Delta Dental of Arizona Blog – Health & Wellness Tips

Foundation Spotlight: Valleywise Health Making Oral Care Part of Hospital Care

Barb Kozuh — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:08:17 +0000

When you’re in the hospital with a serious health condition, brushing your teeth might seem like the last thing you need to worry about. But not taking care of your teeth during a hospital stay can actually make recovery more difficult.

It’s a connection many patients don’t know about, which is why the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation worked with Valleywise Health to keep oral health part of the conversation.

About Valleywise Health

Valleywise Health cares for some of Arizona’s most vulnerable communities. Many of their patients often have limited options in finding healthcare.

But dental care and medical care don’t always connect, especially when someone is in the hospital. Patients might brush their teeth when staff remind them, but without supplies or reinforcement, it’s easy to forget.

From a Simple Ask to Everyday Practice

Valleywise staff started making it a priority to ask patients to brush their teeth twice a day as part of their care. A simple request, but in a busy hospital, even small tasks can get overlooked. The goal was clear: reduce oral bacteria so patients’ bodies could focus on healing.

Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation donated 10,000 toothbrushes to help get this program started. Having supplies readily available gave nurses a practical way to support patients and make brushing a consistent part of care, instead of something that might be skipped.

Why This Approach Works

What makes this initiative different is that toothbrushing is part of the patient’s medical care. Hospital patients are already working with a care team, so it’s easy to incorporate toothbrushing into the patient’s daily routine. When medical providers tell patients to brush their teeth, that makes oral care more of a priority.

Building Healthier Communities

The Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation funds programs that help people understand the connection between oral health and overall health. The link is real—not taking care of your teeth has been connected to heart disease, diabetes complications and infections. When patients understand how taking care of their teeth affects the rest of their body, they’re more likely to make it a priority.

Improving oral health outcomes for all Arizonans doesn’t always look like a big event. Sometimes it’s a nurse asking a patient to brush their teeth today. Done day after day, one patient at a time, those small actions are what help create healthier outcomes in our community.

To learn more about our Foundation and some of the organizations we support, check out these other articles:

Or, to read more about how we impact the community, visit us online at deltadentalaz.com/foundation.

The post Foundation Spotlight: Valleywise Health Making Oral Care Part of Hospital Care appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Broccoli, Cheese and Egg Muffins

Vivien Tran — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:46:00 +0000

Here’s a nutritious treat that your kids will find fun and tasty to eat on-the-go. Not only do the cheese and broccoli provide teeth-strengthening calcium, but the eggs are packed with vitamin D that’s vital for strong teeth.

Ingredients:

Olive oil cooking spray
1 cup broccoli, chopped
8 eggs
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut, soy or almond milk
2 teaspoons thyme
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup Monterey Jack shredded cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
Add broccoli to the muffin tin.
Whisk eggs, milk, thyme, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
Spread egg mixture evenly into the muffin tin, filling each spot about 3/4 full.
Top each muffin with cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes.

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Standing Desks at Work: Do They Improve Health and Productivity?

Vivien Tran — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:32:00 +0000

Key takeaways

Standing desks at work can help reduce long stretches of sitting.
Standing all day isn’t healthier than sitting all day. Changing positions is what matters.
Comfort, energy and focus may improve when employees switch between sitting and standing.
Standing desks don’t replace exercise or fix chronic pain.

You sit down with coffee, open your laptop and ease into your to-do list. A meeting runs long. Another task replaces the one you just finished. By the time you look up, hours have passed, and you’re rolling your shoulders back, trying to undo all the tension you’ve built up during the day.

And that’s why standing desks are getting more attention in the workplace. Employees want to move more during the day without sacrificing their productivity.

Research shows that standing desks can help!

Is Standing Better Than Sitting at a Desk?

It’s easy to treat this like a competition. As if standing is always better than sitting while you work. But the research doesn’t support that kind of either-or thinking.

Sitting isn’t the problem. In fact, our bodies are built to sit, just not for a long time without movement. But, if you replaced eight hours of sitting with eight hours of standing, you’re not solving the problem because standing for too long can lead to sore feet, joint pain and more pressure on your back.

What matters most is movement. Switching between sitting and standing helps reduce pressure on your back and keeps your posture feeling easy and relaxed. You can also burn more calories by changing positions throughout the day. So it’s not really about standing versus sitting, it’s about staying active.

How Standing Desks Affect Comfort, Energy and Focus

No one switches to a standing desk and suddenly becomes a different employee. But you might notice more comfort in long meetings when you’re not sinking into your chair for an hour (or more!) and that standing for a few minutes makes it easier to stay present. You might also notice that using a standing desk at work and changing positions throughout the day helps ease lower back pain. That’s because you’re no longer asking your body to hold the same posture for hours.

You may find that you have more energy when you use a standing desk to move more. Even small movements help your blood flow and stop your body from getting stiff. Your focus can improve too. Things like talking, brainstorming or teamwork can feel easier while standing. When your body moves, your energy and focus move with it, and the day feels less stuck.

