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Follow on Google News | CTeL and The Teledentists Launch Pilot Program to Reduce Dental-Related ED CostsBy: CTeL The American Dental Association (ADA) estimates over 2 million people visit the ER yearly for dental complaints, with each visit costing about $749—three times the cost of a standard dental appointment. Medicaid, which covers nearly one-third of these costs, bears a significant financial burden, with many of these visits providing only temporary relief for patients due to the lack of dental specialists in ERs. "Through this program, we offer a practical, technology-driven solution to improve efficiency and reduce the cost impact on hospitals," said Christa Natoli, Executive Director of CTeL. "By enabling virtual consultations, patients can receive effective, immediate relief for dental issues while reducing repeat ED visits." This six-month, cost-free pilot provides hospitals with access to a tele-dentistry kiosk, which allows immediate virtual consultation with licensed dentists. Key features include:
"Our vision with this pilot is to empower ERs with an effective solution for managing non-urgent dental complaints," Together, they hope to expand this program to other hospitals across the country, with the long-term goal of establishing tele-dentistry as a key strategy to manage dental emergencies. Research shows that for every $1 invested in preventive dental care, $50 is saved in avoided emergency treatments, indicating the program's potential for significant impact. For more information visit, www.ctel.org. End
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