Dental Fundamentals
There is a renewed appreciation for dental benefits with 10 times as many US adults saying the pandemic made them value their dental benefits more than prior to the pandemic.¹ With access to comprehensive dental insurance benefits increasingly critical to one’s overall well-being, our latest report examines consumer trends around oral health care that will help employers strategically tailor benefits offerings to better address the evolving needs of their workforce.
The top focuses for workplace dental benefits
Helping employees save
Diminishing deductibles that reward consistent dental visits, generous coverage for preventive care, and 100% network coverage for all preventive, basic, and major dental services for children.
Improving overall oral health
Coverage that includes extra visits for those with medical conditions that require them and educational resources on oral health that are available via omnichannel employee communications.
Clarity of language
Dental plans that are easy to understand with support materials written in “jargon-free” simple language.
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.
Reasonable cost, oral health support, and clarity of plan coverage matter most to dental consumers
When it comes to dental care, consumers are cost conscious
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.
Parents prioritize children’s oral health above their own
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
Clear communication about dental benefits is important
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.
Webinar: In-demand dental benefits that support well-being
For further insights from industry professionals on the topics addressed in the Dental Fundamentals report, we invite you to watch this on-demand webinar where our speakers address:
The increased focus on wellness in the workplace and the role dental benefits play
How dental benefits support oral health and well-being
What new types of dental products consumers want, use, and appreciate
Infographic: Meeting the evolving needs of dental consumers
At Guardian, we’re here to inspire your well-being and give you something to smile about. This infographic explores how our dental plans are designed to help members improve their oral health and overall well-being.
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