What Standing Desks Don’t Fix

Standing desks are a tool not a solution. Unfortunately, they don’t fix:

Poor posture habits
Weak muscles or imbalances
Physical stiffness
Overall activity level

Your body needs more movement in every day. In addition to using a standing desk, try going for a walk at lunch, stretching between calls or riding your bike to work! Standing desks can help you spend less time in one position and make moving around easier. But they don’t change everything about how much—or how little—you move during the day.

Are Standing Desks Worth It for Employees?

If you spend most of your day at a computer, standing desks are great! They make it easier to change positions and can help relieve pressure from your body after staying still (standing or sitting) for too long. Not only do they provide comfort, but they can boost your energy and help you focus.

Employers who provide standing desks might not see big health changes in their employees. But with the right setup and a workplace that encourages movement, standing desks can support overall employee wellness. In offices where people sit most of the day, they’re a helpful part to a bigger plan focused on comfort and long-term productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, when used correctly. Standing desks can help reduce long stretches of sitting and ease lower back discomfort by encouraging employees to switch between sitting and standing. They are most effective when paired with good ergonomics and regular movement throughout the day.

Most experts recommend standing for 15 to 60 minutes at a time before switching positions. Alternating every 30 to 60 minutes can help reduce continuous pressure on the spine and improve comfort.

They may help with mild lower back discomfort caused by prolonged sitting. However, standing desks do not treat chronic back pain or underlying medical conditions.

Some studies have found employees feeling more engaged when switching between sitting and standing. But standing desks do not automatically mean measurable productivity gains. The impact depends on the type of work being done and the employee.

Standing all day isn’t necessarily healthier. When you stay in one position too long (sitting or standing), your body starts to feel it. Movement, not just posture, is what matters most.

Wellness initiatives like offering standing desks are helpful, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Voluntary benefits give employees access to preventive care, helping small issues from turning into bigger problems. Download our white paper to learn more about how voluntary benefits are so valuable for employees’ well-being.

The post Standing Desks at Work: Do They Improve Health and Productivity? appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

Vivien Tran — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:57:44 +0000

Get your Philly cheesesteak fix without the starchy bread that can cause tooth decay. Here’s another win for your mouth: The calcium-rich cheese helps build strong teeth and the peppers are packed with vitamin C that can protect your gums.

Ingredients:

2 large bell peppers, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, halved and sliced
8 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced
12 ounces top round steak, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon ground pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 slices provolone cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Place pepper halves on a baking sheet.
Bake 30 minutes or until peppers are tender but still holding their shape.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
When onions start to brown, add mushrooms and cook about 5 minutes until mushrooms are soft and juices release.
Add steak, Italian seasoning, pepper and salt.
Cook the steak to your liking, about 3 to 5 minutes, continuing to stir frequently.
Remove from heat and stir in Worcestershire sauce.
Turn your oven to broil.
Divide the filling between the pepper halves and top each with a slice of cheese.
Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

The post Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

The Power of Bundled Benefits: Why Brokers Are Rethinking How Benefits Work Together

Vivien Tran — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:30:00 +0000

Key takeaways

Building is a strategy, not a sales tactic. When you manage multiple benefit lines, you are better positioned to build relationships that stick and reduce plan-by-plan shopping at renewal.
Your clients value simplicity and clarity when benefits work together, especially as portfolios expand beyond core medical.
Bundling strategies strengthen your role as a long-term benefits advisor, not just a plan selector.

Bundled benefits aren’t about selling more products. They’re about helping you keep accounts strong and reduce churn. When you manage more than one benefit line, your role changes.

Your clients already see dental, vision and voluntary benefits as essential components of a competitive benefits package. So, instead of presenting them one at a time, bundling ancillary together with one carrier, separate from health insurance, gives you a way to position them together from the start.

It also changes your renewal conversations. When benefits are aligned across plans, you’re not stuck defending one line item at a time. You can step back and ask a bigger question: Does this overall setup still work for your client?

And that’s where bundling really makes a difference. Instead of reacting to rate changes every year, you can focus on guiding employers through a plan that feels organized and clear.

The Changing Role of the Broker

What’s changed for brokers is what employers expect from you. Dental, vision and ancillary benefits aren’t “nice to have” anymore–they’re a must. Most of your clients see them as part of a complete offering.

Instead of asking you to quote a plan, they’re asking: How do these benefits connect? How do they support employees day-to-day? How can they be managed more efficiently over time?

Bundling ancillary benefits gives you a way to answer those questions with confidence.

When benefits work well together, you’re not fighting the same renewal or RFP battle every year. Your recommendations feel more thoughtful as clients see that you’re thinking about their full benefits plan.

Your role as a broker shifts from selecting plans to helping shape your client’s overall benefits strategy.

