Ask the Agent: How to Select a Dental Insurance Plan for Your Small Business

Question: I own a small business and have been growing my staff. I’d like to offer dental insurance to my employees. What should I consider when selecting a plan?

The Agent Says: When selecting a dental insurance plan for your small business, there are a few important questions to ask yourself and topics to explore. First, you should decide if you want to fully fund a dental program (employer-sponsored) where you pay 100 percent of the employee premium. If not, you will want to look at a voluntary dental program. Voluntary dental plans will be more expensive than an employer-sponsored plan and this is because of adverse selection—only employees who need current dental work done or frequent their dental office will apply, and all the employees who don’t go to the dentist often or won’t be heavy utilizers of the coverage will waive. To counter adverse selection, carriers increase the plan rates as group participation percentage falls.

We have four tier levels, with 75 percent+ offering the best rates. The other tiers are 0-24 percent, 25-49 percent, and 50-74 percent. Groups of five or more eligible lives can offer multiple plan design options to their employees, as long as at least one employee is enrolled in each option. This is a good way to increase enrollment on a voluntary plan. I also see some employers fully sponsoring a low-cost preventive plan for their employees and allowing the employees to “buy up” to a employers receive the best rates for their employees for all plan designs quoted.

It is also important to remember that the rules that apply to medical insurance do not apply to ancillary coverage like dental insurance. One of the most relevant rules that does not apply to dental insurance is the ability to offer “carve out” plans. A carve out is taking a subgroup of employees based on occupation, salary, or another factor decided by the employer and offering different coverage options only to this class of employees. By taking a subgroup or carve-out group of employees, the employer can reach higher participation levels because the employees who are not part of the subgroup are not considered eligible for the coverage.

There are few rules and regulations that apply to dental insurance plans, and our group dental product allows for practically limitless possibilities as long as the group has at least five eligible lives. With the help of an agent or representative, you should be able to come up with a few plan design options that cater directly to your employees’ dental insurance needs.

Ryan Rosenberg, Senior Sales Consultant

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ADA Study Confirms American Dental Divide

By Jenifer Dorsey

The American Dental Association last week released a study confirming “a disturbing dental divide in America.” Harris interactive conducted the online study ADA Dental Divide in America on behalf of the Association’s behalf. Highlights included the following:

  • Nearly half of low-income adults say they haven’t seen a dentist in a year or longer
  • 70 percent of middle- and higher-income wage earners have seen a dentist in the past year
  • 7 percent of lower-income adults age 18 and older have had all of their teeth removed, compared to 3 percent of middle- and higher-income adults
  • 18 percent of lower-income adults reported that they or a household member has sought treatment for dental pain in the emergency room at some poiunt in their lives, compared to 7 percent of middle- and higher-income adults
  • 40 percent of lower-income adults believe health care reform will help them obtain dental care

At the same time the ADA revealed its study findings, it introduced its Action for Dental Health: Dentists Making a Difference Campaign, which aims to reduce the numbers of adults and children with untreated dental disease, through oral health education, prevention and providing treatment now to people in need of care.

(Taking) Action for Dental

In press release, the Association’s president, Dr. Robert Faiella, explained that the ADA’s mission with this campaign is to close the dangerous divide’ between those with good dental health and those without it in America.

“Good oral health isn’t a luxury. It’s essential,” he said.

Action for Dental will address the health crisis in three distinct areas, according to the ADA:

  1. Provide care now to people suffering with untreated diseases
  2. Strengthen and expand the public/private safety net to provide more care to more Americans
  3. Bring dental health education and disease prevention into communities

Objectives within these three areas include reducing by 35 percent by 2020 the number of people who visit the emergency room for dental conditions by referring them to community health centers, private dental practices or other settings where they can receive proper dental care; fighting for increased dental health protections and simplified administration under Medicaid by increasing by 10 percent the number of states that have streamlined their credentialing process to less than one month; and increasing from 7 to 15 the number of states where Community  Dental Health Coordinators are active by 2015, to name a few.

