Dental care is essential for maintaining good health. Yet, many families are finding it increasingly hard to afford necessary dental services due to rising costs. All of the company dental insurance plans that we offer can cover the entire family of your employees. This offers great reassurance to your staff that one unexpected cost is covered and their access to regular dental checkups and treatment is assured. A great way to say thank you and retain your staff.
Understanding the Rising Costs of Dental Care
The costs associated with dental care have been rising faster than inflation. In fact, studies indicate that dental fees have surged by nearly 20% over the last ten years. Multiple factors contribute to these increases, including:
The cost of dental materials has escalated due to supply chain issues.
Advanced technologies in dental procedures often come with higher price tags.
Operating expenses for dental practices, including rent and salaries, continue to rise.
A real time decrease in NHS funding to dentists forcing them to move to private practice.
Additionally, many dental insurance plans are not comprehensive. A typical plan often covers only a fraction of the costs associated with essential procedures, leaving families to pay out of pocket for the remaining balance. For some families, this means shelling out hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually just for basic dental care.
The Financial Burden on Families
As dental care costs continue to climb, many families are feeling the financial pinch. For instance, a recent survey found that many families have had to delay dental treatments due to their high costs.
This scenario creates difficult choices for households that must prioritise their budgets. Dental care expenses compete with other necessities such as housing, food, and utilities. Skipping routine check-ups or putting off treatments can lead to more serious problems that require costly emergency care. In fact, neglecting preventive dental visits can escalate minor issues into significant health concerns, which could ultimately lead to expenses that are three to five times higher than routine care.
Impact on Children's Dental Health
Children are especially affected by soaring dental costs. Regular dental check-ups are vital during childhood for the growth and development of teeth. Under the NHS these checkups are free, but with limited access to NHS practices some families have been forced to look for private care.
For example, children who miss check-ups may develop untreated cavities or even need braces later. This is considerably higher than the cost of preventive care. Furthermore, oral health issues can impact a child's confidence and academic performance, making the financial burden even heavier for parents.
The Growing Gap in Dental Health Equity
The rising costs of dental care also exacerbate existing inequalities in dental health. Families with lower incomes or those without insurance find it particularly challenging to access proper dental care. Data shows that more low-income families report having unmet dental needs due to cost.
Poor dental health in these communities leads to negative outcomes, such as chronic pain and elevated levels of missed school days, which hinder educational opportunities. This ongoing cycle of inequity highlights the need for systemic changes and resources to support access to dental care for all families.
Exploring Solutions for Families
While facing increased dental costs can be daunting, families can explore dental insurance plans that offer better coverage for routine care and necessary treatments. As an employer you can offer this service to your employees and their family. As access to dental care continues to change this is a much-needed employee benefit.
Looking ahead, it’s vital to advocate for policy changes aimed at making dental care more accessible and affordable. Organisations committed to health equity are offering employee benefits that seeks to bridge the access gap and improve dental health outcomes for everyone
The Path Forward
The rising cost of dental care poses serious challenges for families nationwide. The financial strain can lead to detrimental consequences for oral and overall health.
If you would like to find out how offering a company dental insurance plan to your employees, why not contact us today to find out more.