The value of dental insurance vs. paying out of pocket
According to a Delta Dental survey, 85 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 most Americans agree on the value of going to the dentist, why do nearly 1 in 4 Americans opt out of coverage?
It's possible that many people refrain from getting coverage because they don't see the value of dental insurance or understand how much dental benefits are worth. The reasons behind this misunderstanding could be due to a variety of things, such as a lack of knowledge on what dental insurance is or misconceptions that paying out-of-pocket is a more accessible option.
Why have dental insurance?
When you realize all the benefits of coverage, it's easy to understand the true value of dental insurance.
Dental insurance helps control the costs of dental care
Without a dental plan, you agree to cover the full 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 is 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 percent. 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 knowing that they will not have to suffer from painful complications due to oral health problems.
Dental insurance helps save time
Visiting the dentist can also 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 that you and your company are constantly looking for ways to better the experience for your employees. One way to improve employee experience is by offering a comprehensive benefit package, including 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 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 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.
