Dental Benefits Can Save American Businesses' Money
WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Each year, American businesses cover 57 percent of employees' health care costs, according to the 2015 Milliman Medical Index. That adds up to $14,000 per employee. Business owners and managers may not realize that by supporting and improving their employees' dental health, American businesses can save significant money on healthcare costs while creating a healthier and more productive workforce.
Recently, a study was commissioned to look at the cost analysis of dental benefits for Americans and businesses. The research found that when oral health worsens, medical health worsens and costs escalate. By improving oral health, savings can be realized:
- If 60 percent of diabetes patients better managed their gum disease, savings could equal about $39 billion per year, or about $1,845 per diabetic individual.
- If 40 percent of pregnant women better managed their gum disease: about $7 billion, or nearly $1,050 per pregnancy.
- If 50 percent of dental-related emergency visits were handled in a community setting: around $826 million, or $385 per one of these visits.
These findings (based on the 2014 U.S. population and dollar value) reveal a truth: The health of our mouths affects the health of our bodies. As individuals receive better dental care, their medical health promises to improve. As the nation's medical health improves, valuable health care dollars return to the American people.
Improving Americans' oral health has the power to drive down illness associated medical costs and promote overall health. To take advantage of this, American businesses can ensure their employees have a comprehensive dental plan. They can also design a wellness program that encourages use of this coverage.
Visit oralhealthcarecantwait.com to learn how improving American's dental health can lead to significant cost savings for Americans and businesses.
About the Study
This study evaluates the various costs and savings associated with the provision of oral care. It reviews the medical, economics, and the epidemiology literature and combines findings in order to determine the direct and indirect costs associated with oral care. Savings arising from various medical conditions are also estimated. Additionally, it attempts to quantify what, if any, savings can result from efficiency-enhancing reforms to the oral health delivery system. The financial implications of preventive strategies are also discussed. The study can be requested through oralhealthcarecantwait.com.
SOURCE Dental Trade Alliance
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