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Word of Mouth

The latest on business, wellness and more 

Teledentistry helps employees get the most out of dental coverage

Jul 18, 2022

By Delta Dental

Updated March 2026

Some of your employees may find it hard to create time for dental appointments or be seen for urgent issues. If that’s the case, teledentistry is a valuable benefit for them. 

Whether at home or traveling, employees can access a dental consultation virtually, by video or photo, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our partner, Teledentistry.com, has in-network dentists who are available for dental emergencies, reviewing issues, providing a second opinion and prescribing medications when employees need it most.
 

What is teledentistry?

Teledentistry, also known as virtual dentistry, is a service in which a dentist performs a consultation via phone or video to diagnose dental issues, offer care advice and determine appropriate treatment, which may include a prescription or in-person follow-up visit.

Teledentistry appointments can consist of a video visit, in which the dentist and patient are interacting with each other in real-time. It can also be a photo of the patient’s issue that is sent to the dentist, who sends a reply later.
 

What virtual dentistry resources does Delta Dental offer?

We offer both video and photo virtual dentistry services through Teledentistry.com. Your employees can book an appointment online for video appointments. It’s secure and HIPAA-compliant, and it’s easy for them to connect with a dentist to get virtual consultations, e‑prescriptions and check-ins.

Employees can also submit photos of their issue to a Delta Dental dentist, who will assess the issue and send a comprehensive diagnostic report with the results, treatment options and cost estimates. 
 

Do employees need special equipment for virtual dentistry appointments?

Beyond an internet-connected computer or mobile device with a camera, no special equipment is required for virtual dentistry appointments.
 

Why would employees want to use virtual dentistry if they can visit the dentist in person?

Virtual dentistry appointments can be a convenient way for your team to fit dental care into otherwise busy schedules. With virtual dentistry, employees can book a video appointment or submit a photo without having to travel to see a dentist. They can also use these appointments:

  • When they’re feeling ill or don’t wish to travel to the dentist’s office
  • When urgent issues arise while they’re out of town away from their usual dentist
  • When they need a second opinion
  • When they want to talk to a Delta Dental dentist outside of regular office hours
     

Is virtual dentistry covered by all Delta Dental plans?

Generally, yes. For Delta Dental PPO™ plans that cover diagnostic and preventive (D&P) services at 100%, virtual dentistry appointments are unlimited up to the plan’s annual maximum. For PPO plans that have a coinsurance amount for D&P services or a deductible, the member will pay Teledentisry.com directly for any amounts due. Virtual assessments don't count toward exam frequency limitations and are a covered benefit for Delta Dental PPO™ and Delta Dental Premier® members. 

Virtual consultations for DeltaCare® USA members are a covered benefit when performed by their assigned contract dentist. Using any other virtual‑care provider is not considered in-network. Services provided by a dentist other than the member's contract dentist are considered out of network and may result in an out-of-pocket cost. 

Learn more about virtual dentistry

Delta Dental PPO is underwritten by Delta Dental Insurance Company in AL, DC, FL, GA, LA, MS, MT, NV and UT and by not-for-profit dental service companies in these states: CA – Delta Dental of California; PA, MD – Delta Dental of Pennsylvania; NY – Delta Dental of New York, Inc.; DE – Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc.; WV – Delta Dental of West Virginia, Inc. In TX, Delta Dental Insurance Company provides a dental provider organization (DPO) plan.

Delta Dental Premier is underwritten by Delta Dental Insurance Company in AL, DC, FL, GA, LA, MS, MT, NV, TX and UT and by not-for-profit dental service companies in these states: CA — Delta Dental of California; PA, MD — Delta Dental of Pennsylvania; NY — Delta Dental of New York, Inc.; DE — Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc.; WV — Delta Dental of West Virginia, Inc.

DeltaCare USA is underwritten in these states by these entities: AL — Alpha Dental of Alabama, Inc.; AZ — Alpha Dental of Arizona, Inc.; CA — Delta Dental of California; AR, CO, IA, MA, ME, MI, MN, NC, ND, NE, NH, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY — Dentegra Insurance Company; AK, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, KS, LA, MS, MT, TN, WV — Delta Dental Insurance Company; HI, ID, IL, IN, KY, MD, MO, NJ, OH, TX — Alpha Dental Programs, Inc.; NV — Alpha Dental of Nevada, Inc.; UT — Alpha Dental of Utah, Inc.; NM — Alpha Dental of New Mexico, Inc.; NY — Delta Dental of New York, Inc.; PA — Delta Dental of Pennsylvania. Delta Dental Insurance Company acts as the DeltaCare USA administrator in all these states. These companies are financially responsible for their own products.