How Bundled Benefits Support Brokers

Brokers, like you, will find that bundling benefits helps you focus your efforts on strategy and problem-solving. When you bring multiple benefit lines together, you create more opportunities to grow within the account over time.

Keep more clients
When employers get multiple lines of coverage from one broker, supported by a single ancillary carrier, they’re less likely to shop around. It’s simpler for them, better for you.
Grow revenue without chasing new business
It’s easier to add coverage for clients you already have than to constantly find new ones.
Stand out from the competition
Employers notice when you can show them how their benefits work together and explain why that matters for their team and their bottom line.
Build stability
Offering multiple lines of coverage spreads out risk and creates stronger, longer-lasting relationships. Even when health insurance premiums rise, your ancillary plans with likely remain steady with little to no premium increases.

Improving Employer Experience

Benefits can start to feel really messy, really fast. More plans often mean more vendors, billing questions and employee confusion.

Bundling works to improve the employer experience. For you, that means looking at how the account is growing and finding ways to make your client’s plan easier to track and support day to day.

This is where bundling becomes really valuable for your clients:

Less admin work for HR teams
Fewer vendors and more centralized benefits billing can help cut back daily back-and-forth. Having one bill through a single ancillary carrier can simplify admin work.
Employees understand what they have
When benefits work together, employees have an easier time understanding what they have and how coverage fits into their lives.
Preventive care becomes more consistent
Dental, vision and voluntary benefits naturally reinforce that support long-term wellbeing.

Building Strategy

Not every account needs bundling. And not every benefit line belongs together.

When you recognize that separate plans are creating too much noise, a strong bundled strategy makes sense for your clients.

A few practical principles help keep things on track:

Start with the employer’s goals
Look at workforce needs, growth plans and pain points. Bundling should solve a problem, not add another decision.
Group benefits that naturally fit
Dental and vision as voluntary benefits work well as a group because employees use them regularly and understand them easily.
Focus on ease, not just cost
Price matters, but employers also care about how easy benefits are to present, understand and use.
Work with partners who simplify the process
Dependable customer service and benefits your clients can actually use makes bundling benefits an easier decision.

Common Challenges (And How to Address Them)

Bundling can raise questions, especially if it’s introduced too quickly or without context. That hesitation is normal.

Some of your clients worry about losing flexibility. They don’t want to feel like they are boxed into a packaged deal. In reality, a bundled approach still allows room to adjust. Think of benefits like LEGO pieces—they’re meant to fit together in different ways, depending on what an employer needs.

Another challenge is complexity. At first glance, bundling can seem like one more thing to manage. But when you set benefits up to work together, it often cuts down on repeat questions and processes. The key is to explain to your clients what’s changing and what stays the same.

Cost is another common challenge. Bundling isn’t guaranteed to lower premiums, but the impact is usually seen in smoother day-to-day operations and fewer vendor headaches. Plus, a focus on preventive care can reduce long-term costs for the employee and the employer.

If you address these concerns early, it can help ensure bundled benefits feel like a solution rather than another challenge, making it easier for employers and their teams to welcome the change and understand how it can help.

Future of Bundled Benefits

Bundled benefits aren’t a trend. They’re a response to how employer expectations are changing.

If there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s this: employers want one bill and dependable benefits backed by strong customer service.

Your clients are looking for guidance and benefits that make sense for their workforce. That shift creates opportunity for you as their broker. When benefits are designed to support the whole person, it’s just easier. And that’s the goal, isn’t it? Easier to explain. Easier to work with benefits that are affordable and in demand.

In the long run, bundled benefits help build a stronger relationship based on clarity, trust and consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bundled benefits bring together specialty coverage such as dental, vision, life and disability insurance, which can be offered as voluntary or contributory benefits. Instead of managing each plan separately, bundling focuses on how coverage fits together within the employer’s overall benefits program.

Managing benefits together helps reduce plan-by-plan shopping at renewal and positions brokers, as a long-term benefits advisor, not just someone who selects plans.

Lower premiums don’t always save employers money. In many cases, the value shows up in fewer vendor headaches, smoother administration and benefits that are easier to support day to day.

When multiple benefits are managed as part of one strategy, employers are less likely to separate plans or rebid coverage independently. That consistency can strengthen client retention for brokers over time.

Dental and vision, whether as voluntary or contributory benefits, are commonly grouped because they naturally complement one another. They support preventive care, everyday needs and ultimately offer financial protection.

Bundling opportunities often surface when clients are working with multiple vendors, fielding repeated benefit questions or looking for a more organized approach to managing their coverage.

We make it easy to partner with us, allowing you to sell Delta Dental of Arizona benefits to groups and individuals from our diverse family of plans. Visit our website to get started.

The post The Power of Bundled Benefits: Why Brokers Are Rethinking How Benefits Work Together appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

How Safe is LASIK Eye Surgery?

