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Dental Select wishes you a FANG-TASTIC all Hallows Eve! All our Ghouls and Goblins will be released early to carve out time to enjoy family spooktaculars as of 2:30 MST today. We will all return for normal business hours when the sun rises.

Thanks!!

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — February 4, 2015— Dental Select today announced the appointment of Mark Coyne as Vice President of Business Development.  As Dental Select finalizes its nationwide expansion and gains entrance into international markets, Coyne will be responsible for planning and implementing business strategies, launching new products and technologies, and national network expansion.

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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – January 28, 2015 – Dental Select is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Nehren as Director of Marketing. In this new position, Nehren will be responsible for the strategic direction of brand development and positioning, as well as translating corporate objectives into marketing strategies that drive revenue.

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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — January 8, 2015— Dental Select recently announced the appointment of James Gilbride into the role of Chief Technology Officer. In this new capacity, Gilbride will guide and direct the technological vision for Dental Select by implementing new innovative systems and solutions that focus on the customer experience.

Gilbride will provide executive leadership, overseeing all technical aspects to help achieve company-wide objectives of producing innovative, technology-based solutions for current and future product lines. Reporting directly to President and CEO Brent Williams, Gilbride will be responsible for the management of research and development, for new and existing technologies at Dental Select. This position introduces a “new level of customer service that has never been achieved in the dental industry, including a brand new, enhanced customer portal experience,” said Williams.

“Our top priority at Dental Select is enhancing the customer experience,” stated Williams. “With focus on innovation and technology, we are continually working to simplify insurance for our clients while striving to revolutionize the benefit industry. I am confident that James has the skills and leadership experience to accomplish this goal.”

Gilbride most recently served as Vice President of Technology and has been with Dental Select since 2004. Bringing more than 15 years of Information Technology experience, Gilbride has held several leadership positions in a wide range of industries. Gilbride also serves as the Director of Information Technology for Sealants for Smiles, a 501(c)(3) oral health program sponsored by Dental Select.

Despite advanced research and advancements in the dental industry, oral health issues remain one of the most significant challenges faced by seniors today. An estimated 70% of seniors (ages 65 and older) experience gum disease, while only 47% of all adults have gum disease. Seniors also have higher tooth decay rates when comparing to children. Tooth decay and gum disease are the most frequent causes of tooth loss. Although the rate of tooth loss is actually declining, about a quarter of America’s seniors are missing all of their natural teeth.

Oral cancers (mouth, throat and tongue) are primarily diagnosed in the elderly. The American Cancer Society reports about 31,000 cases a year, 7,400 of these cases resulting in death. The average age for these cancers is 62 years old.

Senior dental health can be complicated, as older adults may suffer from several issues at once. Some of the most common problems that seniors experience from poor dental health include: darkened teeth from thinning tooth enamel, dry mouth (medication and disease side effect), diminished sense of taste, root decay from exposure to acids, gum disease, tooth loss, denture-induced stomatitis and thrush.[1]

Several reasons can contribute to inadequate dental care in older Americans. Often, seniors have more difficulty accessing care to prevent and control diseases than do younger adults or children. Many senior Americans do not have dental insurance and lack of dental insurance coverage affects treatment choices and the ability to seek clinical care. Consequently, senior Americans with the poorest oral health are those without insurance benefits. Taking medications, wearing dentures and other general health conditions are a few other factors that seniors face.[2]

Some of the most common problems from poor dental health include: darkened teeth, dry mouth, diminished sense of taste, root decay, gum disease, tooth loss, stomatitis and thrush.”

With proper care and regular check-ups, your teeth can last a lifetime. No matter your age, it is never too late to start caring for your oral health. Many seniors are at risk for a number of health problems; however, tooth loss is not necessarily an inevitable consequence of aging, but is actually the result of preventable oral disease. Learn how proper oral health is vital to living a healthy life.

Dental Select offers senior plans that are tailored to fit your dental needs.  To learn more, click here.

[1] Friedman, Michael: “Dental Care for Seniors.” WebMD. May 22, 2014. <www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-care-seniors?page=3#1>

[2] “Oral Health for Older Americans.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. July 10, 2013. <www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/factsheet s/adult_oral_health/adult_older.htm>

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — September 2, 2014— Dental Select is pleased to announce that Mike Nelson has been promoted to Chief Underwriting Officer. In this new capacity, Mike will provide underwriting leadership and risk management expertise to all the company’s current and future lines of business in multiple markets.

Reporting directly to CEO Brent Williams, Nelson will be responsible for managing profitable underwriting risk while the company continues its rapid premium growth and market expansion.

“Mike has a long standing record of maintaining stability while positioning Dental Select for future growth,” announced Brent Williams, President and CEO of Dental Select. “He brings many years of experience and proficiency, particularly here at Dental Select. His considerable knowledge and leadership in Underwriting will be an important part of new opportunities for us.”

