Why Employee Dental Insurance Is a Smart Investment for Your Company

Offering employee dental insurance is a smart investment for your company because it can help reduce employee turnover.

According to a study, employees who receive dental benefits are 40% more likely to stay with their current employer.

Dental insurance can also help prevent costly medical issues that arise from untreated dental problems.

In fact, a single root canal can cost upwards of $1,000, and if left untreated, can lead to more severe and expensive health issues.

Dental insurance provides numerous benefits for both your employees and your business. In 2018, 79% of the U.S. population had dental benefits, with the majority sponsored by employers.

Employers recognize the importance of dental benefits, with 87% considering them essential or a differentiator. This is reflected in high employee participation rates – 68% of eligible employees enroll in dental benefits when offered by an employer.

Dental insurance is an affordable benefit with a high return on investment. The cost per employee is as low as $2 per day, a fraction of the cost of medical insurance. This makes it an attractive option for small businesses looking to maximize their benefits budget.

Good oral health is vital to overall wellness, connected to good health outside the mouth. People with dental benefits are 73% more likely to visit the dentist at least once a year.

Dental insurance saves employees money in several ways:

Regular dental visits can help prevent costly medical complications, reducing the likelihood of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. This leads to fewer sick days and a healthier workforce.

Small businesses can get a positive return on investment by offering dental insurance to their employees. You can find affordable plans that cost less than $1 per day per employee, making it a great value for your business.

With flexible coverage choices, you can choose from basic to comprehensive plans to fit your budget. You also have the option to offer voluntary plans, where employees pay all or part of the premium.

Dental insurance can pay off for employers because it leads to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism. Workers miss more than 92 million hours of work annually due to unplanned dental visits.

Offering dental insurance will make your workplace more attractive to prospective and current employees. Better health, dental, and vision insurance are factors for 88% of workers when considering a job offer.

Here are some key benefits of offering dental insurance to your employees:

By providing dental insurance, you can stand out from competitors and be better able to compete with large companies that have more resources.

With so many dental insurance options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right plan for your employees. Customization is key, so look for options that allow employees to select coverage that aligns with their specific needs.

Dental insurance plans usually follow a 100-80-50 structure that focuses on preventive care and cost-sharing for other procedures. This means that employees can expect 100% coverage for routine preventive and diagnostic care, like cleanings and exams.

A deductible may be required for certain services, but this is typically not the case for preventive and diagnostic treatments. This is a great perk for employees who value their oral health.

There are great small business dental plan options available, and Delta Dental of Washington offers a variety of plans that can be tailored to fit your budget and the needs of your employees.

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are the typical coverage levels for dental insurance plans:

By offering dental insurance that caters to different employee needs, you can enhance their well-being and strengthen your position as an employer committed to providing comprehensive benefits.

Employees with families may require coverage for orthodontic care and pediatric dental services. This is especially true for parents with young children who need regular dental check-ups and orthodontic treatments to ensure proper alignment of their teeth.

Some employees may also require coverage for preventive care, such as regular cleanings and exams, to maintain good oral health and prevent more costly problems down the line.

Young professionals may prioritize preventive care, such as regular check-ups and cleanings.

They often have busy schedules and may put off visits to the dentist or doctor until a problem arises.

Young professionals may have a strong focus on health and wellness, which can motivate them to make healthy lifestyle choices.

This demographic tends to be tech-savvy and may prefer online or mobile health services for convenience.

They may also be more likely to have health insurance through their employer, which can impact their healthcare decisions.

Families may require coverage for orthodontic care and pediatric dental services. This is especially true for parents who want to ensure their children receive the best possible care for their teeth and gums.

Employees with families often prioritize benefits that support their loved ones' health and well-being.

As people age, their dental needs can change. Older employees might need more extensive coverage for treatments involving age-related dental issues.

Gum disease and tooth decay are common problems that can affect seniors.

Many employers offer dental insurance plans that cater specifically to seniors' needs, providing coverage for routine cleanings, fillings, and extractions.

To fully benefit from offering dental insurance, it's essential to communicate its value clearly to employees. Regularly share details about what's covered and how they can make the most of their plan.

This helps ensure they take advantage of the benefit and reinforces your company's commitment to their health and well-being. In fact, the MetLife 2024 U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study found that clear communication is key to fully benefiting from dental insurance.

Employee education is also crucial for understanding and effectively utilizing dental insurance benefits. Holding informational sessions or providing resources can go a long way in helping employees grasp the details of each plan.

By providing this education, you empower your employees to make informed decisions about their dental health and maximize the value they receive from their insurance plans. According to the Gallup survey, employees who feel their employer cares about their wellbeing are more likely to have a positive perception of their dental insurance.

Investing in employee education about dental insurance options is a smart move, as it shows your company cares about their health and wellbeing. The Delta Dental Small Business Benefits Research found that providing education and resources can lead to increased employee satisfaction with their dental insurance.

Choosing the right dental insurance plan for your employees is crucial for their oral health and your company's benefits package.

There are four main types of dental insurance plans to consider: PPO, DHMO, Discount Plans, and Managed Fee-for-Service Plans. Each has its own set of features and costs.

PPO plans offer access to a network of dentists who provide discounted rates on covered services. If your employees choose an in-network dentist, they'll pay a percentage of the reduced fee, called coinsurance.

DHMO plans emphasize preventive care and offer affordable coverage, but the network may not be as extensive as with a PPO. The premium is often lower, making it a more wallet-friendly option.

Discount plans allow employees to choose from a group of dentists who offer reduced fees for their services. They pay the dentist directly at the time of treatment without paperwork hassle.

Managed Fee-for-Service Plans offer a large network of dental providers and have a coinsurance system similar to PPO plans. The specific percentage of coinsurance depends on the service.

To make an informed decision, evaluate the plan types and costs, and consider network options and coverage customization.