Vivien Tran — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:34:00 +0000

Key takeaways

LASIK is safe for most healthy people. Serious complications are uncommon when patients are carefully screened.
Most LASIK side effects are temporary. Dry eyes, glare and light sensitivity usually improve within a few weeks or months.
Long-term complications are uncommon. Careful screening and modern laser technology help lower risk.
Candidacy matters. Stable vision, healthy corneas and managed dry eye risk all play a role in LASIK safety.
Risk looks different depending on the alternative. Contact lenses carry ongoing infection risk. LASIK concentrates risk in one procedure. Glasses carry very little medical risk.
LASIK results are permanent. Normal age-related vision changes can still happen, but they are not caused by the surgery.

We tend to treat vision differently than other health decisions. A dental cleaning? Routine. A new pair of glasses? Low stakes. But reshaping your cornea—the clear top layer of your eye—with a laser? That feels bigger.

But how safe is LASIK eye surgery? The good news is that LASIK is considered safe for most healthy people. Studies show high success rates, with more than 95% of patients feeling satisfied with their results. Serious complications like major vision loss are rare—typically well under 1%. Most side effects, such as dry eyes or glare at night, improve within weeks to months.

But safety isn’t just about statistics. It’s about whether the procedure is the right fit for you.

Results depend on a few things—what doctors call your candidacy:

How stable your vision is
How healthy your corneas and tear layers are
How carefully you’re checked before surgery

The procedure itself is well-studied and widely performed. What varies from person to person is how their eyes respond and heal.

What Actually Makes LASIK Safe

It’s easy to focus on numbers and percentages. But LASIK safety isn’t just about results—it’s also about everything that happens before the surgery.

Modern LASIK is built to reduce risk before the laser is even used. Every patient is carefully checked first. Doctors map the shape of the eye, measure corneal thickness (how thick the clear front part of the eye is), check tear quality and quantity and make sure the prescription is stable. They also look for dry eye and other eye conditions. Some issues mean a person should not have LASIK at all. That careful screening is a big read on why serious problems are uncommon.

The technology matters, too. Today’s LASIK uses very precise tools to improve your vision. A femtosecond laser creates a thin flap on the cornea, and an excimer laser changes the shape of the cornea. These systems follow tiny eye movements during the procedure and adjust instantly. The laser doesn’t guess. It corrects itself in real time.

In other words, LASIK safety doesn’t happen by chance. It’s planned and designed. The strong safety record exists because LASIK has improved over the years, with better screening, clearer imaging and more accurate technology.

Understanding LASIK Risks: Temporary Effects vs. Long-Term Complications

Every surgery comes with some level of risk. LASIK is no different. What matters is how often those risks happen and how serious they are. The most common LASIK complications are part of healing. Dry eyes show up most frequently. Some people notice glare or halos at night and light sensitivity can happen early on. For most patients, these effects improve within a few weeks.

That’s healing, not a complication.

More serious issues like undercorrection, overcorrection or flap-related concerns, happen in a small number of cases. When they do, they often can be treated with follow-up care or an additional procedure.

When people talk about long-term LASIK complications, they usually mean permanent vision damage. The result is very rare (under 1%) in properly screened patients. It helps to separate what could happen from what is likely to happen. Most side effects are temporary. Serious long-term problems are uncommon.

Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK?

LASIK usually works best when a few things are true. First, your vision should be stable. If your prescription has changed a lot in the past year, the results may not last as well. The surgery works best when your eyes have settled.

Next, the clear top layer of your eye (cornea) needs to be thick and healthy. LASIK gently reshapes this area to improve how you see. If it’s too thin, your doctor may suggest a different option.

Eye doctors also look at how dry your eyes are. Mild dryness is common and can usually be treated. But more serious dry eye may need to be taken care of before surgery.

Overall eye health matters, too. Some eye conditions can affect healing and may make LASIK unsafe. Doctors call this your candidacy, meaning whether LASIK is a good fit for your eyes.

Basically, a good candidate for LASIK is someone with stable vision, healthy corneas, no major eye disease and realistic expectations. Two people can have the same glasses prescription but get different advice. That’s because LASIK is about how your eyes are built and how they heal, not just how strong your glasses are.

Is LASIK Safer Than Contacts or Glasses?

It’s easy to focus only on the risks of LASIK. But contacts and glasses come with their own tradeoffs.

Contact lenses are safe for most people. But they require daily handling. You put them in. You take them out. You clean them. Over time, repeated contact can increase the risk of eye infections. The risk on any single day is low, but it adds up over years of wear.

LASIK works differently. The risk is tied to one procedure and a short healing period. After that, there is no daily lens handling and no infection risk related to contacts.

Glasses carry the least medical risk. They don’t touch the surface of your eye, but they also don’t permanently correct vision. They only improve how you see while you are wearing them

So, the comparison isn’t about which option is “safe.” It’s how different types of risk show up over time:

Contact lenses involve ongoing, small risks
LASIK involves a short-term surgical risk
Glasses involve very little medical risk but are not a permanent fix

Long-Term LASIK Safety: Does It Wear Off?

