ERS - State of Texas Dental Discount Plan

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ERS news and announcements

Announcement: January 2018

Medicare eligible retirees: If you signed up during Fall Enrollment, your plan becomes effective this month!

The State of Texas Dental Discount PlanSM is easy to use. It provides you with instant savings of 20% to 60% on dental care and treatment. You can enjoy savings on routine checkups, treatment, teeth whitening, dentures and orthodontics.

It's important to maintain good oral health at every age. A healthy body starts with a healthy mouth, and we believe a healthy mouth doesn't have to hurt your wallet.

Remember: The Dental Discount Plan is not dental insurance. This discount plan allows you to pay a discounted fee at the time of service when you visit a participating network dentist. There are no limits on plan use, and savings start as soon as your plan is effective.

Replacing Teeth January 2018

Did you know the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth? If you are missing teeth, there are some issues that may arise because of it. A space between your teeth may affect how you speak or eat. Missing teeth can also affect how you chew. Remaining teeth may shift and, in some cases, bone loss can even occur around a missing tooth.

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Announcement: December 2017

At a time of year when many of us are buying presents for loved ones, it can be hard to think about another big expense. If you've been putting off important dental work or your routine checkup that can help recognize other health concerns, the State of Texas Dental Discount PlanSM can help reduce that cost to something a little more affordable!

A Photo-ready Smile December 2017

It's important not to neglect your smile during the holidays. Even though we are busy shopping for our friends and family, don't forget to treat yourself. A checkup or teeth whitening session can do wonders for your smile!

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Announcement: November 2017

Fall Enrollment is here!

Mark your calendars now – Fall Enrollment begins October 31 and ends November 18, 2017 for Medicare eligible retirees and their dependents.

You can sign up for the State of Texas Dental Discount PlanSM during Fall Enrollment or within 31 days of a qualifying life event such as employment changes, moving, marriage or eligibility for Medicare or Medicaid.

Interested in signing up? Check the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) Fall Enrollment page for Plan Year 2018 Retiree rates and fair schedule information.

Brushing Mistakes November 2017

Brushing your teeth isn't as easy as it seems. There are plenty of things to keep in mind when it comes to your dental hygiene. However, some of them are not as obvious as the ones you learned as a child.

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Announcement: October 2017

Routine dental exams are crucial to your overall health and well-being. Did you know that a routine dental exam can identify signs of diabetes, leukemia, kidney disease, heart disease and more? If you haven't already, pick up your phone and make an appointment today!

Don't forget, with your plan membership you can save 20% to 60% on dental care and treatment. You can also save on orthodontics for you and your family. Note: This plan is not insurance.

Interested in signing up? Fall Enrollment dates are October 31 - November 18 for retirees enrolled in Medicare. Check the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) Fall Enrollment page for Plan Year 2018 Retiree rates and fair schedule information.

Still Getting Cavities? October 2017

Are you suddenly getting cavities after years of being cavity-free?

It may seem strange to suddenly be having these problems again, but in fact it is very common for you to experience cavities as you get older. They don't just affect children. Children and seniors are the two highest at-risk groups for tooth decay.

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Announcement: September 2017

Attention State of Texas Dental Discount Plan participants! Now is a great time for one of your two recommended annual cleanings!

Catching gum disease early is key! Routine dental exams are crucial to your overall health - and can help identify problems such as gum disease. The early stages of gum disease can often be reversed with good oral hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing- helps prevent plaque buildup.

Don't forget, with your plan membership you can save 20% to 60% on dental care and treatment. You and your family can also save on orthodontics. The State of Texas Dental Discount Plan is not dental insurance.

Call us toll-free at (844) 377-3368 (TTY-711) with questions about your plan. Our customer service team is happy to help!

Remember, the State of Texas Dental Discount Plan is not dental insurance. This discount plan allows you to pay a discounted fee at the time of service when you visit a participating network dentist. The State of Texas Dental Discount Plan can be used on routine and preventive care, specialty treatment and even cosmetic services such as braces for children and adults, and teeth whitening. There are no limits on plan use, you can change providers at any time, and savings start as soon as your plan is effective.

