According to a Delta Dental survey, 86 percent of Americans agree that oral health is very or extremely important to their overall health. However, an estimated 76.5 million Americans do not have dental insurance. If a majority of Americans can agree on the value of oral health, why do nearly one in four Americans opt out of coverage?
It’s possible that many people refrain from getting insurance because they don’t see the value of dental insurance or understand how much dental benefits are worth. The reason behind this misunderstanding could be due to a variety of things, such as a lack of resources or knowledge on what dental insurance can do or misconceptions that paying out of pocket is simply a more accessible option.
Why Have Dental Insurance?
When you realize all the benefits of having coverage, it’s easy to understand the true value of dental insurance. Several reasons explain how much dental benefits are worth:
It Helps Control the Costs of Dental Care
Without dental benefits, you agree to pay the full dollar amount of a dental treatment, known as the out-of-pocket cost. Because dentists who participate in Delta Dental’s networks agree to charge discounted rates for their services, members automatically benefit from reduced rates. In addition, dental insurance will usually help cover a portion of the treatment cost, so you don’t have to pay the entire bill yourself. The exact amount that’s covered is dependent on your plan and the type of treatment.
Because dental insurance focuses on prevention, many services such as check-ups and cleanings are often covered at 100 percent. For more major procedures, dental insurance can help reduce the out-of-pocket costs by covering a portion of the bill, depending on your plan.
When looking at how much dental benefits are worth, compare the costs for a family without insurance to those who have it:
It Helps Prevent the Development of More Severe Issues
Dental insurance focuses on preventive care, which means those with insurance are less likely to have severe dental problems. By visiting the dentist more frequently, the chance that dentists can detect problems early on and treat them before they develop into more severe issues like a dental crown or root canal is higher. For every dollar spent on cleanings and check-up services, or even teledentistry visits, it’s estimated that $50 or more is saved on more expensive procedures.
It Helps Save You Time
Visiting the dentist can also be a time-consuming affair. From finding a dentist you know and trust, to getting a quote from their office, there’s a lot to add to your to-do list. Fortunately, many dental insurance companies offer a variety of tools to ease the process as much as possible for their members. Some helpful resources include:
- A find a dentist tool
- A dental procedure cost estimator
- A mobile app and online portal to manage your plan
It Creates a Better Work Environment
If you’re an employer, there’s no doubt that you and your company are constantly looking for ways to better the experience for your employees. One way to do that is by offering a comprehensive benefit package that includes dental insurance. Dental benefits are an affordable, flexible option that can be customized based on your company’s goals and needs. This is also a good ROI for businesses and CEOs, as 67 percent of Americans agree that good oral health makes them feel more confident, ultimately improving productivity in the workplace.
The value of dental insurance is that it helps protect both you and your family’s oral and overall health by promoting regular visits to the dentist, ensuring quality oral health, and reducing out-of-pocket costs and the likelihood of expensive and perhaps painful issues. Determining exactly how much dental benefits are worth is up to you and how much you use them.
Looking for dental benefits? Find a plan that fits your needs. To learn more about the importance of good oral health, visit our blog.