LASIK permanently changes the shape of your eye to correct vision. There is a very small percentage of people that will regress or have a small shift in their prescription over time. What can change is your vision as you age. Many people need reading glasses after 40. This condition is called presbyopia. It happens whether you’ve had LASIK or not.

When doctors study LASIK results 10 years or more after surgery, most patients still see well at a distance. Some people may need a small touch-up procedure, especially if their original prescription was high. But that is not common.

In short, LASIK results are permanent. Normal aging of the eye is not something surgery can stop.

How Modern Technology Has Improved LASIK Safety

LASIK today is not the same as it was years ago.

In the past, surgeons used small mechanical blades to create a thin flap on the surface of the eye. Today, most procedures use a femtosecond laser, which creates that flap with computer-guided accuracy. This helps improve consistency and reduce the chance of making mistakes.

Many providers also use wavefront-guided LASIK. This technology maps tiny details in how light travels through your eye. The laser then adjusts the treatment to match your unique vision pattern. Advanced eye-tracking systems also help. They monitor small eye movements during the procedure and adjust instantly. This keeps the laser focused exactly where it should be. None of this removes risk completely. But it does make the procedure more predictable.

Modern LASIK is more accurate, more customized and better studied than earlier versions. That progress is part of why safety rates remain strong today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serious LASIK complications happen in a small percentage of properly screened patients—typically well under 1%. Temporary side effects like dryness or glare are more common during healing but usually improve within weeks to months.

Permanent vision-threatening damage is uncommon when LASIK is performed on appropriate candidates using modern technology. Thorough screening and surgeon experience play a significant role in lowering long-term risk.

Yes, many people over 40 safely undergo LASIK. However, age-related vision changes like presbyopia, the need for reading glasses, can still happen. LASIK corrects distance vision but does not stop natural aging of the eye.

Mild dry eye is common and often manageable before surgery. Moderate to severe dry eye may increase the risk of longer-lasting symptoms. That’s why your tear film is carefully checked during screening and treated thoroughly before the LASIK procedure.

Blindness from LASIK is extremely uncommon. Severe complications that threaten vision happen infrequently, particularly when patients meet candidacy guidelines and the procedure is performed with modern laser systems.

Many patients notice improved vision within 24-48 hours. Visual stability continues to improve over several weeks, and full healing may take a few months.

DeltaVision, administered by EyeMed, offers discounts on LASIK laser vision correction. Learn more about our individual and family or group vision plans at deltadentalaz.com/shop-for-plans.

The post How Safe is LASIK Eye Surgery? appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Tomato and Fennel Salad

Vivien Tran — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:10:47 +0000

Fennel is underused in many kitchens — but it shouldn’t be! With big nutritional benefits and a crisp and delightful aroma, eating more fennel is a great way to support your oral, vision, and overall health.

Just a few standout benefits include:

Fiber to support gut health and help prevent dry mouth.
Vitamin C to reduce inflammation linked to gum disease and chronic conditions.
Vitamin A to protect your vision and reduce your risk for age-related eye disorders.

Tomato and Fennel Salad

Refreshing and packed with flavor, this fennel salad is more than just a side — it also supports your smile with calcium and provides fiber to help you feel full.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
1 pound of tomatoes
2 cups fennel bulb
¼ cup parsley
⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Directions:

Cut the tomatoes into wedges.
Thinly slice the fennel bulb.
Chop the parsley.
In a large bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, salt and pepper until combines.
Add tomatoes, fennel, parsley and pine nuts, then toss to coat.

The post Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Tomato and Fennel Salad appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

The Surprising Way Insurance Networks Can Grow Your Practice

Doug Pimental — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:21:00 +0000

Doctor working in her office

Your schedule is full… but not in the way you want.

There are open chairs, last-minute cancellations and slow days that make you wonder why your phone isn’t ringing more. You’re doing good dentistry. Your team is friendly. Your website looks great. So why does getting new patients still feel harder than it should?

Here’s the part most dental offices don’t think about: patients don’t search for the best dentist. They search for a dentist who takes their insurance.

Insurance networks quietly support how practices show up, get called and get booked. And if you’re not using them the right way, you could be missing out on patients who are already looking for you.

Why is it harder than ever to find new dental patients?

Whether you’re opening a brand-new practice or have been serving your community for years, finding new dental patients is harder now than ever before. A few things make it harder for dental offices to get noticed and keep their schedules full.

More Dental Offices Make It Harder to Get New Patients

Finding new dental patients isn’t as easy as it used to be. More dental offices are opening every year, which means more competition for the same patients. Online ads cost more, reviews play a bigger role and patients shop around before they ever visit an office.

Insurance Affects Which Dentist Patients Choose

On top of that, most people won’t book an appointment unless the dentist takes their insurance. Most people want care that costs them less out of pocket. People who get dental insurance through work or buy it on their own will mostly look for ways to use the benefits they are paying for. When they look for a dentist, they usually start with a list from their insurance company.