Have questions? Call toll-free at (844) 377-3368, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT for assistance, or click here to search for a dentist near you.

How Sugar Affects Your Teeth September 2017

Eating twenty-five sugar cubes in a day seems crazy, right? According to the Washington Post, the average person drinks two and a half sodas a day. Each soda contains more than of 35 grams of sugar, so it seems that crazy is the new norm.

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Announcement: August 2017

Are you enrolled in your State of Texas Dental Discount Plan and want to get started? Watch for your enrollment kit in the mail. After that, it's easy to get started!

Just follow these steps!

  1. Sign up - check!
  2. Search for a participating dentist near you.
  3. Schedule your appointment.
  4. Save instantly at the point of service.

Four simple steps can lead to a brighter, healthier smile! Your new membership provides you with instant savings of 20% to 60% on dental care and treatment.

Remember, the State of Texas Dental Discount Plan is not dental insurance. This discount plan allows you to pay a discounted fee at the time of service when you visit a participating network dentist. The State of Texas Dental Discount Plan can be used on routine and preventive care, specialty treatment and even cosmetic services such as braces for children and adults, and teeth whitening. There are no limits on plan use, you can change providers at any time, and savings start as soon as your plan is effective.

Have questions? Call toll-free at (844) 377-3368, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT for assistance, or click here to search for a dentist near you.

Take a vacation, but not from your dental routine! August 2017

When you take a vacation, be sure you don’t check out completely. You may be taking a break from the everyday, but don't ignore your daily dental routine! When traveling, keep these few things in mind.

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Announcement: July 2017

Summer Enrollment has begun! Sign up now through July 28. The State of Texas Dental Discount Plan can help you save on routine and major dental work, cosmetic procedures (like teeth whitening), orthodontics and more for a low monthly fee that starts at just $2.25 for a member-only plan.

Our network in Texas and throughout the U.S. is bigger than ever, so finding a dentist near you won’t be a problem! If your favorite dentist isn’t in our network, you can nominate him or her to join the plan.

Call us toll-free at (844) 377-3368 for assistance, or click here to search for a provider near you and schedule your appointment to save! Remember, the State of Texas Dental Discount Plan is not dental insurance. This discount plan allows you to pay a discounted fee at the time of service when you visit a participating network dentist. There are no limits on plan use, change providers at any time, and savings start as soon as your plan is effective.

Finding Your Perfect Mouthwash July 2017

Is using mouthwash an unpleasant experience? Let's change that. There are a few things to consider when purchasing a new mouthwash, like ingredients, sensitivity and smell.

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Announcement: May 2017

Mark your calendar for the Summer Enrollment dates! 2017 Summer Enrollment starts June 26 and ends July 28.

Sign up during Summer Enrollment or within 31 days of a qualifying life event, such as a new hire, rehire, retirement, marriage or birth of a child.

Call us toll-free at (844) 377-3368 for assistance, or click here to search for a provider near you and schedule your appointment to save!

Remember, the State of Texas Dental Discount Plan is not dental insurance. This discount plan allows you to pay a discounted fee at the time of service when you visit a participating network dentist. The State of Texas Dental Discount Plan can be used on routine and preventive care, specialty treatment and even cosmetic services such as braces for children and adults and teeth whitening. There are no limits on plan use, you can change providers at any time, and savings start as soon as your plan is effective.

How to Spot and Treat Gum Disease May 2017

Taking good care of your teeth is important. Are you giving your gums the same attention? If your gums don't get the same TLC your teeth do, you could develop gum disease.

Gum disease is the inflammation of the gums. This can eventually affect the teeth and even bone. More than 75% of adult Americans have some form of gum disease, and many are unaware of it. So how do you recognize gum disease?

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Announcement: April 2017

It's almost time for active employees' Summer Enrollment, so mark your calendars for the ERS benefit fairs this summer. 2017 Summer Enrollment is June 26 to July 28!

Come see us to learn about the State of Texas Dental Discount Plan and see how much money you can save!

