Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE), in partnership with Jet Dental and Chadron State College, recently brought an onsite dental clinic to teachers and staff at the college. The three-day pop-up clinic, held Sept. 1 through Sept. 3, provided convenient access to preventive dental services without requiring employees to leave campus.
The clinic completed 65 appointments over three days, including 52 dental exams, and saved participants an estimated 112 hours by bringing care directly to their workplace. The average participant had not visited a dentist in two years, reinforcing the importance of making preventive dental care easier to access.
“At BCBSNE, we are committed to serving all Nebraskans, regardless of where they live,” said Dr. Amy Helwig, chief medical officer. “Our partnership with Jet Dental and employers like Chadron State College allows us to bring care closer to people, reduce barriers and create a more convenient way for members to prioritize their oral and overall health.”
Through its partnership with Jet Dental, BCBSNE is working with employers to explore opportunities to deliver dental services directly to employees, including those in rural communities where access may be more limited. The Chadron clinic is part of BCBSNE’s broader work to support preventive care, whole-person health and access to services for members across the state.
Dental health is an important component of overall health and wellness. Regular dental exams and cleanings can help identify cavities, gum disease and other oral health concerns while providing an opportunity to recognize signs of broader health risks.
“Jet Dental is proud to partner with BCBSNE and Chadron State College to make dental care more convenient for employees,” said Jordan Smith, CEO of Jet Dental. “The average Jet Dental patient has not been to the dentist in over two years. By making it convenient, we get people to actually prioritize their oral health.”
BCBSNE’s collaboration with Jet Dental supports the health plan’s overall health and wellness mission: helping members live their best and healthiest lives at a price they can afford. These partnerships complement BCBSNE’s work to maintain access to a broad dental provider network while balancing affordability for members and employer groups.
BCBSNE plans to continue exploring additional opportunities with Jet Dental and Nebraska employers to bring convenient dental care to communities across the state, particularly in areas where access gaps may exist.
