With Healthy Kids Dental (HKD) benefits administered by Delta Dental, your child can receive dental services at no cost to you!This includes dental exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and more.
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Recipe: DIY trail mix
Trail mix is a fun, customizable snack that kids can help create with their favorite ingredients. It’s easy to store, doesn’t require refrigeration, and is perfect for school and on-the-go snacking.
Combine the ingredients below in a large bowl and have peace of mind knowing your child is snacking smart!
- Whole-grain cereal squares
- Unsweetened raisins
- Sunflower seeds
- Pretzel twists
- Chocolate chips
Find the dentist for your child
Ensuring your child’s comfort at the dentist is important because it can shape how they view oral health throughout their life. Whether you’re preparing to make your baby’s first appointment or wondering whether a different provider may better suit your teen, here are some things to consider:
- Do your homework. Looking for an office to make your child’s dental home? Friends, family, and even your pediatrician may be able to provide recommendations based on what’s most important to you!
- Don’t skip check-ups. Going to the dentist every six months for cleaning is important for your child’s overall health, and that includes mental health. Routine visits help them get familiar with the dentist's office environment, which hopefully will alleviate some of their fears if they ever need more in-depth care.
- Keep them comfy. Stay calm before and during visits with your child. Bring a comfort item, such as a blanket or stuffed animal, to help them relax.
- Pay attention. How do the hygienist and dentist interact with your child, and how does your child respond? If it doesn’t feel like a good fit, it’s OK to keep searching. You may switch to another in-network dentist at any time.
Remember, to receive services at no cost to you, your child must see a Healthy Kids Dental network dentist. When you call to schedule a visit, be sure to tell the office your child has Healthy Kids Dental.
A smile-smart lunchbox challenge
Back-to-school mornings can be busy, but a teeth-friendly lunch is an easy win for your child’s oral health and overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, what we eat as a child affects our growth and even how we eat as we get older!
Not sure what to pack? Use this quick checklist as a guide and aim to have one from each category every time.
- Dairy with no added sugars: pasteurized yogurt or cheese.
- Protein: Beans, lentils, chicken, deboned fish, turkey, etc.
- Whole grain: Whole grain bread, crackers, or pasta.
- Fruit: Banana, apple, orange, pear, melon, etc.
- Vegetable: Cooked spinach, carrot, corn, peas, sweet potato, etc.
These foods will help protect your child’s teeth while keeping them fueled for the day.
Extra tip: Choose water over a sugar-sweetened beverage! Lemonade, sports drinks, iced tea, and soda can erode enamel. If consumed, use a straw and rinse with water afterwards.
Food, housing, and health resources near you
We know healthy smiles start with healthy communities. That’s why we partner with nonprofit organizations working to support the well-being of our neighbors.
Findhelp makes finding free and low-cost resources easier. Visit ddmiohin.com to find local food, housing, transportation, health, work, or legal help.
Our new website
Our website has a new look, but our resources are still the same! Visit our HKD page to:
- Find a dentist near you
- Access your member handbook
- Learn about virtual visits
- Watch oral health videos in English or Spanish
- View non-emergency transportation services available near you
Whether you're new to your HKD plan or could just use a quick refresher, our dental insurance glossary also offers clear explanations for common terms you’ll see when using your benefits.
You can find our glossary any time at deltadentalmi.com/members/member-resources/dental-insurance-glossary.
Five tips for a school-ready smile
Keep these quick oral health tips in mind to help your kids feel confident as they take on a new school year!
- Do not share toothbrushes. Doing so spreads illnesses and puts you at greater risk for gum disease and cavities.
- Brush for two minutes twice a day. Be sure to set a timer!
- Replace toothbrushes every three to four months. If bristles look frayed, replace them sooner. Worn out toothbrushes can’t clean hard-to-reach places.
- After using it, make sure your child puts their toothbrush in a place where it can dry properly.
- Drink lots of water! Doing so washes away food particles and bacteria, which keeps teeth and gums healthy and strong.
Science class is in session
Looking for a fun science activity at home? This easy experiment shows how sugar feeds germs in your mouth. And it even helps make bread!
You only need yeast, sugar, water, a bowl, and a tablespoon.
Mix one packet of active yeast with 1/4 cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a bowl. (1/4 cup equals 12 tablespoons.)
After about 10 minutes, the mixture will start to foam. This means the microbes are feeding and making carbon dioxide, just like the germs in your mouth when they use sugar to grow.
Quick hits
Remember, you must update your contact information to requalify for Medicaid and Healthy Kids Dental benefits. Visit michigan.gov/mibridges or call 800-975-7630 to update your address, phone number and other contact information.
If you suspect someone of fraud, waste, or abuse, you can make an anonymous report. Call the Delta Dental anti-fraud hotline at 800-524-0147. You can also report to the state's Office of Inspector General (OIG) at 855-MI-FRAUD or by sending a letter to: Office of Inspector General, PO Box 30062, Lansing, MI 48909. You can also submit online here.
Review your member handbook for more information about fraud, waste, and abuse.
Get benefit help and information for you and/or your child in your language. Call our team at 866-696-7441 (TTY users call 711) for help.
Delta Dental takes your privacy very seriously. You can find our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices at deltadentalmi.com (click the HIPAA policy link from the homepage), or call 866-696-7441 to request a copy.
You can ask for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services network adequacy standards. These are state and federal rules for health and dental plans. To get a copy, call Delta Dental’s customer service at 866-696-7441.
You can also look at Delta Dental’s clinical practice guidelines. These guidelines help make sure you get good care. Your dentist is asked to follow them when treating you. You can view the guidelines on our Clinical Criteria page.
*Refer to your Healthy Kids Dental Handbook for all member rights
If you are not happy with your plan, you can disenroll at any time. Call MI Enrolls at 800-975-7630 (TTY: 888-263-5897).
You can disenroll for reasons such as:
- You move.
- The plan does not cover a service you need due to moral or religious reasons.
- You need related services done at the same time, but not all of them are available in your plan’s network.
- Other concerns, such as poor care, trouble getting covered services, or trouble finding a dentist who meets your needs.