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How to Select a Reliable Dental Insurance Carrier – 3 Ways to Investigate Consumer Satisfaction, Company Reliability

By Jenifer Dorsey

Buying your own dental insurance is not as easy as signing up for the first plan that sounds legit. In this blog space and articles within this site, we’ve discussed the importance of assessing your oral health and financial needs before enrolling. Once you’ve determined your criteria and found a plan to match, you may find yourself wondering, “Can I trust this carrier?”

The market boasts several individual dental insurance plans, many provided by highly recognized carriers, others by less widely known small and mid-size carriers. Catchy national ad campaigns don’t necessarily translate into customer satisfaction. Here are three ways to get a better feel for the company through which you’re considering obtaining coverage.

1. Check with the Better Business Bureau

For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has provided free business reliability reviews to consumers. It is a nonprofit organization that is not affiliated with the government; its chapters are run by boards of directors. BBB business reviews include a graded rating, whether or not the business is accredited with the BBB, reasons for the rating received including a complaints summery, government actions involving the company, an advertising review, and any other necessary information to help consumers make informed decisions. To investigate a carrier, visit bbb.org and the “Find Business Reviews” page for consumers; enter the carrier’s name to bring up the associated BBB file.

2. Look at the A.M. Best Rating

A.M. Best is an independent insurance industry credit rating agency that has been around since 1906. Best’s Financial Strength Rating, according to the agency’s website, “is an independent opinion of an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations.” The scale ranges from A++ (Superior) to S (Suspended), and the ratings help consumers get a feel for the carrier’s stability or vulnerability. Each Financial Stability Rating also includes an outlook for the next 12 to 36 months. Look for a carrier’s rating on its website or marketing materials, or visit A.M. Best’s Rating Center and enter the carrier’s name

Click here for the “Guide to Best’s Financial Strength Ratings.”

3. Ask around

Do any of your family members or friends purchase their own dental insurance? Find out which carrier they use, how their plan needs compare to those of you and your family, and what their experience with that carrier has been. Are they satisfied? Have they encountered problems with claims? Did things look one way on paper and turn out another way in real life?

If you’ve had employer-sponsored dental coverage and were satisfied with the carrier that provided it, you may also want to see if that carrier sells an individual plan.

Finding a dental insurance carrier is important. You want to know your claims will be paid—and paid hassle-free. Do your homework before committing to a particular plan and company. After all, making the wrong choice can be frustrating and costly. It should also be noted that if you decide to make changes to your carrier or even your plan when coverage period concludes, you will be subject to new waiting periods under the new carrier and/or plan.

Jenifer Dorsey is a freelance writer whose specialities include health and fitness, wellness, sports and recreation. She is a competitive amateur track cyclist who also enjoys mountain biking, hiking, camping and other oudoor adventure. Jenifer received a B.A. in journalism from Columbia College Chicago and is an MFA canditate at Naropa University. She lives in Colorado.

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Survey Says: Children, Caregivers Need to Brush Up on Dental Health Habits

By Jenifer Dorsey

How do you think your children’s oral health stacks up? Does your family floss daily, brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and visit the dentist twice a year? There seems to be a bit of disconnection in how we perceive our dental health versus our actual oral hygiene habits.

In its third biennial national Children’s Oral Health Survey, Delta Dental found “that although many Americans rate their children’s oral health as ‘excellent,’ they need to brush up on some critical children’s dental health habits.”

The 2013 survey included email interviews of 926 primary care givers of children from birth through age 11. Report highlights included the following:

  • 4 in 10 American mothers did not visit a dentist during pregnancy
  • Only 58 percent of caregivers say children’s teeth are brushed twice a day
  • 34 percent of caregivers say children’s teeth are brushed for less than two minutes
  • 43 percent of caregivers say children’s teeth are never flossed
  • Most Americans don’t realize that cavities are nearly 100 percent preventable
  • Most caregivers don’t know that they can actually pass harmful bacteria from their mouth to their children’s mouths, which can put children at an increased risk for cavities
  • Most American children don’t see their family dentist until they are more than 3 years old; the recommendation is by age 1

Good oral health is key to maintaining good overall health. Of course, it’s important to help children learn healthy habits early on, when their bodies are growing and developing. Brushing and flossing are a great place to begin. The 2min2x: Kids’ Healthy Mouths campaign website is a fantastic resource for caregivers looking for pointers when it comes to teaching kids to floss and brush. The site provides an oral care timeline to help caregivers know when certain habits should be introduced and even includes a brushing checklist and 2-minute video for kids to watch while they are brushing.

