Supporting Your Health Through Every Season

September marks a period of gentle transformation, summer’s warmth gradually yields to crisp autumn mornings and the symphony of colorful, drifting leaves. It’s a time when children return to school, prompting a mix of excitement and concern among families. In the midst of these seasonal changes, Delaware Valley Health Trust recognizes how challenging it can be to prioritize your own health. Our mission is to walk alongside you, providing ongoing support and practical opportunities to care for your well-being, no matter the season of life.

SmileWay®: A New Opportunity for Wellness

Beginning September 1st, 2025, we are delighted to announce the rollout of SmileWay® for members with Delta Dental insurance through Delaware Valley Health Trust. SmileWay® provides enhanced coverage for enrollees with chronic conditions. The timing of this launch is especially meaningful: September is Dental Infection Control Awareness Month, underscoring the importance of oral health as a key component of your overall wellness.

Why Oral Health Matters, Especially Now

Oral health is intimately linked to the body’s ability to fight infection and inflammation. Conditions such as gum disease and tooth decay can increase the risk of more serious infections; particularly in individuals already living with chronic health concerns. That’s why SmileWay® is designed to provide additional teeth and gum cleanings for members who have been diagnosed with any of the following chronic medical conditions:

• • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Huntington’s disease
  • Joint replacement
  • Lupus
  • Opioid misuse and addiction
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Sjögren’s syndrome
  • Stroke

These chronic conditions can compromise the immune system, reducing the body’s natural defense against harmful microorganisms. The result is an increased vulnerability to infections—both oral and systemic.

Common Oral Health Challenges for Chronic Conditions

People living with the above conditions often experience a range of oral health issues, including:

• • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • TMJ disorder
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Blood vessel and nerve damage in the mouth

Additionally, many medications prescribed for these chronic illnesses can cause dry mouth by reducing saliva production. Saliva acts as a natural protector for the teeth and gums—it contains antimicrobial agents that help keep infection at bay. When saliva is depleted, the risk of oral infections increases.

How to Access SmileWay® Wellness Benefits

Effective September 1st, 2025, if you or one of your dependents has been diagnosed with any of the listed conditions, you may now be eligible for extra preventive dental services. To get started:

• • Log in to your Delta Dental member portal.
  • Select “SmileWay® Wellness Benefits” from the main menu.
  • Follow the steps to enroll or to learn more about this new program.

We encourage all eligible members to take advantage of this valuable benefit. Regular dental cleanings not only support oral health but also help prevent complications that could impact your overall well-being.

Supporting Your Health Journey—Every Step of the Way

At Delaware Valley Health Trust, we’re committed to helping you navigate both the predictable rhythms and unexpected changes of life. By offering programs like SmileWay®, we hope to empower you to safeguard your health in every season.

If you have questions or need assistance enrolling in SmileWay®, our team is ready to help. Here’s to a healthy, confident smile this autumn and beyond!