Frequently asked questions

• Have I been assigned to a dental clinic?

  Yes. CareOregon Dental automatically assigns members to primary dental clinics. Your clinic’s name and phone number are printed on the back of your membership card.

  For Health Share of Oregon members:
   

  For Open Card members:
  

• What if I want to change my dental clinic?

  Call CareOregon Dental Member Services at 503-416-1444. They can assist you in locating another clinic.

• Who are my choices of dentists?

  CareOregon Dental assigns members to one of the several dental clinics throughout our service area.  To find a clinic near you, go to our Find a Dentist page.

• What if I already have a dentist but he/she is not on your list of dentists?

  We have a network of dental providers that you must choose from in order for your benefits to be covered. If your dentist is not in our network, they will not get paid for the services they perform.

   

• Who do I call if I need emergency or urgent dental care after hours?

  Call your dentist's office. An on-call dentist will be able to help you.

• What if I have a dental emergency while I am out of town?

  Call CareOregon Dental Customer Service at 503-416-1444 or toll-free, 888-440-9912 (TTY/TDD 711). If you receive emergency dental care out of the area, have the dentist send us an itemized (detailed) bill and chart notes showing the dental emergency.

• Who do I contact if I have a complaint?

  CareOregon Dental and our dentists care about your experience and want to give you the best dental care possible. If you have a complaint with any part of your treatment, contact your dentist or CareOregon Dental Customer Service.

• How do I change my Dental Care Organization (DCO)?

  To change to another Dental Care Organization (DCO), contact Health Share of Oregon: 503-416-8090 or toll free at 888-519-3845

  If you have an Open Card, you will need to contact the Oregon Health Plan at 800-273-0557, TTY 711.

• Is dental treatment safe during pregnancy?

  Yes. All dental treatment is safe during pregnancy, including X-rays, cleanings, fillings and extractions. Regular dental care during pregnancy improves the health of your gums and is critical to keeping a healthy mouth.

• When should my child have their first dental check-up?

  Children should see a dentist when their first tooth appears or no later than the first birthday. Baby teeth play a very important role because they:

  • Save space for the permanent teeth that are growing under the gums
  • Help young children chew their food and form their first words
  • Frame the child’s face and improve self-esteem

  Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease and is almost entirely preventable. Regular dental visits are critical to keeping a healthy mouth.

• What are dental sealants?

  Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings put on the back teeth to “seal out” germs and prevent cavities. Sealants should be applied as soon as children get their permanent back teeth (molars) and all molars should have dental sealants. Children need their first molars sealed between age 6 and 9 and second molars sealed between 10 and 14.

• Why is it important for people with diabetes to go to the dentist?

  Regular dental visits can help control blood sugar and reduce complications.

• I have complete dentures. Do I still need to go to the dentist?

  Seeing a dentist at least one time a year is a good idea, even for denture wearers.
  The dentist will check the health of your gums, screen for oral cancer and check the fit of your dentures.

• I have special needs and am unable to get care in a dental clinic. What are my options?

  If you live in a group home or assisted living facility and have a special need that keeps you from accessing care in a dental clinic, call us for assistance. We work with our partner Exceptional Needs Dental Services to address some of our special needs dental care.

• How do I report suspected Fraud, Waste and Abuse?

  CareOregon Dental takes fraud, waste and abuse very seriously. If you suspect that your benefits aren't being used correctly or want to report a case of waste, abuse or fraud, please contact Ethics Point at 888-331-6524. You also can file a report online at www.ethicspoint.com