How Do Insurance Networks Help Dentists Get More Patients?

So, you want more patients in your chairs, but you may wonder how insurance networks really help. It’s normal to ask if joining a network is right for your practice. Insurance networks do more than set fees. They help patients find your office, make it easier for patients to agree to treatment by sharing cost, and give patients regular access to benefits so they keep coming back for care.

Insurance Directories Make It Easier for Patients to Find You

When patients look for a dentist, many start with their insurance company’s list. A list of trusted dentists from an insurance company helps people choose a new dentist in a fair and unbiased way. These lists show dentists who take their plan, are close to home and meet the rules to be in-network. Offices that show up as in-network are more likely to receive calls to book new patient appointments.

Lower Costs Help Patients Book Their First Visit

Most patients worry about how much a dental visit will cost. When a dentist takes their insurance, the insurance provider helps pay for most treatments, so patients pay less. Since a first visit usually includes checkups and cleaning—services that most plans cover fully—patients feel more comfortable booking their first appointment.

Taking Insurance Helps Patients Trust Your Practice

Patients often trust dentists who take their insurance because it shows the office meets the insurance company’s rules and standards. They know they can use their available benefits and that the office is a real, licensed provider. This makes patients more comfortable choosing your practice for care.

Can Insurance Networks Keep Patients Coming Back?

Yes! Joining an insurance network can help patients keep coming back.

Patients With Insurance Are More Likely to Make Appointments

Patients with insurance are more likely to book visits because they know part of the cost is already covered. They don’t have to worry as much about paying the full price out of pocket. This makes it easier for patients to afford regular care, so they are more likely to schedule checkups and follow-up treatments to finish their care plans.

Insurance Helps Patients Come Back for Regular Care

When patients find a dentist that takes their insurance, they worry less about unexpected costs. They know their visits will use the benefits they are paying for, the office understands their needs and their dental and health history is all in one place if they stay with the same dentist. This trust makes them return to the same dentist again and again.

How Can Dentists Pick the Right Insurance Network?

Not all insurance networks are the same, so it’s important to compare a few key things.

How to Tell Which Insurance Network Is Right for You

Not all insurance networks are the same, so it’s important to compare a few key things. You should look at how many patients the network can bring in, which plans are included and what the fees and rules are. Checking these details helps you pick a network that fits your practice and keeps your schedule full.

How to Make Insurance Networks Fit Your Practice Goals

Once you know which insurance networks could be a good fit, the next step is making sure they match your practice goals. Look at whether the network brings the right patients, fits your schedule and works with the services you offer.

It’s also a good idea to pick insurance networks that match how your office runs. Things like easy online tools, fast and correct claims processing, quick payments, helpful customer service, dedicated representatives and electronic payment options all affect how smoothly your practice will run.

Choosing networks that support your goals helps your practice grow while keeping your office running smoothly.

Ready to Grow Your Practice with Delta Dental of Arizona?

Want more patients and a schedule that stays full? Delta Dental of Arizona connects dentists with patients who need care and trust offices that take their insurance. We make it easy for our members to use their dental benefits and we constantly promote the value of preventive care. Becoming a network dentist can take your practice to new heights! Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

It’s easy to get started. Learn more or join our network at deltadentalaz.com/dentist/join-our-network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance networks make it easier for patients to find your office, lower their costs and build trust. This helps more patients choose your practice and book appointments.

Yes! Joining an insurance network helps small practices get more patients, lower their costs and build trust—making patients more likely to book and keep coming back.

Patients usually start by checking their insurance company’s directory. These lists show dentists who take their plan and are nearby, making it easier for patients to find your office and book an appointment.

Yes, dentists can grow without insurance networks, but it’s harder. You must rely more on marketing and word-of-mouth to fill your schedule. Some patients may skip your office if you’re not in their insurance plan.

At Delta Dental of Arizona, we know that regular preventive and diagnostic care is key to maintaining both oral and overall health. That’s why we analyze claims data and patient visit patterns to spot missed preventive care. For example, if a covered patient hasn’t scheduled a dental cleaning, we proactively remind them to call and book an appointment.
These efforts help more patients follow your recommended recall schedule, giving you more opportunities to complete their treatment plans. This is just one way we work with our in-network providers to support the relationships you are building with your patients.

Joining Delta Dental of Arizona’s network of dentists isn’t just good for your patients—it’s good for your practice. We make it easy for our members to use their dental benefits and we constantly promote the value of preventive care. Becoming a network dentist can take your practice to new heights! Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Visit our website to learn more or join now!

The post The Surprising Way Insurance Networks Can Grow Your Practice appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Carrot-Apple Cabbage Coleslaw

Sarah Sharits — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:30:00 +0000

This vibrant blend of crunchy cabbage and carrots tossed with sweet apple slices not only delights your taste buds, but it also promotes good oral and overall health.

