MetLife Dental Creates Disease Management/Risk Assessment Pilot Program

Business Wire, April 26, 2001

Business Editors & Health Writers

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 26, 2001

MetLife's Dental Products Division announced today that it has created a pilot Disease Management Through Risk Assessment Program to promote improved oral health through appropriate levels of care.

MetLife is undertaking this study to explore whether dental risk assessment has an impact on the amount and types of treatment provided. The findings may assist dentists in tailoring preventive care measures for each of their patients based on their individual risk level for cavities and periodontal disease.

Feedback from participating dentists and patients, in addition to the pilot program's findings, will be invaluable in the ongoing development of best practice guidelines and educational materials.

The program not only provides information to dentists in selecting preventive and treatment options for patients at high risks for cavities and periodontal disease but it also involves the patients themselves. Patients can complete a self-assessment questionnaire in order to identify their own risk level. The questionnaire asks patients to consider items like sugar intake, brushing and flossing habits, and fluoride exposure. With dentists and patients working more closely together, it is anticipated that problems will be detected sooner and treatment tailored to meet individual needs.

"The success of an approach to oral health care that emphasizes risk assessment, early recognition, prevention and intervention when treatment needs are minimal can be enhanced by the active involvement of patients. In addition, a heightened awareness of risk should serve to encourage patients to undertake the behavioral changes conducive to improved oral health." said Dr. James Kennedy, Dean Emeritus of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and Chair of the MetLife Dental Advisory Council. Formed in 1995, the MetLife Dental Advisory Council is comprised of practicing and academic dentists who oversee MetLife's Quality Initiatives Program.

Todd Katz, vice president, MetLife Dental and Vision Product Management, said, "The best dental care is the most appropriate care for each patient. MetLife's Disease Management/Risk Assessment Program will help dentists monitor risk factors, the effect on dental disease, and provide evidence-based information on care alternatives. We believe that data collected during this pilot program is the first step in developing best practices for enhanced prevention that addresses the unique needs of individual patients."

An electronic version of the self-assessment form can be made available to MetLife employer group customers for use on their intranet sites.

MetLife Dental administers dental benefits to more than 17 million Americans at thousands of companies and organizations of all sizes.

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), is a leading provider of insurance and other financial services to individual and group customers. The MetLife companies serve approximately nine million individual households in the U.S. and companies and institutions with 33 million employees and members. MetLife also has international insurance operations in 12 countries. For more information about MetLife, please visit the company's Web site at www.metlife.com