Mid-Year Check-In: Maximizing Dental Benefits
By Karyn Glogowski on June 29, 2022 in Dental benefit information
Good oral health is key to better overall health — and a majority of adults and caregivers in the United States agree. About 3 in 5 (59%)1 adults made a preventive visit to their dentist in 2021 to reduce their chances of experiencing dental issues. Others visited the dentist to take full advantage of their dental benefits, which typically cover preventive care, like checkups and cleanings, with little to no out-of-pocket cost.
Summer is here, which means we’re halfway through the year so it’s time to take a look and see if you’re taking full advantage of your dental benefits.
Currently, more than 62% of adults across the country have dental coverage while 85% of caregivers report their child is covered by a dental plan.2 And nearly all adults who are insured recognize that their dental benefits are critical in helping them achieve optimal oral health.
CALLOUT: Boomers are more likely than younger generations to prioritize preventive visits because:
- 70% believe preventive visits reduce the chance of serious dental issues.
- 49% know how important oral health is to overall health.3
Dental coverage = dental visits
Among the adults and children who visited the dentist last year, those with dental benefits were significantly more likely to have sought preventive care than those without coverage.
- 82% of adults with coverage visited the dentist in 2021
- 90% of children with coverage visited the dentist in 20214
This data shows us that dental benefits are critical in helping adults and children seek proper oral health care. Preventive care not only helps to avoid issues that could turn into major problems but can also save money if those major problems require costly treatment and procedures.
Peace of mind
Most adults who have dental coverage recognize there are both emotional and financial benefits that come with it. For example, close to 89% of adults agree that having dental benefits gives them peace of mind, provides relief from worrying about dental emergencies and instills confidence in having a healthy smile.5
Even more adults agree that their dental coverage saves them money in the long run (about 94%) and it is well worth the cost (91%).6 This further validates the advantages of dental coverage extends beyond encouraging better oral health, but overall health as well.
As we mark the halfway point of 2022, make sure you’re maximizing your dental benefits by scheduling a preventive checkup.
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1 2022 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report, survey of 1,172 parents of children ages 12 and younger and 1,027 national representative Americans ages 18+ by Material, margin of error +/- 3%.
2 2022 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report.
3 2022 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report.
4 2022 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report.
5 2022 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report.
6 2022 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report.