Ingredients:

For the coleslaw:

½ small red cabbage, sliced
2 cups carrots, shredded
1 red apple, sliced
½ red onion, chopped
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup pumpkin seeds

For the dressing:

1 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Wash all salad ingredients before cutting.
Add cabbage, carrots, apple, onion, parsley, and pumpkin seeds to a large serving bowl.
Add the remaining ingredients in a smaller bowl; mix well.
Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until well combined.
Enjoy!

The post Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Carrot-Apple Cabbage Coleslaw appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

Protect Your Kids’ Vision: Simple Ways to Slow Myopia and Keep Eyes Healthy

Sarah Sharits — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Is your child squinting, rubbing their eyes or holding their tablet too close? Don’t ignore it! These could be the first signs of myopia, also known as nearsightedness.

With 48% of kids spending 6+ hours a day on screens, myopia is showing up earlier than ever. The scary part is that it can’t be reversed, but the good news is that catching it early can slow it down and protect your child’s vision for years to come.

There are simple steps you can take to help lower your child’s risk of becoming nearsighted, or to slow it down if it has already started.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is the medical name for nearsightedness. It happens when your child’s eyeball is a little too long or the front of their eye, called the cornea, is curved too much. This makes light focus just in front of the back of the eye instead of on it. As a result, things that are far away look blurry, while things up close are clear.

Children with myopia see their eyesight get worse as they grow up. Myopia often starts when kids are young and can keep getting worse through the teenage years. It can keep getting worse into the early 20s before it starts to slow down. Signs that your child has myopia include blinking or rubbing their eyes a lot, holding books or tablets very close or saying they have headaches or feel tired.

What Causes Myopia in Children?

Myopia can be caused by genes (family history) and your child’s environment.

Nature or Nurture? How Genes and Habits Team Up

If one of your child’s parents is nearsighted, there’s a good chance your child will be too.

However, myopia is becoming more common in kids. Experts aren’t sure why, though it may be linked to spending a lot of time indoors on close-up activities like reading, using computers or playing on phones and tablets.

Close Work Make Kids’ Eyes Tired

Spending too much time on screens or close-up reading and homework can really tire out your child’s eyes. Phones, tablets and even books held too close make the tiny eye muscles work extra hard, which may cause sore, dry or red eyes, blurry vision and headaches.

Close-up work doesn’t cause nearsightedness by itself but doing it for 30–45 minutes without a break can make their eyes feel tired and stiff. Younger kids under 10 are especially at risk because their eyes are still growing.

Skipping Outdoor Play Can Affect Vision

Children who don’t spend a lot of time outdoors are more likely to develop myopia. Younger kids are even more at risk. Scientists think sunlight helps the eyes grow normally, while indoor light and lots of close-up work can make their eyes feel tired and grow too quickly. That’s why regular outdoor time is one of the best ways to help slow down nearsightedness.

Simple Ways to Slow Myopia in Children

Unfortunately, there is no cure for myopia. Once a child becomes nearsighted, it cannot be reversed naturally. But there are things you can do to protect your child’s eyes and slow it from getting worse.

Avoid myths about special exercises, unproven eye drops or home devices that claim to cure myopia in children because they do not work. Treatment for myopia should only be used under an eye doctor’s supervision. The goal is to support healthy eyes, reduce strain and slow progression so your child can see clearly for years to come.

Yearly Eye Exams Keep Myopia in Check

Myopia in children can usually be spotted during a full eye exam, and yearly check-ups are the best way to catch it early. Kids should see an eye doctor at 6 months to 2 years, at age 3, before starting school and every year after. These exams can also catch other health problems, like diabetes or eye health issues.

If your child doesn’t pass a vision screening at their pediatrician’s office or school, that’s another sign they may have myopia and should see an eye doctor.

While there is no cure for nearsightedness, some treatments and easy habits can help slow it down. Your child’s eye doctor might suggest eye drops, special contacts or lenses. They will also talk about screen time, reading habits and outdoor play, because these daily habits make a big difference in keeping your child’s eyes healthy.

Easy Habits for Eye-Friendly Screens and Reading

20-20-20 rule: The 20-20-20 rule is an easy way to give kids’ eyes a break from close-up work like reading or screens. Every 20 minutes, have your child look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps the tiny muscles inside the eyes relax, prevents eye strain and can help nearsightedness from getting worse.
Elbow rule: The elbow rule is an easy way to make sure kids aren’t holding books or screens too close to their eyes. Have your child keep whatever they’re looking at about as far away as their elbow is when bent. This helps reduce eye strain and keeps their eyes from working too hard.
2-hour rule: Parents can help lower the risk of myopia in children by keeping fun screen time to about 2 hours a day, not counting schoolwork. Limiting screen time helps stop eyes from getting tired and may slow down nearsightedness.