Remember, the State of Texas Dental Discount Plan is not dental insurance. This discount plan allows you to pay a discounted fee at the time of service when you visit a participating network dentist. The State of Texas Dental Discount Plan can be used on routine and preventive care, specialty treatment and even cosmetic services such as braces for children and adults, and teeth whitening. There are no limits on plan use, you can change providers at any time, and savings start as soon as your plan is effective.

Plus, we're here to help! Call toll-free at (844) 377-3368, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. CT for assistance, or click here to search for a dentist near you.

First Dental Appointment April 2017

When your child has their full set of baby teeth, it's time to take them to the dentist to begin fostering good dental hygiene habits. Right? Wrong.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends children visit the dentist even earlier, within six months after that first tooth emerges, which is typically about age one. Don’t worry - this first visit won't involve any extensive cleaning. The first visit will familiarize your toddler with a dentist's office and allow the dentist to make sure your child's smile is developing properly.

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Announcement: March 2017

Attention State of Texas Dental Discount Plan participants! Now is a great time for one of your two recommended annual cleanings!

Routine dental exams are crucial to your overall health and well-being. Did you know that your teeth and mouth may reveal signs of diabetes, leukemia, kidney disease, heart disease and some kinds of cancers? These can all be identified from a routine dental exam. If you haven't already, make an appointment!

Don't forget, with your plan membership you can save 20% to 60% on dental care and treatment. You can also save on orthodontics for you and your family. The State of Texas Dental Discount Plan is not dental insurance.

Call us toll-free at (844) 377-3368 (TTY-711) with any questions about your plan. Our customer service team is happy to help!

Toothbrush TLC March 2017

Don't forget to care for your toothbrush! We all know that brushing your teeth keeps your mouth clean, but it's just as important to keep our toothbrushes clean, too.

A clean toothbrush is essential. It's important to switch your toothbrush out every three months and after any illness. After three months, toothbrushes become worn out and are no longer effective to thoroughly clean teeth. Each illness brings a whole new colony of bacteria and germs to hang out on your toothbrush.

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Announcement: February 2017

Attention State of Texas Dental Discount Plan participants! Are you taking advantage of the savings your plan provides? Make an appointment now and knock out one of your recommended two annual cleanings!

Routine dental exams are important to your overall health. Did you know your teeth and mouth can reveal signs of other diseases? A dental exam helps spot problems so you can get treatment. Don't forget, with your plan membership you can save 20% to 60% on dental care and treatment for yourself or your whole family.

Remember: The State of Texas Dental Discount Plan is not dental insurance. This discount plan allows you to pay a discounted fee at the time of service when you visit a participating network dentist. There are no limits on plan use, and savings start as soon as your plan is effective.

Plus, we're here to help! Careington's Customer Care team is ready to answer your questions about the plan, network access, and the savings you will experience as a plan member. Simply call toll-free at (844) 377-3368 for assistance, or click here to search for a provider near you.

Teeth Grinding February 2017

Do you often have a sore jaw or sore teeth? You could be suffering from teeth grinding.

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, includes jaw clenching. Teeth grinding can cause teeth to become painful or loose, and teeth can literally be ground away. If you have this problem, eventually surrounding bone and gum tissue can be destroyed leading to jaw problems.

Read more


Announcement: January 2017

Medicare retirees: If you signed up during Fall Enrollment, your plan becomes effective this month! The State of Texas Dental Discount Plan is easy to use it provides you with instant savings of 20% to 60% on dental care and treatment. You can enjoy savings on routine checkups, treatment, teeth whitening, dentures and orthodontics. It's important to maintain good oral health at every age. A healthy body starts with a healthy mouth, and we believe a healthy mouth doesn't have to hurt your wallet.

Remember: The State of Texas Dental Discount Plan is not dental insurance. This discount plan allows you to pay a discounted fee at the time of service when you visit a participating network dentist. There are no limits on plan use, and savings start as soon as your plan is effective.

We're here to help! Careington's Customer Care team is ready to answer your questions about the plan, network access and plan member savings. Simply call toll-free at (844) 377-3368 for assistance, or click here to search for a provider near you.

Cosmetic Dentistry
January 2017

Feel like your smile isn't dazzling these days? Teeth whitening can help! However, there are a few things you should know before you start a teeth whitening routine.

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