Why corporate dental plans are a benefit worth smiling about

Health and Wellbeing is becoming an increasingly important priority among both employees and company decision makers, as they recognise the impact a healthy workforce has on motivation and performance.

The Denplan Health and Wellbeing Survey 2015, which examines factors considered by companies and employees when considering health and wellbeing benefits, has revealed some key insights into the reasons why companies may want to consider introducing a dental payment plan as part of their employee wellbeing benefits package. Some of the key findings include:

91% of companies offering a dental plan feel it enhances employee wellbeing¹
92% of employers believe that a dental plan shows they care about employees¹
61% of employers who offer a dental plan believe it helps to manage staff absenteeism¹

It is pleasing to see from the survey that company decision makers recognise and understand the benefits of offering a dental plan to employees and the link between good oral health and the overall wellbeing of their staff. Dental is one of the few preventive healthcare benefits open to employees, and a dental plan should help encourage regular dental attendance, helping to prevent any dental problems before they arise.

A dental plan is also an appreciated and sought after benefit by employees:

63% of employees without a dental plan, say they would consider one if their employer offered it².
65% of large employers have had a request for a dental plan from employees¹

With 76% of UK adults visiting the dentist on a regular basis³ (at least once every two years), employees are likely to make good use of a dental plan when offered by their employer, as it is a benefit everyone can use regularly. More than half of employees (55%) also believe that dental is a tangible, usable benefit².

A dental plan can also be a great way to increase engagement and company loyalty and attract new staff:

More than three quarters of employers who offer a dental plan say it helps match what their competitors offer¹
More than three quarters of employers who offer a dental plan believe that it helps to retain existing employees¹
Furthermore, 70% of employers agree that a dental plan helps to attract new employees¹

A good corporate dental plan should be both flexible and easy to implement. With the right provider you can set up a plan according to your specific time scales and business objectives that fits with the company’s overall health and wellbeing strategy. It will also be important to highlight the benefits of regular preventive dental care to your employees through a tailored communications plan which should also help employees understand the wider benefits of being dentally fit.

Download Denplan’s Health and Wellbeing Benefits Survey 2015

Colin Perry is corporate channel manager at Denplan.