The Right Amount of Outdoor Play for Healthy Eyes

Get Outside: Spending time outside is one of the easiest ways to help protect your child’s vision. Experts recommend that kids get about 2 hours a day outdoors. This doesn’t have to be all at once—school playtime, short walks or a quick trip to the park can add up.
Sun protection: While outside, make sure your child has sun protection like hats, sunglasses or shade. Even with these precautions, they still get the benefits for their eyes and overall health.
Physical activity: It’s also important that children are physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. When this activity happens outdoors, it gives their eyes extra protection while keeping them healthy and strong.

Keeping Your Child’s Eyes Healthy for the Future

Myopia in children is common, but there are clear steps you can take to protect your child’s eyes and slow it from getting worse. Regular eye exams, healthy habits like proper screen use and outdoor play, and following your eye doctor’s advice can make a big difference. Staying aware and proactive gives your child the best chance for healthy vision as they grow, helping them see clearly today and in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Myopia often starts when kids are young and can keep getting worse through the teenage years. It can keep getting worse into the early 20s before it starts to slow down.

Parents can help lower the risk of myopia in children by keeping fun screen time to about 2 hours a day, not counting schoolwork. Limiting screen time helps stop eyes from getting tired and may slow down nearsightedness.

Signs that your child has myopia include blinking or rubbing their eyes a lot, holding books or tablets very close or saying they have headaches or feel tired. If your child doesn’t pass a vision screening at their doctor’s office or school, that’s another sign they may have myopia and should see an eye doctor.

Spending time outside is one of the easiest ways to help protect your child’s vision. Experts recommend that kids get about 2-hours a day outdoors. This doesn’t have to be all at once—school playtime, short walks or a quick trip to the park can add up.

The post Protect Your Kids’ Vision: Simple Ways to Slow Myopia and Keep Eyes Healthy appeared first on Delta Dental of Arizona Blog - Health & Wellness Tips.

Delta Dental of Arizona Blog – Health & Wellness Tips

Foundation Spotlight: Valleywise Health Making Oral Care Part of Hospital Care

About Valleywise Health

From a Simple Ask to Everyday Practice

Why This Approach Works

Building Healthier Communities

Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Broccoli, Cheese and Egg Muffins

Ingredients:

Directions:

Standing Desks at Work: Do They Improve Health and Productivity?

Key takeaways

Is Standing Better Than Sitting at a Desk?

How Standing Desks Affect Comfort, Energy and Focus

What Standing Desks Don’t Fix

Are Standing Desks Worth It for Employees?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are standing desks good for you?+

How long should you stand at a standing desk?+

Can standing desks help with back pain?+

Do standing desks improve productivity?+

Is standing all day healthier than sitting all day?+

Why does insurance matter when thinking about workplace wellness?+

Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

Directions:

The Power of Bundled Benefits: Why Brokers Are Rethinking How Benefits Work Together

Key takeaways

The Changing Role of the Broker

How Bundled Benefits Support Brokers

Improving Employer Experience

Building Strategy

Common Challenges (And How to Address Them)

Future of Bundled Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

What are bundled benefits in insurance?+

Why are bundled benefits important for brokers?+

Do bundled benefits save employers money?+

How do bundled benefits improve client retention for brokers?+

What benefits are most commonly bundled together?+

How can brokers identify bundling opportunities?+

How can a broker become appointed with Delta Dental of Arizona?+

How Safe is LASIK Eye Surgery?

Key takeaways

What Actually Makes LASIK Safe

Understanding LASIK Risks: Temporary Effects vs. Long-Term Complications

Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK?

Is LASIK Safer Than Contacts or Glasses?

Long-Term LASIK Safety: Does It Wear Off?

How Modern Technology Has Improved LASIK Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

How common are Lasik complications?+

Can LASIK cause permanent damage?+

Is LASIK safe after 40?+

Is LASIK safe if I have dry eyes?+

Does LASIK increase risk of blindness?+

How long does it take to fully heal from LASIK?+

Do DeltaVision® plans cover LASIK?+

Mouth-Healthy Recipe: Tomato and Fennel Salad

Tomato and Fennel Salad

Ingredients:

Directions:

The Surprising Way Insurance Networks Can Grow Your Practice

Why is it harder than ever to find new dental patients?

More Dental Offices Make It Harder to Get New Patients

Insurance Affects Which Dentist Patients Choose

How Do Insurance Networks Help Dentists Get More Patients?

Insurance Directories Make It Easier for Patients to Find You

Lower Costs Help Patients Book Their First Visit

Taking Insurance Helps Patients Trust Your Practice

Can Insurance Networks Keep Patients Coming Back?

Patients With Insurance Are More Likely to Make Appointments

Insurance Helps Patients Come Back for Regular Care

How Can Dentists Pick the Right Insurance Network?

How to Tell Which Insurance Network Is Right for You

How to Make Insurance Networks Fit Your Practice Goals

Ready to Grow Your Practice with Delta Dental of Arizona?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do insurance networks help dentists get more patients?+

Is joining an insurance network worth it for small dental practices?+

How do patients find in-network dentists?+