Many small business owners look at dental insurance as something they can add later, once the company grows. They mistakenly view it as the cherry on top rather than something essential. The problem is that employees rarely see it that way anymore. When it is missing, it creates a quiet sense of uncertainty, even if the workplace is otherwise healthy.
Dental care also touches everyday life more directly than many other benefits. People deal with sensitivity, minor toothaches, and regular cleanings throughout the year. When employees know that these routine needs are covered, their trust in the workplace grows. This is especially important for small teams, where each person’s experience has a direct effect on the overall culture.
What’s more, dental insurance is inexpensive compared to other benefits, yet it strongly influences how employees interpret the company’s priorities. A small business may assume dental insurance is too small to matter, but employees tend to notice the care behind it. Today, let’s find out why it’s so important to get it for your team.
Dental Insurance Has Become The Baseline Expectation
For many years, dental insurance looked like a bonus benefit that larger organizations used to attract talent. Today, however, that perception has changed. The Employer Health Benefits 2023 Annual Survey showed that 90% of small firms and 94% of large firms offered a dental insurance program to employees. This was separate from their overall health benefits plan.
Small businesses often feel they are judged only against other small businesses. That is not how job applicants think. Candidates usually compare opportunities to national norms rather than company size. If dental insurance is commonly available in most workplaces, then its absence stands out immediately. Even a company with a strong culture and good pay can be passed on by good candidates when the benefit package feels incomplete.
Another overlooked point is how dental insurance behaves financially. It does not scale in the same punishing way that health insurance does. The difference in cost between a five-person team and a fifty-person team is often modest. As HWP Insurance notes, group dental insurance plans tend to cover a range of requirements, including cleanings, exams, and x-rays. Of course, extensive procedures like fillings, root canals, and crowns are also covered.
This makes group dental coverage an unusual advantage for small businesses that want to compete for talent without taking on overwhelming expenses. Ideally, you’ll want to sit down with an expert to learn more about what the best options are for you and your employees.
Good Dental Hygiene Matters A Lot In Some Fields
Another good reason that dental coverage is worth getting is the fact that dental issues take a serious toll on people. The pain from dental problems and the leave of absence indirectly cost the company more than paying for insurance.
This connection between dental health and employment isn’t a new concept. In fact, one report by the University of Utah found that good oral health improves opportunities in employment and enhances social relationships. The report also highlighted studies that found that chronic dental pain often resulted in mood alteration and a person’s ability to function.
Dental hygiene also becomes particularly important in some customer or client-facing industries. People who feel good about their teeth usually communicate more openly, smile more, and handle conversations with ease. A simple benefit like dental coverage can quietly raise the overall quality of interactions that shape a company’s reputation.
After all, an employee who avoids speaking up during meetings or hesitates in client interactions may not be unprepared. They might simply be self-conscious about their dental situation.
Pain, even mild pain that is constantly present, drains energy and patience. Moreover, when employees know they can take care of dental problems early, they avoid emergencies that pull them away from important tasks at the worst possible time.
Feeling Taken Care Of Directly Improves Productivity
Employees work very differently when they feel supported. Dental insurance may seem small on the surface, but it acts as a reassurance that the company pays attention to the details that affect daily life. When people know their routine care is covered and unexpected dental bills will not become a financial shock, a layer of background stress disappears.
Tim Heneveld, director at PERGOLXUX, explained that happy employees naturally deliver better service and are loyal for longer. This is backed up by data from the University of Warwick, which found that bliss led to a 12% increase in productivity, as highlighted by Business.com.
In other words, a happier employee has more energy to give, more patience in difficult moments, and more willingness to take ownership of their work. This creates a calmer and more confident workplace mindset. Employees carry that positive mindset into their interactions, their decisions, and the way they handle pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are group insurance schemes?
Group insurance schemes are plans that cover a whole team instead of individuals buying their own policies. Businesses use them to give employees easier access to benefits at lower costs, since the risk is spread across the entire group.
2. Does dental health impact overall health?
Yes, poor dental health can cause more than toothaches. It is linked to headaches, trouble focusing, gum infections, and even higher risks of heart issues. When employees take care of their teeth, they usually feel better, stay more energized, and miss fewer workdays.
3. What does dental care cost for businesses?
Dental coverage for employees is surprisingly affordable. Many small businesses pay a modest monthly amount per person, often far lower than health insurance rates. The cost stays manageable even for very small teams, which makes it an easy benefit to offer.
All things considered, for what it costs, the returns you get with group dental insurance for your team are a no-brainer. Small businesses do not need to build complicated benefit packages. A few carefully chosen elements can be all that your current and future employees need to feel comfortable at work.
(Contributed Content)
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