is provided as an information service. It should not be used for diagnostic purposes nor is it intended to take the place of the important relationship between you and your doctor.
A question from a member:
Question;
I went to a provider that is not on the plan and his quote without the plan was the same price. Why should I keep Savon if I can get my dentistry done at the same price without it?
Savon's Answer:
Although the lower prices you may get at a random dentist office may sound appealing, keeping Savon will benefit you and your family in more ways than one. Most importantly, Savon can protect you. Our comprehensive fee schedule allows you to plan for your dental expenses and provides you with fees that are set as opposed to fees that are subject to change due to our volatile economy. Our providers go through an extensive, three-week credentialing process to ensure that you are receiving quality work from a quality provider. Savon offers extensive benefits without limit all year long, whereas a random provider may offer limited promotions that do not extend to the rest of your dental needs. We are the ONLY plan that is backed by four distinct guarantees, and we are committed to offering the best customer service to you, our valued member.
Dental fun facts:
Almost everyone enjoys facts and figures today and the field of dentistry is no different:
- How much is the Tooth Fairy paying per tooth? Around $2 per tooth. (Money Magazine)
- 60% of people who don't know that a sore jaw, when combined with chest pain, can signal a heart attack-especially in women.
- 73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss.
- A toothpick is the object most often choked on by Americans.
- Every year, kids in North America spend close to half a billion dollars on chewing gum.
- More people use blue toothbrushes than red ones.
- Like fingerprints, everyone‘s tongue print is different.
- A poll conducted in Michigan showed that Republicans, Protestants & women brush their teeth more often than Democrats, Catholics & men. 2% of those polled said they don't brush at all. (RepConnect #13 June 2003)
- You are not "to old for good dental care" the average 65 year old has 17.3 years of life remaining!
- According to the publication, New Scientist, people with red hair are more sensitive to pain and consequently need more anesthetic during operations than other patients. Those with red hair needed 20 per cent more aesthetic to numb the pain.
- Someone should invent “Tooth Paper” which would work just like “Toilet Paper.” Then people will understand that it‘s important to wipe off what goes in just as much as what comes out! (Mike Maroon)
We hope that you've enjoyed these little tid bits of information. We'll try to come up with a few more next month.
24 new providers added since March:
March and April of this year have been very busy for our Provider Relations department. As of April 30, 2008 we have added new dentists in the following states:
- 5 Network Preferred Providers in Arizona
- 11 Network Preferred Providers in Florida
- 1 Network Preferred Provider in New York
- 2 Network Preferred "Flex Fee" Providers in Washington
- 5 Network Preferred "Flex Fee" Providers in Oregon
We are currently recruiting in Florida and Puerto Rico. We will continue to update you through the newsletters and of course, the Provider Locater is always up to date.
Business partner of the month:
Offering special values to Savon Members
Summer is fast approaching and many of us are trying to decide what to do for vacation. With the constant rising cost of fuel and food, the smart vacationers are
electing to cruise. Cruise ships depart from each coast and go just about everywhere. For one price you can have a floating hotel, food and travel, not to mention the great service and endless activities and entertainment aboard the ship.
So if you are interested in a great value this summer visit Cruise One today or call Lance Donovan at 623-399-6919 or toll free at 1-866-217-2144.
School's Out:
School is winding down for the 2007/2008 year. Savon sends a heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2008. Whether you are preparing to enter the workforce or college, we wish you the best of luck.
To the parents of the rest of the students… JUST 3 MORE MONTHS AND SCHOOL STARTS AGAIN!!
Watch your kids around water:
Last year we lost 3 members of Savon to drowning. 2 in pools and 1 at the lake.
PLEASE… PLEASE… BE CAREFUL IN AND AROUND WATER AND NEVER - NEVER- LEAVE A CHILD UNATTENDED.
To all of our members, have a safe, sane and happy summer
|
|
