Dental Insurance Articles

Talking To Your Employer About Adding Dental Insurance

2010-07-13

There are millions of people in America without any dental insurance who are unable to afford dental care. Often employers simply need to be inspired, motivated, and educated regarding the positive advantages of adding dental insurance coverage to the employee benefit package. Whether the plan is employer funded or utilizes employee contributory funding, dental insurance is a win-win negotiation and benefits both the employer and the employees.

First, employers must be educated and reminded that dental insurance coverage will provide preventative, restorative, and acute care to the employees. Many are unaware that dental insurance can effectively increase profitability by reducing health insurance costs, lowering the absentee rate, and ultimately results in employee loyalty. Instituting dental coverage in the employee benefit package is indicative of an employer who cares about the health and prioritizes the welfare of jobholders. Indifference undergoes a metamorphosis; it changes into choosing to make a difference.

Secondly, in the conversation, it should be stressed that dental health impacts the overall health of employees. Dental inconsistencies, such as abscesses and infections, if left untreated can lead to heart disease or even more critical, a brain abscess that can have serious negative consequences. These issues will result in more expensive heath insurance claims and higher overall premiums. Furthermore, if employees can masticate effectively and are able to eat more fruits and raw vegetables, their diet becomes healthier, and a healthy diet means optimal or better overall health and fewer illnesses.

Third, with dental insurance employees have access to regular dental maintenance, regular check ups, gum disease treatment, fluoridation treatments, and restorative services such as cavity fillings and braces when needed. Regular dental care translates into fewer absences for dental related illnesses such as severe toothaches or the need for time off for an extraction and the subsequent recovery. Most dental practitioners offer after business hours and Saturday appointments, which ensures that by utilizing the dental plan there will not be significant time lost from work; this is another example of how everyone benefits from the inclusion of dental insurance in benefits package.

Finally, an employee dental plan is indicative of health conscious management who places value on the good health of personnel. It enhances the company's reputation as a" good place to work" and inspires loyalty. The employees' appearance and smiles will be improved due to the availability of affordable dental care, which undoubtedly increases self-esteem and confidence. The benefits package will be more attractive because dental insurance indirectly increases the employee's income; less money will be expended for costly dental care. Therefore, when talking to the employer about including a dental plan, emphasize that the expense is minimal but the benefits are maximal.