Have a question? Interested in learning more? Start here:
You probably know the feeling well. Another six months rolls around and then one day you glance down at your upcoming week’s schedule and there it is, your bi-yearly dentist check-up. But don’t panic! The dentist really isn’t as bad as it seems and there are actually some very important reasons to have a dental check-up and cleaning every six months.
Most people recognize the importance of maintaining good physical health, and having regular physical examinations, but we rarely extend the same consideration to our teeth. The truth is that good dental care is a crucial part of your overall physical health because other systems can be affected by your oral health. For example, taking proper care of your gums can actually help prevent heart disease.
The condition of your mouth, teeth, and gums can also indicate other health problems. For example, acid erosion on the tooth enamel could indicate gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), whereas frequent mouth infections and gum disease might indicate diabetes. Frequent dry mouth can make you more susceptible to tooth decay, and it can also indicate an underlying illness, like Sjogren’s syndrome.
Take this interactive, online health quiz to see how you measure up—and be sure to share with family, friends, colleagues or employees.
Start Your Quiz Now
Because dental health is so important, dental insurance is also important because it provides you a means to pay for both preventative and acute care.
According to a 2007 national survey, the average out-of-pocket dental cost per person was $873 per year. Additionally, when the survey factored in the cost of insurance premiums, those with insurance and those without spent approximately the same amount on basic dental care.
However, where dental insurance is crucial is in helping cover the cost of major dental care. Those without dental insurance usually experienced a greater variability in dental costs than those with insurance. That is, those with insurance tended to have more consistent pricing on dental care, while those without did not and were more likely to have higher costs.
Additionally, individuals with dental insurance have been found to be more likely to go to the dentist for preventative care and are more likely to seek medical attention for acute dental issues. Those without dental insurance tend to wait until the last minute, which can also result in more health issues and more expensive care.
As the number one non-medical insurance benefit offered by employers (nearly three-quarters of employers offer dental coverage), dental insurance can be a valuable part of your company’s overall benefit package.
Participation in dental plans provides a low-cost way or employers to provide a more robust book of benefits to employees.
Some of our dental coverage insurance partners include:
Dental health matters! Get started on the road to providing premium dental benefits to your employees today by calling Fringe Benefit Analysts. We’re here to make sure you get the best care and price you deserve.