The truth is, we can all brush up on our oral health habits—parents and children alike. The American Dental Association’s Mouth Healthy website is another great resource for dental information and guidance when it comes to preventive care.

Jenifer Dorsey is a freelance writer whose specialities include health and fitness, wellness, sports and recreation. She is a competitive amateur track cyclist who also enjoys mountain biking, hiking, camping and other oudoor adventure. Jenifer received a B.A. in journalism from Columbia College Chicago and is an MFA canditate at Naropa University. She lives in Colorado.

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Ask the Agent: Is there a Waiting Period for Preventive Dental Services?

Question: I’m entering retirement and taking out an individual dental policy. I would like to maintain my routine visits to the dentist as I always have done. Will I be subjected to a waiting period before my individual policy benefits kick in?

The Agent Says: Almost all individual dental plans will have a waiting period for basic and major services.  When you enroll in a new policy you will be subject to these waiting periods, regardless if you are coming from prior individual or group coverage. Preventive care, which includes routine dental exams and cleaning, is not subject to a waiting period.

The monthly premium for an IHC Dental Bay plan runs about $14 to $20 for a 65-year-old, depending on the state. For this low monthly rate, you get 100 percent coverage for preventive care (cleanings, oral exams) and diagnostic care such as X-rays. You can take advantage of these preventive and diagnostic care benefits as soon as the plan becomes effective, on the first of the month. After a six-month waiting period, basic services are covered at 50 percent.

I get a lot of calls from people looking to enroll in dental plans when they need procedures quickly. Staying on top of preventive dental care can help avoid these urgent situations and the frustrations of waiting periods. These recommended biannual visits help you and your dentist catch and address problems early on. If possible, it is a good idea to get non-preventive services before switching to a new plan; otherwise, you will need to wait or pay out of pocket.

IHC Dental an affordable individual dental plan option with great coverage. For a low monthly premium, you can take advantage of preventive services and also gain the peace of mind that when unforeseen work such as a root canal or crown is needed you have a plan that helps lower the out-of-pocket cost. You have the freedom to choose the dentist you prefer since the plan reimburses out-of-network visits at the in-network negotiated rate. However, it should be noted that if you go to an out-of-network dentist and he or she charges above the network reimbursement rate, you are responsible for the difference. These plans do not subject those 65 and older to copays or reduced plan benefits.

Ryan Rosenberg, Senior Sales Consultant

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Simple Steps to Take Care of Sensitive Teeth

By Paul Tiller

Picture this: You have just purchased two enormous scoops of chocolate ice cream. You have been craving this tasty treat for the entire day, so instead of starting off with a lick, you dive right in, taking a massive bite. But the ensuing bliss is interrupted by a painful sensation shooting through your teeth. Most people have experienced this unpleasant feeling at some point in their lives. However, if you frequently find yourself dealing with pain and discomfort in your teeth, you may be suffering from tooth sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity is marked by pain and discomfort in the teeth, particularly in response to hot and cold temperatures and sweet and sour foods. Sensitive teeth are often caused by worn enamel and receding gum tissue, which expose the underlying layer of dentin and the roots of the teeth.[1] The dentin and roots contain thousands of microscopic tubules that lead to nerves located in the center of the tooth. When the enamel of the tooth becomes worn or the roots become exposed, the nerve endings are no longer shielded from the range and temperatures and acidities of the various foods we eat, resulting in pain and discomfort.[2]

