Guardian Updates Dental HMO

An insurer says it will expand the range of coverage for employer groups that use its dental health maintenance organization plan.

Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, says it is making its dental HMO plans more like its dental preferred provider organization plans.

The company’s Enhanced Managed DentalGuard HMO plan now includes coverage for more preventive procedures, such as oral cancer screenings and adult fluoride treatments; cosmetic teeth whitening; general anesthesia for oral surgery procedures; an increase in the number of annual periodontal cleanings to 4 without evidence of medical need; and a continuation of benefits for orthodontic treatment for people whose treatment was still in progress when they switched dental HMO carriers.