A recent article in Money magazine offered consumers simple advice to cut their health-care costs: floss daily. According to the writers, you'll save up to $2,000 in dental expenses down the road if you start flossing today.
The message is timely. Americans are placing more importance than ever on proper dental hygiene, and research increasingly shows links between oral health and conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer.
Studies have shown that pregnant women with periodontal disease are more likely to give birth prematurely and have low-birth-weight babies.
Dental coverage is a widely offered employee benefit, second only to medical and prescription drug coverage in many workplaces. Most workers recognize the connection between overall health and oral hygiene, and many visit a dentist at least once a year.
Yet, faced with higher costs for health insurance, many employers are asking workers to shoulder some or all of their dental premiums. Small businesses are increasingly offering dental as a voluntary benefit.
The rewards of offering Dental Insurance Benefits are great, regardless of whether the employer or employee pays for the coverage. Since dental plans typically cover 100% of preventive services, people tend to use these benefits regularly, which helps avoid more expensive restorative and emergency care later.
Every dollar spent on prevention in oral health care can save many dollars in future restorative treatments, according to dental health organizations. That savings helps both employees and employers, making group dental plans a good deal for everyone.
Because of potential long-term savings, the number of preventive services covered by dental plans is growing. Many insurers now offer extra cleanings at no charge to people at higher risk for periodontal disease, such as people with diabetes and pregnant women.
Some insurers have begun covering fluoride treatments for adults as well as children. Fluoride can help reduce the need for high-cost restorative treatments like bridges, crowns, and implants.
Dental insurers are also adding advanced oral cancer screening technologies to covered services. Oral cancer is on the rise and early detection greatly improves outcomes, so these screening tools can be an important preventive measure.
New screening tools, such as fluorescent-light exams, can reveal abnormal tissue not visible to the naked eye. In some plans, patients and dentists can decide whether such tests are appropriate for individuals over 40.
Consumer-driven plan features are appearing in dental benefits as well. Some insurers now allow patients to roll over part of their unused annual maximum into the next year so they can save toward more expensive procedures in the future.
If you're considering offering or choosing dental coverage for your workplace or family, it can help to compare plan features and options and to Dental Benefits available through group plans.
If you want personalized assistance in weighing options, talk to an agent who can help match plan features to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does daily flossing really reduce future dental costs?
Regular flossing reduces plaque and gum disease risk, which lowers the chance of needing costly restorative treatments later.
Are fluoride treatments useful for adults?
Yes; fluoride can strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent decay in adults, potentially avoiding more expensive procedures.
What should I know about oral cancer screening?
Oral cancer is more treatable when found early, and some dental plans now cover advanced screening tools that help detect abnormalities sooner.
Can I roll over unused dental benefits to the next year?
Some insurers allow partial rollovers of unused annual maximums to help save for future expensive procedures, but this feature varies by plan.