Dental care providers can help in early detection of HIV

Common-sense solutions to common challenges define much of Massachusetts’ history. Basic social institutions like public education and our subway system exist because a group of Bay Staters worked together to strengthen our community.The systems we created here in Massachusetts have helped our communities and our country thrive and grow. In honor of last week’s National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) on June 27, we have the opportunity to demonstrate our sense and creativity again by integrating our health care systems to accomplish something extraordinarily important: earlier detection of HIV. Early detection of HIV can give individuals more years, more options, and more hope. The dental community can join this important fight by being the first line of defense in identifying possible signs of HIV. Dental teams have a unique opportunity to identify individuals who may be HIV-positive and unaware of their status. There are oral conditions which may indicate the existence of HIV and, if identified, can provide an educational moment for oral health practitioners to discuss, counsel, and offer referral to HIV testing. Early diagnosis and linkage to medical care can significantly improve health outcomes. Increasing the number of people who know their HIV status can also help reduce the number of new cases, as once people are aware of their infection, they are significantly less likely to put others at risk of transmission. The CDC has suggested that each year, a significant portion of the population will visit a dental office, but not a medical office. In some states, dental offices are conducting rapid HIV testing and this may be an appropriate venue in a public health facility or a private practice in a region with higher reports of HIV infection. According to the CDC, one of every five people living with HIV in the U.S. is unaware of their HIV status. By building a system that better integrates services, health care practitioners across the board, including oral health care providers, can help to increase the number of people who can say: "I know. I took the test." So let’s work together in Massachusetts to better connect our systems of care. By joining forces, we can improve the health and quality of life of all residents of the Commonwealth.
Article found here..

Get Connected with Savon Dental Plan!

Did you know Savon Dental Plan is on Twitter and Facebook?

Get connected and get the latest news, blogs, specials and promotions!

Visit us on Facebook.com and become a fan and make sure to follow us on Twitter.com!

Don't forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

Savon Q Print, Your Flyer Headquarters

Do you use flyers to promote your business? Do you create them on your own? Do you take them to a "quick copy" center to have them photo copied? Do you pay too much for them?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, then Savon Q Print is here to help!
We will create your flyer, print it, ship or deliver to you, (depending on where you are at) and do so at the lowest possible price.
Great Service, Low Price. There is only one way to describe it: Savon Q Print "Where the Q Stands for Quality".
Let's get started on your flyer today, contact us at qprint@savondentalplan.com.

Sunscreen....For Your Lips?

It's a hot, sunny day.... You've slathered yourself from head to toe with SPF 45... you're ready for some fun in the sun...BUT WAIT! You forgot to protect your smile!

According to the CTCA ( Cancer Treatment Centers of America) sun damage (among other contributors) is the leading cause of Lip Cancer. People with repetitive exposure to the sun are more likely to exhibit symptoms that can potentially lead to lip cancer.

For more valuable information about lip cancer and how to protect yourself from it, please check out http://www.cancercenter.com/lip-cancer.htm .

So on your way out to enjoy our beautiful summer weather don't forget sunscreen for your smile! Several companies offer lip balms with SPF 15 or greater and you can never use too much!

Should you fill rotten baby teeth?

Filling rotten baby teeth may be an unnecessary as well as uncomfortable experience for children to endure, some experts say.
About 40% of five-year-olds have tooth decay and at least one in ten is treated with fillings. But evidence from the case notes of 50 dentists suggests fillings may not offer significant benefits.

Read more here..

Free Children Dental Clinics in NYC Losing Funding

It's still up in the air, but hope is dwindling for 46 free in-school dental clinics in NYC who may be losing their funding. These clinics serve roughly 17,000 children who may not otherwise have any kind of dental care available. The reason for the cut-off? Cutting cost to save on budget. Dentists have argued that this is a major health risk to the children of the community, however city officials have stated that this cut will save about $2.5 million. They also go on to explain that families can get dental care through Medicaid. However, dentists fear that the inconvenience of having to remove their children from school will result in skipped appointments and check ups, which could also result in more emergency room visits...

Click HERE For the full article

Great Money-Making Opportunity! Become a Savon Agent!

Need some extra cash?? Have friends or family in need of dental coverage?? Become a Savon Dental Plan agent! Whether you have no income or if you're just looking to make some extra money, Savon can help!

There's nothing to lose and a world of possibilities! Click HERE for more information, or visit us at www.savondentalplan.com!