Receding gum tissue is frequently the result of periodontal disease, or in layman’s terms, gum disease. Periodontal disease ranges from minor gum inflammation to serious infections of the tissue and bone anchoring our teeth.[3]

The health of our gum tissue is closely related to our oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing and flossing, can dramatically reduce the risk of periodontal disease. Brushing and flossing helps eliminate the harmful bacteria in our mouths producing acids that wear away enamel and damage gum tissue.[4]

In addition to receding gum tissue, worn tooth enamel is another leading cause of tooth sensitivity. Although enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, there are several ways in which it can become worn down. Common causes of worn enamel include:

If you find yourself suffering from tooth sensitivity, there are several steps you can take to help strengthen your teeth and reduce pain and discomfort. First and foremost is the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene habits. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, as well as visiting a dentist at least once a year.[5] Additional tips for reducing tooth sensitivity include:

  • Using a toothbrush with soft bristles
  • Using desensitizing toothpaste
  • Wearing a mouth guard at night while you sleep if you clench and grind your teeth
  • Limiting the amount of acidic foods you consume, such as citrus fruits, pickles, yogurt, and soda

If tooth sensitivity persists despite the efforts listed above, ask your dentist about fluoride varnishes that can be applied to sensitive areas in order to strengthen the enamel. Sealants and fillings applied to exposed roots are also an option.[6] If none of these measures provide relief and you continue experiencing pain and discomfort, your dentist may recommend a root canal.[7]


[1] Carr, Alan, DMD. “Sensitive Teeth: What Treatments Are Available?” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 Dec. 2011. Web. 29 Apr. 2013.

[2] “Dental Health and Sensitive Teeth.” WebMD. Ed. Elverne M. Tonn, DDS. WebMD, 03 June 2012. Web. 29 Apr. 2013.

[3] “Periodontal Disease.” CDC.gov. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 Dec. 2011. Web. 29 Apr. 2013.

[4] CDC.

[5] “Be Mouth Healthy for Life!” MouthHealthy.org. American Dental Association, 2013. Web. 29 Apr. 2013.

[6] WebMD

[7] Carr.

Paul Tiller is a marketing coordinator for IHC Specialty Benefits, assisting with search engine optimization efforts, copywriting and editing. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History from the University of St. Thomas, and has most recently held communications and social media roles with local non-profit and governmental agencies.

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Try it Now: Minty Homemade Coconut Oil Toothpaste Recipe

By Jenifer Dorsey

Making homemade toothpaste has intrigued me for a while now. A few years ago, I switched to Tom’s of Maine natural toothpaste and now use Melaluca Tooth Polish. But why not try something with an even simpler list of ingredients? Just for fun?

People make homemade toothpaste for many reasons—they feel more comfortable with the ingredients; it saves a little money; there’s something satisfying about using products you make yourself; it can be a fun family activity.

A quick google search brings up quite a range of do-it-yourself toothpaste recipes. Über versatile coconut oil has resurged as the darling of the health world in recent years; since I’ve never used it, I decided to go with one of the many coconut oil–based DIY toothpaste recipes. I opted for an Internet favorite from Crunchy Betty. Familysponge.com had adapted it in a way I found favorable—no vegetable glycerin—but the amount seemed a bit much for a single gal like me. I settled somewhere in the middle and, due to personal preference, did not sweeten it with stevia.

This fast, easy, two-step recipe took less than five minutes. There was hardly a mess to clean up, and it smelled fantastic.

Ingredients

4 T coconut oil – I used unrefined, which has a stronger flavor

4 T baking soda

25 drops peppermint essential oil

You will also need a small, sterile jar in which to store the toothpaste.

Directions

  1. Mix the ingredients in a small bowl. Whip them together with a whisk or fork until they are well blended, light and fluffy.
  2. Pour the mixture into the jar.

To use

Just dip your toothbrush into the jar! You won’t need much. If you plan to share with others, you may want to apply it with a small spoon or, as suggested by familysponge.com, a popsicle stick.

