According to a Delta Dental survey, 85% 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 most Americans agree on the value of going to the dentist, why do nearly 1 in 4 Americans opt out of coverage? 

Many people refrain from getting coverage because they don’t see the value of dental insurance or understanding how much dental benefits are worth. This misunderstanding could be due to the lack of knowledge surrounding dental insurance, or misconceptions on out-of-pocket expenses.

Why have dental insurance?

Without a dental plan, you agree to cover the full amount of your dental treatment, known as the out-of-pocket cost. Because dentists who participate in Delta Dental networks agree to charge discounted rates for their services, members automatically benefit from reduced rates. In addition, dental insurance usually helps cover a portion of the treatment cost, so you don’t have to pay the entire bill yourself. The exact amount covered is dependent on your plan and the type of treatment. Because dental insurance focuses on prevention, many services such as checkups and cleanings are usually covered at 100%. For major procedures, dental insurance also helps reduce the out-of-pocket costs.

To compare the costs for a family without insurance to those who have it, check out the example below:

Dental insurance helps prevent the development of more severe issues

Because dental insurance focuses on preventive care, those with insurance are less likely to have severe dental problems. By visiting the dentist more frequently, dentists can detect problems early on and treat them before they develop into more severe issues. This creates peace of mind for those with dental insurance because they know they will not have to suffer from painful complications due to oral health problems.

Dental insurance helps save time

Visiting the dentist can be a time-consuming affair. From finding a dentist, getting a quote from their office, and scheduling your appointment, there’s a lot to do. Fortunately, many dental insurance companies offer a variety of tools to ease the process for their members. Delta Dental provides helpful resources such as:

• The find a dentist tool
• The dental procedure cost estimator tool 
• The mobile app and online portal to manage your plan

Offering dental insurance creates a better work environment

If you’re an employer, there’s no doubt you and your company are constantly looking for ways to better the experience for your employees. One way to improve the employee experience is by offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes dental insurance! Dental benefits are an affordable and 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 % 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 reducing out-of-pocket costs and promoting regular visits to the dentist. Discover how you can save money on dental insurance today by finding a plan that fits your needs.

*Updated September 2022