Why offering dental benefits matters even more during a pandemic
Nearly half of employers nationwide are strengthening health and wellness benefits so employees can more easily get the care they need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Workplace perks like complimentary beverages, food and on-site gyms are great. But with many people still working from home, some of these office benefits may be of less value to employees. Many employees are seeking job security and a competitive benefits package to help them stay healthy during these times.
Here are four reasons your business should continue offering dental benefits:
1. Preventive care is key to employees' health and productivity.
Taking care of your employees' health goes beyond the coronavirus. It's about taking preventive steps to protect their health and well-being. That includes good oral health care. Over the past few years, employees missed an average of three to four days of work each year due to an unexpected dental issue. Those with good oral health are more likely to be more productive and miss fewer days of work. And those with dental coverage are 58% more likely to get the preventive care they need.
Yet during this pandemic, some employees may have delayed routine dental checkups. Make sure they know it's still important to receive preventive care. Infection control has always been a priority for dentists and additional safety measures are recommended, so employees should feel confident scheduling a checkup.
2. Dental insurance can help save employers and employees money in the long run.
More than 8 out of 10 Americans agree having dental coverage saves them money in the long run. That's true, in part, because dental insurance provides employees access to a dental network that allows them to take advantage of reduced or pre-established fees. In addition, most dental plans cover 100% of preventive care including routine checkups, X-rays and cleanings. It's a great investment in your employees' health. Every dollar spent on preventive care can help save money and avoid more costly, urgent and complex procedures.
3. Oral health is key to employees' overall well-being.
A vast majority of employers (93%) say making health care more affordable is a top priority. Because of the connection between oral and overall health, dental benefits can help. Research shows a greater use of dental benefits can lower overall medical costs, especially among those with chronic conditions. During an oral exam, dentists can detect signs of more than 120 diseases - including heart disease, diabetes and oral cancer - which have symptoms that appear in the mouth. Early detection and treatment can prevent oral and overall health issues from getting worse.
4. Offering dental benefits can help attract and retain talent.
Nearly 9 out of 10 (88%) employees say better health, dental and vision benefits are their top consideration when choosing a job. That means offering dental benefits can not only keep your current employees productive and healthy - it can also keep your business competitive for hiring and retaining talent.
For more information about dental coverage and how to make the most of dental benefits, visit deltadentalil.com/plans.
About Delta Dental of Illinois
Delta Dental is the national dental benefits leader covering 1 in 3 Americans who have dental insurance. Delta Dental of Illinois is one of 39 member companies that make up the national Delta Dental system. Based in Naperville, Illinois, Delta Dental of Illinois provides dental benefit programs to more than 6,000 Illinois companies and covers 2 million individuals, employees and family members nationwide. Delta Dental of Illinois is committed to improving oral health in our community and furthers this commitment through the work of Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation.