4 reasons employees want dental benefits with virtual care options
With the proven connection between good oral health and better overall health outcomes for patients with systemic conditions, a virtual dental benefit that helps employees prioritize their oral health can cut costs and strengthen an organization’s commitment to patient wellness.
The report highlights consumers’ recognition of oral health’s link to chronic conditions, oral hygiene’s connection to mental health, and the benefits of routine preventive care.
Here are four takeaways from this report:
Rising acceptance of teledentistry and virtual dental care
As consumer awareness of oral-systemic health and the desire for integrated health plans that include dental benefits grows, so does their acceptance and preference for telehealth options. After all, many have already scheduled virtual consultations with other health care providers, including general practice physicians, dermatologists, and mental health professionals – so why not their dentists?
Nearly half of adults surveyed said they would use virtual care when seeking oral health care (47%) and over half would trust the care they received (54%). Not surprisingly, Gen Z and millennials are more likely to utilize teledentistry and trust the care it provides.
One reason for acceptance of teledentistry among younger generations may be that they are “digital natives” who are more comfortable with technology. However, one must also consider where they are in their lives, balancing career, and family obligations. These generations are looking for health care plans that include lifestyle benefits.
When you stop to consider that almost 75% of the workforce comprises millennials and GenXers, it makes sense to include a virtual oral care option in a comprehensive benefits package, especially if you want to recruit and retain the best and brightest talent in today’s competitive job market.
The mouth-body connection
Despite the fact that the dental and medical professionals have been divided for centuries, more adults now recognize the oral-systemic health connection, with younger generations the most aware that one’s oral health will impact their overall health and wellbeing.
The Delta Dental report found that 91% of the adults surveyed equate dental visits with annual physicals and have already “connected the dots” between oral health and various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, respiratory infections, and Alzheimer’s Disease, to name a few.
Dental benefits as preventive medicine
A growing number of adults believe that dental insurance supports their overall wellness.
That’s why more U.S. adults seek dental plans that cover basic preventive care; 63% consider two covered cleanings a year a must have as part of a desired wellness benefit plan – and for several good reasons:
- 83% of adults who made a trip to the dentist in 2023 did so for preventive care to maintain oral and overall wellness
- 88% of adults believe dental insurance provides financial assurance in uncertain economic times and in the event of dental emergencies.
- The report also revealed a perceived oral-mental health connection, as 92% of those surveyed said taking action to protect oral health gives them more confidence, while 77% said it is closely connected to their mental health.
- Younger employees with children consider dental benefit options for their dependents to be important, with 9 out of 10 parents surveyed stating that their children are covered.
Virtual care as a catalyst for cost efficient benefit utilization
Simply stated, including a virtual oral care option makes employee utilization of their dental benefits easier and more convenient. With what we now know about the mouth/body connection, it’s not a stretch to say that utilized dental benefits can result in a healthier and more productive workforce.
However, the traditional brick and mortar dental appointment is just one part of the most efficient way to help patients achieve optimal overall health and wellness. The time restrictions of a typical 30-60-minute in-office appointment prevent the additional screening, patient education, and health coaching required to connect the dots between oral health and overall health and to implement an effective plan of action. What’s more, the provider is multi-tasking between communication and clinical care.
Only a virtual care option provides the scheduling flexibility, the time and the focus necessary to set patients on the path to overall wellness. which may include connecting them to in-person care.
Employees also do not believe that every consultation requires a trip to the office. Here’s what most patients like about having a virtual oral care option for a consultation or conversation.
- Time savings by not having to travel to the dental office when no clinical treatment is scheduled, which may include connecting them to in-person care.
- Reduced anxiety when meeting new providers or discussing diagnostic results or treatment plans.
- Less need to take time off from work or kids out of school.
- Triage dental emergencies without going to the ER
- Receive oral hygiene instruction in the comfort of their own home, to help them achieve their overall wellness goals.
- Less stress and discomfort for dependents with physical disabilities.
- Having a network of qualified virtual care providers to choose from.
- Virtual consultations with other specialists or medical providers referred by their virtual care provider.
How to enhance dental benefit plans with virtual care options
Benefits brokers and plan administrators can incorporate virtual care into an existing dental benefits plan to add virtual care options, including:
- A24/7 service
- AI wellness scans
- Personalized assistance and care coordination of in-person visits, when needed
- Assistance in navigation of dental benefits and second opinions
- Expert oral health and wellness coaching by trained oral health experts
- Risk identification across medical benefits to reveal health care savings and improve patient outcomes
- Data-driven engagement that educates and connects
Conclusion
Delta Dental estimates that 164 million working hours and $45 billion worth of productivity are lost each year due to oral health issues. In addition, ResearchGate reports that adult workers account for 60% of individuals with heart disease and diabetes.
A World Economic Forum (WEF) white paper published in May 2024 reinforces the strong connection between oral health and overall health, quoting statistics such as gum disease increasing the risk of a first heart attack by 28%, the risk of stroke as twice as high among people suffering from poor oral health, and people with diabetes having improved health outcomes when their gum disease is managed.
With the proven connection between good oral health and better overall health outcomes for patients with systemic conditions, a virtual dental benefit that helps employees prioritize their oral health can cut costs and strengthen an organization’s commitment to patient wellness.
Brant Herman is the CEO and founder of Dentistry.One.