TAKE THIS QUIZ TO DETERMINE YOUR RISK LEVEL:
For each question, answer yes or no, based on your regular habits, and
write down the score that appears for your answer (roll your mouse over
your answer). At the end of the quiz, tally your points to calculate your
total score.
1. Do you use toothpaste that contains fluoride?
2. Do you drink beverages that contain sugar or do you add sugar to drinks
such as coffee or tea more than three times a day?
3. Have you had more than two new cavities in the last three years?
4. Do you snack on candy or other sugary foods more than twice a day?
5. Have you lost a tooth in the last three years due to decay?
6. Does the water you drink and cook with contain fluoride?
7. Do you have your teeth cleaned at least once a year by a dentist/dental
hygienist?
8. Do you take any medicine that makes your mouth dry or is your mouth
dry as a result of radiation therapy or some other conditions?
9. Do you clean between your teeth with dental floss or an interproximal
brush at least once a day?
10. Is it uncomfortable to brush areas where your gums have receded?
Total Score ____________________________________________________________
If your total score is 30 points or higher, you may be at higher risk for developing tooth decay. Discuss your self-assessment when you see your dentist at your next visit.
The best way to prevent tooth decay is to brush with fluoride-based
toothpaste, floss daily, avoid drinks and snacks that contain sugar and have regular professional cleanings and periodic evaluations by your
dentist. Remember, the Trust provides members and dependents with two cleanings and exams every 12 months (plan year), paid at 100% of the network
fee or reasonable and customary charges, depending on which
plan you have.
For more information about your Trust dental coverage, see your Dental
plan booklet or review the dental
benefit now. For more information on tooth decay, see
these websites
(recommended by MetLife):
• www.agd.org
• www.ada.org
• www.merckhomeedition.com
Return to the Trust Talk Archive
or download the August 2002 Trust
Talk.
The Trust wants to ensure that members and their eligible dependents have a dental plan that meets their needs. You can select either of the Trust's dental plans if you are a Union-represented State employee with at least one year of continuous service, regardless of where you live or work. Both plans cover a wide range of services, as shown in the Dental Comparison Chart.
Regardless of where you work or live, you may choose either of our plans to cover you and your family:
Preferred Choice
In- or out-of-network benefits
Quality Dental
Traditional Plan
Call MetLife or visit their website for up-to-date provider information. For participating endodontists currently available to Trust members, see the special list posted here.
Updated August 2002
