Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Latham, N.Y. (June 25, 2025) — Highmark Blue Shield and United Concordia Dental are partnering to bring vital dental care directly to dozens of educators and administrators in the Capital Region through a mobile dental clinic tour. The initiative addresses the importance of oral health for overall well-being and provides convenient access to preventive dental services for Highmark Blue Shield client schools.
The mobile dental clinic is visiting five schools in the area this week, offering checkups, cleanings, and X-rays to school staff:
“Highmark Blue Shield is committed to the health and well-being of our community, and that includes supporting the hard-working educators who shape the lives of our children,” said Kevin Quaranto, Northeastern New York Region Senior Leader for Highmark Blue Shield. “By bringing the mobile dental clinic directly to schools, we’re making it easier for teachers and administrators to access essential preventive care.”
Teachers typically work longer hours than most professionals, with estimates placing their weekly commitment at 53 hours – seven more than the average working adult. The combination of these long work weeks and limited scheduling flexibility during the school year often makes it challenging for teachers to prioritize essential health and wellness practices, such as preventive dental checkups.
United Concordia Dental's network of volunteer dentists and dental hygienists staff the mobile dental unit. Services provided at the clinic are covered under the school's Highmark Blue Shield dental plan.
According to the latest federal data, only 65% of adults had a dental exam or cleaning in the past year. The CDC recommends individuals see their dentist at least once a year and many dentists encourage their patients to visit at least every six months.
Plaque, a sticky film formed from bacteria, acids, food particles, and saliva, continually accumulates on teeth, often starting within 20 minutes of eating. If unremoved, it hardens into tartar, contributing to tooth decay and gum disease. While brushing and flossing can remove some plaque, professional dental cleanings are essential to eliminate hardened tartar and prevent further issues. Addressing dental problems early with treatments like fillings is significantly less extensive and costly than later interventions like root canals or extractions.
Highmark Blue Shield also reminds members that their dental plan provides coverage for routine and comprehensive services with in- and out-of-network providers. Members can find an in-network dentist at myhighmark.com.
About Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York
Highmark Blue Shield has roots in Northeastern New York dating back to 1946. Today, it is an affiliate of Highmark Inc., the fifth largest overall Blue Cross Blue Shield-affiliated organization in the country with more than 7 million members in Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia and western and northeastern New York. The company insures over 100k members and employs over 130 team members in the Capital Region. It is one of the region’s strongest corporate citizens, investing over $8 million into 200 non-profit partners across New York. The company generates over $1 billion in economic impact in New York. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.
About United Concordia Dental
United Concordia Dental is a leading national dental solutions partner focused on providing access to personalized, high-quality, cost-effective dental care, with an emphasis on improving total health. Headquartered in Camp Hill, Pa., the company has more than 10.4 million members, one of the nation’s largest dentist networks, an AM Best “A” (Excellent) financial strength rating and licensed entities in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico. United Concordia offers flexible benefit solutions and products that meet the unique overall health needs of customers of all sizes. For more information about United Concordia, visit UnitedConcordia.com.
For more information, contact
Kyle Rogers
716-341-3184
kyle.rogers@highmarkhealth.org