As I stated above, this toothpaste smells great. Its fresh, minty scent offers a little aromatherapy pick-me-up. The peppermint tones down the baking soda flavor a bit, and I hardly noticed the coconut oil. The taste and texture did not seem too different from the natural toothpastes I’ve been using, but if you try this after using a mainstream brand it may be a bigger adjustment.

DIY toothpaste does not contain fluoride, which some people prefer. If you are concerned about getting adequate fluoride, talk to your dentist.

Jenifer Dorsey is a freelance writer whose specialities include health and fitness, wellness, sports and recreation. She is a competitive amateur track cyclist who also enjoys mountain biking, hiking, camping and other oudoor adventure. Jenifer received a B.A. in journalism from Columbia College Chicago and is an MFA canditate at Naropa University. She lives in Colorado.

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Good for Nothing? Nah, Even Wisdom Teeth are Good for Something!

By Paul Tiller

Wisdom teeth are widely seen as a nuisance, pesky holdovers from our distant past that now only seem to cause us pain and trouble. Most dentists share a similar opinion on the value of wisdom teeth. Little surprise considering 60 to 70 percent of patients with wisdom teeth have trouble with them at some point in their life.[1] That being said, wisdom teeth may not receive their fair due.  Most people are unaware of the significant role wisdom teeth might play in helping advance stem cell research, a scientific pursuit that holds seemingly boundless potential.

Stem cell research holds great promise for medical advances. Stem cells are valuable because they have the potential to develop into any number of specialized cell types, allowing for the repair or regeneration of a wide range of tissues. Based on this remarkable ability, medical researchers believe that stem cells might be used someday to successfully treat a wide range of ailments and maladies, such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and multiple sclerosis, not to mention many other conditions and diseases.[2]

Stem cell research is not without its detractors. The wide use of embryonic stem cells in research has proven to be quite controversial. However, the adoption of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) as a viable alternative to embryonic stem cells for research has helped lessen misgivings.  iPS cells are adult cells reprogrammed to have pluripotent capabilities, meaning that they can generate any fetal or adult cell type.

This is where wisdom teeth enter the equation; scientists in Japan have had success generating iPS cells from wisdom teeth.[3] This is a significant discovery for a couple of reasons: First, those scientists believe that iPS cell generation from wisdom teeth is 30 to 100 times more efficient compared to the more common method of generating iPS cells from the skin.[4] Second, there is no shortage of supply, considering removing wisdom teeth is a very common procedure in developed nations. As it stands today, wisdom teeth are discarded as waste, but some researchers believe that instead of tossing extracted wisdom teeth into the garbage, they should be collected and utilized as a source for generating iPS cells to conduct further stem cell research.

So as annoying and pointless as wisdom teeth may seem, their largely untapped potential for generating iPS cells could prove to be a big help in advancing stem cell research and perhaps leading to a number of extraordinary discoveries in the future. There’s wisdom in that, eh?


[1] Rabin, Roni Caryn. “Prudence Of Having That Tooth Removed.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 06 Sept. 2011. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.

[2] “Stem Cell Facts.” Americans for Cures. Americans for Cures Foundation, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.

[3] Oda, Y., Y. Yoshimura, H. Ohnishi, M. Tadokoro, Y. Katsube, M. Sasao, Y. Kubo, K. Hattori, S. Saito, K. Horimoto, S. Yuba, and H. Ohgushi. “Induction of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Human Third Molar Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.” Journal of Biological Chemistry 285.38 (2010): 29270-9278. Print.

[4] Induction of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Human Third Molar Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.”

Paul Tiller is a marketing coordinator for IHC Specialty Benefits, assisting with search engine optimization efforts, copywriting and editing. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History from the University of St. Thomas, and has most recently held communications and social media roles with local non-profit and governmental agencies.

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When to Replace Your Toothbrush and Other Care Tips

By Jenifer Dorsey

How long have you been using your current toothbrush? I don’t know about you, but I honestly can’t answer that question. It’s been awhile, and I suspect it’s been too long. I’ll even confess that I’ve continued using it despite a fleeting run-in with a cold last month. I know that’s unwise—and a little gross. I could not tell you why I haven’t gotten around to purchasing a new one.

