The American Dental Association (ADA) says that many employees value dental insurance, which helps them stay healthier, meaning they miss work less often due to dental problems. 

However, some businesses struggle to provide dental in their employment benefits. One big challenge is cost — dental insurance can be expensive, especially for small businesses with tight budgets. Another issue is figuring out the best insurance plan since there are many options, and not all of them meet the needs of the company and its employees, the ADP says.

Let’s explore why businesses have trouble offering affordable dental plans and share possible solutions, such as finding different ways to provide coverage or working with other organizations to make it more affordable.

At Altogether Dental, we believe everyone should have access to affordable dental plans — whether the person is employed full-time, part-time, seasonal, contractor or gig worker. We offer members discounts of 15-50% on all dental procedures. Employees don’t have to worry about waiting periods, deductibles or claims. Our partnership with the Aetna Dental Access Network gives members access to 260,000+ general and specialty dentists nationwide.

The Importance of Dental Benefits for Employees

Offering employee dental plans plays an important role in enhancing employees’ health and satisfaction, SHRM reports.

According to Cleveland Clinic, regular dental care is essential not only for preventing oral health issues like cavities and gum disease, but also for detecting early signs of serious conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

By providing employee dental plans, SHRM reports that employers enable their staff to access preventive care, improving overall health and reducing absenteeism. This proactive approach not only fosters a healthier workforce but also demonstrates a company's commitment to employee well-being, thereby boosting morale and job satisfaction.

Comprehensive benefits packages, including dental coverage, are essential in attracting and retaining talent. The Economist Group reports that  70% of U.S. workers would be willing to switch jobs for better benefits. By offering desirable benefits, including employee dental plans, employers can differentiate themselves in a competitive job market, enhance employee loyalty and reduce turnover rates.

Challenges Businesses Face in Offering Dental Benefits

According to Dental Economics, research shows that employers value dental benefits and want to offer them for four reasons:

• Small business employee benefits show that business owners care about their employees' well-being.

• Promote better health, as employees with coverage are two to three times more likely to visit a dentist, which supports overall well-being.

• Healthier employees are more present and productive, which boosts company performance.

• Dental benefits help attract and retain employees in a competitive job market.

Dental Economics says the Small Business Administration reports there are about 30 million small businesses in the U.S., employing 60 million people. Research shows that 82% of small businesses that do not currently offer dental benefits plan to do so in the future. However, the trend varies by industry, with 66% of white-collar small businesses planning to add dental benefits, while 90% of blue-collar small businesses intend to offer them.

The Dental Economics research also found that:

• 39% of small business owners do not think employee dental plans are a priority for their teams, but their beliefs change when employees request dental plans.

• 36% do not believe dental benefits are affordable for their company, thinking they would need to pay more than $500 per employee.

• 33% believe that dental benefits are not a good value. They don’t see the value in existing dental benefits due to the cost and coverage limitations, like waiting periods, exclusions and annual limits.

Membership-based programs like Altogether Dental for Business offer affordable dental plans without waiting periods at a low cost for employees.

The Consequences of Not Offering Dental Benefits

According to Guardian Life, not having dental benefits can lead to decreased employee satisfaction and higher turnover rates. It reports that nearly 6 in 10 employees at small businesses lack dental insurance, which might impact their oral health and overall well-being.

Cleveland Clinic reports that oral hygiene means keeping your mouth clean and free from disease by brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly for checkups, X-rays and cleanings. Good oral hygiene is a form of preventative care that helps to stop cavities, gum disease, bad breath and other dental issues before they start.

Oral health is also closely linked to overall health. Bacteria from oral infections can enter the bloodstream and increase the risk of serious conditions like heart disease and stroke. Keeping teeth and gums healthy is essential for long-term well-being. Poor oral hygiene can also contribute to heart infection, pneumonia and pregnancy complications.

Solutions for Businesses to Provide Affordable Dental Plans

Businesses might offer voluntary benefits, including dental plans where employees pay premiums, reducing the financial burden on employers. Oral care is an important part of protecting your overall health.

Finding affordable dental plans for your business is one way to help your employees. When you’re shopping for different plans, keep in mind that Altogether Dental for Business offers your employees between 15-50% on all dental procedures. Employees don’t have to worry about waiting periods, deductibles or claims. Our partnership with the Aetna Dental Access Network gives members access to 260,000+ general and specialty dentists nationwide.

Sources

• American Dental Association | Tools for employers

• ADP | Small business employee benefits

• SHRM | Preventive Dental Benefits Save Employers Money, Studies Find

• Cleveland Clinic | Oral hygiene

• The Economist Group | 70% of US workers would be willing to switch jobs for better benefits

• Dental Economics | Dentists should target small businesses for new patients

• Guardian Life | Prioritizing workforce well-being in a challenging economic environment