Dental insurance remains a key gap in workplace wellbeing packages as two in three employees would like dental cover as part of their benefits but only one in three employers provide it.
The research found that 79% of employees would take up dental cover if offered through their employer with 23% ranking it among the top three benefits that would make an employer more attractive.
Additionally, nearly a fifth, 17%, of employees said they cannot afford dental treatment while a further 16% cited the cost of appointments as their biggest obstacle. Meanwhile, only 41% of employees visit the dentist at least once every six months and awareness also appears low with just 28% considering oral health part of their overall physical health.
Bupa’s findings indicate that employer-funded dental cover could help close this gap. More than half, 53%, of employees said they would visit the dentist more regularly if they had access to employer-provided cover.
In response to the research, Bupa Dental Insurance has announced an enhancement to its Dental Plan, which will now include all preventative treatments provided at Bupa Dental Care practices, covering services such as check-ups and scale and polish treatments. Around seven in ten claims under the plan are for preventative care and the new inclusion aims to make such treatments more accessible while removing the concern of out-of-pocket costs.
Bupa Dental Insurance director Ann Stewart says: “Our research shows a clear opportunity for employers to better meet the needs of their people. Dental cover is no longer seen as a ‘nice-to-have’ benefit; it’s something employees actively want and value. We’ve seen a long-standing trend where employees struggle with the cost of dental care, which directly impacts their ability to seek preventative treatment and maintain their health. And our research not only confirms that cost is a major barrier but also reveals the overwhelming appetite for employer-provided solutions.
“By making dental care more accessible and affordable, employers can not only support the health and wellbeing of their workforce but also strengthen their ability to attract and retain talent. With our enhanced Dental Plan, which now includes fully covered preventative treatments at all Bupa Dental Care practices, we’re helping employers bridge this gap and make it easier for employees to look after their oral health without worrying about extra costs.”