Replacing a toothbrush as recommended requires minimal financial investment. After all, many of us could buy several toothbrushes in a week with what we spend on coffee, tea, soda, snacks, parking and other little things. It’s just not something a lot of us think about. So here’s a brief refresher for those of us who desperately need to, excuse the pun, brush up on toothbrush care.

Think new!

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months. On  the Dr. Oz blog, Jonathan B. Levine, DMD, advises you start using a new toothbrush every 30 to 45 days. Dr. Levine writes that most Americans replace their toothbrushes less than twice a year and that it should be remembered that the bacteria we brush off our teeth nest in our toothbrushes—30 to 40 percent of which also house E. Coli bacteria.

If the bristles are frayed or splayed, replace it sooner—and ease up on the pressure because this means you are brushing too hard and damaging your gums.

Always replace your toothbrush after an illness, no matter how long or how minor.

Let it breathe

Do not store regularly your toothbrush in a closed container—closed containers allow microorganisms to thrive. Rinse it thoroughly after use, then let it dry out while stored in an upright position, as recommended by the ADA. Also be sure to store it as far from your toilet as possible.

Keep it to yourself

Your toothbrush is one of those things you’re encouraged to keep to yourself. Sharing bristles means sharing germs and bacteria and increasing your risk for illness and infection. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association reminds us that while many of the thousands of microbes living on our toothbrushes are harmless, others can make us sick and cause periodontal infections. Keep unused spares on hand for houseguests and loved ones who’ve forgotten their own.

If you’re trying to determine if it’s time to replace your toothbrush, it means you should. (I know a new one is in my immediate future.) Then, commit to getting into a replacement cycle you can remember. Make a note in your calendar or write the date you started using your toothbrush on the handle. Have the next one on hand so it’s ready when the time comes. If you have any questions about toothbrush selection or care, discuss them with your dentist at your next preventive care visit.

Jenifer Dorsey is a freelance writer whose specialities include health and fitness, wellness, sports and recreation. She is a competitive amateur track cyclist who also enjoys mountain biking, hiking, camping and other oudoor adventure. Jenifer received a B.A. in journalism from Columbia College Chicago and is an MFA canditate at Naropa University. She lives in Colorado.

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Ask the Agent: Will My Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

Question: My daughter will need braces soon, is there a dental plan that will help cover the cost?

The Agent Says: Paying for braces can be stressful for families, especially since most individual dental insurance policies do not offer true insurance coverage for orthodontics. For a few extra dollars each month, most IHC dental insurance plans—the Madison Dental plan and IAIC Dental plan which we do have online through dentalinsurance.org—allow you to enroll in OrthoCare.

The OrthoCare Orthodontic Discount Program* is an optional program for orthodontic care. When using a contracted OrthoCare orthodontist, you will save 15 to 20 percent on the services performed. The OrthoCare program has been designed to offer orthodontic benefits to both individuals and families, providing benefits for the routine orthodontic treatment for children and adults.

* This program is NOT a health dental insurance policy and the program does not make payments directly to the providers of health services. This program provides discounts at certain locations for health services. The program member is obligated to pay the provider for all the health care services that the member will receive, but the member will receive a pre-negotiated discount from the providers listed in the network, in accordance with the specific pre-negotiated discounted fee schedule. This program does not guarantee the quality of the services or procedures offered by the providers. Discounts vary by provider.

The Discount Medical Plan Organization that operates this program is American Dental Professional Services, LLC located at 9054 N. Deerbrook Trail, Milwaukee, WI 53223.

I believe the best way for a family to receive help paying the costs of braces would be to find a rich group dental insurance plan. We offer up to $2,000 of coverage towards braces on our group dental policies, but the typical group ortho benefit is around $1,000$ and these are lifetime benefits.

Best of Luck,

Ryan Rosenberg, Senior Sales Consultant

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