Poor oral health is linked to increased risk for diseases like heart disease, diabetes and birth defects.
Without benefits, people often skip preventive care – which increases the risk of developing painful oral health problems.
Routine dental visits help detect and treat problems early, before they escalate to more costly procedures.
Regular dental exams and cleanings, combined with routine brushing and flossing at home, help keep the mouth healthy.
Americans lose more than 164 million hours of work each year due to dental disease. Poor oral health can affect both work and school performance.
In one survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, more than two-thirds said they are an extremely or very important part of their overall compensation package. Dental benefits contribute to recruiting and retention efforts.