Dental Fundamentals

Nearly 8 in 10 working Americans with group dental benefits through work visit the dentist one or more times per year, compared to less than half of those without any coverage.² With workers utilizing dental insurance, employers who understand consumer behaviors around oral health care and trends will be able to better offer dental benefits that address their workforce’s needs.

All businesses — and especially small businesses — will want to make the most of their dental benefits investments. Choosing plans that employees will use and appreciate means including the most desirable benefits that address three areas of concern found in our research. 

More than 8 in 10 consumers said diminishing deductibles are a “very likeable” dental plan feature.³ Diminishing deductibles can help both consumers and employers save money in the long run by rewarding employees with lower annual deductibles when their employer maintains a continuous relationship with an insurance carrier. 

Our research shows that parents are far more likely to ensure their children receive the oral care they need than to follow recommendations from the American Dental Association (ADA) for themselves. Nearly 9 in 10 parents say their children’s oral health is more important. Improved dental coverage for employees’ dependents would help to improve access to care for children.⁵

Dental benefits can only help to improve oral health if they’re understood properly. While 83% of consumers say good oral health is “important/highly important,” only 50% rate their oral health as “very good/excellent.”⁶ Through clear communication about benefits and the importance of preventive care in supporting oral health, employers can play a key role in helping improve their workforce’s overall oral health.