Final answer:
Preventative care in a dental plan can be encouraged through coverage of regular cleanings and checkups, the promotion of healthy diets and dental hygiene practices, and the use of prophylactic treatments such as fluoride.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preventative care can be encouraged in a dental plan through various strategies aimed at promoting healthy diets, regular dental checkups, and dental hygiene practices such as regular tooth brushing and flossing.
Regular dental cleanings not only detect decay at early stages but also help to reduce sugar consumption which can prevent damage resulting from the microbial fermentation of sugars.
Moreover, prophylactic treatments, such as fluoride treatments or the use of antiseptic mouthwashes containing phenolics, contribute to the reduction of dental caries by protecting tooth enamel and combating microbial growth.
Dental plans may incorporate these preventative care strategies by covering the cost of regular cleanings and checkups, thus providing an incentive for enrollees to take proactive measures in maintaining dental health.
Managed care structures like Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) can also encourage providers to focus on preventative care by paying a flat rate per patient rather than a fee-for-service model, thus reducing moral hazard and promoting the provision of necessary, rather than excessive, care.
Cost sharing in the form of deductibles and copayments can also serve as a deterrent to unnecessary treatments while still ensuring that individuals have access to important preventative care services.