Mike brings 20 years of experience in the health industry including 10 at Dental Select. Nelson is a graduate from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Social Science, a major in Economics and a minor in Mathematics. Additional credentials in the benefit industry include passing examinations administered by the Society of Actuaries. His positions of tenure include Actuarial Analyst for an international actuarial firm, Senior and Lead Underwriter for a large medical insurance carrier and Senior Account Analyst for a large Insurance Agency in Utah.

As we grow into senior years, dental well-being is often an overlooked component of general health. In truth, dental health is linked and fundamental to the rest of your body’s functions. Mouth complications can cause immediate problems like oral pain, trouble speaking, and difficulty eating and swallowing. Additionally, research has shown a strong association between poor dental health and other serious conditions, including: heart disease, diabetes, mouth cancer, pneumonia and stroke. [1] Understanding the connection between dental hygiene and overall health is the first step to protecting yourself from conditions and diseases.

Research has shown a strong association between poor dental health and other serious conditions, including: heart disease, diabetes, mouth cancer, pneumonia and stroke.

Senior Health Tips

Practicing good dental hygiene habits, you can stay healthy, happy and improve your quality of life. Here are some tips that you can start doing right away.

• – Brush with fluoride toothpaste. Brush twice a day. Use a circular motion, a soft bristle brush and take time along the gum line.
• – Floss once a day. If you experience difficulty with arthritis pain, ask someone for help.
• – Visit the dentist regularly. Schedule your appropriate cleanings and exams.
• – Use an antibacterial mouth rinse. This will help reduce bacteria that can cause decay.
• – Clean dentures daily. Be sure to use a with denture specific cleaner.
• – Remove dentures every night. At least one every 24 hours to keep lining healthy.
• – Drink water with fluoride.
• – Quit smoking.
• – Caregivers should reinforce hygiene routines. For those who are unable to perform oral care activities independently.

Dry Mouth Tips

Many seniors take prescriptions and over the counter drugs, several of which can cause dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. Dry mouth can have a negative impact on oral health due to the reduction of saliva flow.  Saliva contains essential antimicrobial components that help rebuild tooth enamel. Saliva can also prevent infections by controlling bacteria in the mouth. With many seniors experiencing frequent dry mouth, they are placed at a higher risk of oral disease and infections, including: gingivitis, tooth decay and thrush.

If you are experiencing dry mouth, learn what you can do to help stay more comfortable and minimize your risk of oral complications.

• – Use over the counter spray, mouthwash, or artificial saliva substitute.
• – Consult physician to alter medication dosage.
• – Drink plenty of water.
• – Use sugar free gum and lozenges.
• – Avoid coffee, alcohol, soft drinks, acidic juices.
• – Use fluoride gel treatment

Dental Select offers senior plans that are tailored to fit your dental needs.  To learn more, click here.

[1] “Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body.” American Dental Association. April 2006. <http://jada.ada.org>

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — June 5, 2014— Dental Select and its top insurance agency executives, recently fulfilled a philanthropic opportunity that contributed more than $10,000 in financial support, school supply kits and sports equipment to Wai District School students located in Fiji.

The plight of the Fijian school was realized during a personal trip to the country by Dental Select’s President & CEO, Brent Williams. The opportunity to donate then became a reality during a meeting between Dental Select and its top partnering agency executives. Mr. Williams stated that, “The opportunity to help these children receive the funds and desperately needed educational support was a privilege.”

“We were thrilled to find that so many of our partners were willing to support and fund this project and that it will make such a positive impact on the future of this Fijian community.”

The Fiji Wai District School currently educates 115 students ranging from Kindergarten through eighth grade. The school also houses many of the students during the school week due to distance and lack of regulated ground transportation.

Items presented to the school included a $10,000 cash donation, various sports equipment, and school kits, which included essential items such as notebooks, pencils, erasers, rulers, and scissors.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — May 5, 2014 — Dental Select recently launched a program that provides affordable access to dental care for Dental Select participants at Monarch Dental® offices. Through the Monarch Plan, Dental Select members in the state of Utah can now choose Monarch Dental® for their family’s dental needs. The Monarch Plan is available exclusively through Dental Select.

Dental Select’s employer-sponsored Monarch Plan offers a zero deductible, higher annual maximum and overall increased savings to employees versus traditional dental plans. The Monarch Plan and other insured dental plans are currently available through Dental Select and its appointed agents.

Brent Williams, CEO and President acknowledged the development of the Monarch Plan as “another great option for Utah residents with expanded provider access and unique, above average benefits.”

Dr. Robert Chidester, owner of Modern Dental Professionals – Utah, P.C., which operates the Monarch Dental offices in Utah, says “Monarch Dental is very happy to be part of the Dental Select family of choices. Dental Select cares about the well-being of their members and we at Monarch have the same philosophy, focusing on delivering quality care at affordable prices.”