15 Apr Tooth Truths: Dental Benefits

Let’s talk about dental benefits.  Whether you’re an employer or an employee, dental benefits are important to you; in the long run, they will save you time and money. Most people in this country receive dental benefits through their employer and here’s why I believe dental benefits are important to have—and use—prevention.

Studies have shown that people with dental benefits go to the dentist 78% more often. That doesn’t seem noteworthy when you already go to the dentist at least twice a year, but here’s why going to the dentist every six months (or more if needed) is beneficial: dental disease is almost 100% preventable which is why most dental benefit plans fully cover preventive services like exams and cleanings. Good oral health goes hand in hand with good overall health.

If you’re an employer, providing dental benefits for your employees is more than a perk for them, it’s an investment in your team. Using their dental benefits for regular preventive services, as well as being able to get any other dental issues taken care of quickly if and when they arise, helps keep your employees healthy and productive. But you need to encourage them to take advantage of those dental benefits. After all, more than 164 million work hours are lost due to dental issues every year.

If you’re an employee with dental benefits, use them! Nothing is as important as your health so use those dental benefits to see your dentist regularly. And here’s something else many people may not know: about 120 diseases, including diabetes and kidney disease, can be detected in the mouth. While using your dental benefits for regular checkups, your dentist can also evaluate the health of your mouth which is about more than a healthy smile, it’s about a healthier you.

Let’s recap! If you’re an employer, a dental benefits package can help attract talented people to your business, and help keep them healthy and productive. If you’re an employee with dental benefits, using them will save you money and time in the long run by preventing bigger issues, or maybe catching them early on. Dental benefits are a winning scenario for everyone, but the key is to use them! Remember, good oral health leads to good overall health.

Article provided by Delta Dental