How to Encourage Employees to Use Their Dental Benefits Effectively

Posted on March 24, 2025 in Insurance

Key takeaways about using dental benefits effectively:

• Many employees don't fully use their dental benefits because they may not understand their coverage or how to use it.
• Educating about preventive care and ease of use and access, or offering incentives are great ways to encourage employees to use their dental benefits.
• Help employees maximize their dental benefits to reduce company health costs while boosting team morale.

Providing dental benefits to your employees is a way to show you prioritize their health and well-being. However, if those benefits go unused, it can impact more than just their teeth.

Encouraging employees to utilize their dental benefits is essential! When employees make the most of their coverage, it can lead to healthier smiles, improved overall well-being, and even greater workplace productivity.

Best ways to encourage the use of dental benefits

Small and simple changes can make a difference in helping your employees maximize their benefits.

It starts with educating employees

If your employees find the details of their dental coverage confusing, they might be less likely to use it. Help them understand the benefits being offered by providing clear, easy-to-read information about preventive care, covered procedures, and how to find an in-network dentist. Informational brochures, presentations, and visits from your dental insurance carrier are all great ways to educate your employees about their dental benefits.

Ensure details about your dental benefits coverage is easy to find and readily available on your company’s intranet or HR portal.

Focus on the importance of preventive care 

Encourage employees to schedule regular check-ups and cleanings. These visits help prevent costly dental issues down the road. Sending reminders or including dental care tips in company newsletters can be an easy way to reinforce this habit.

Consider providing small incentives

Offering incentives, such as a gift card or lunch, to employees who regularly use their dental benefits may be the encouragement your team needs to schedule their dental visits.

Make it easy to schedule appointments

Encourage your employees to use their dental benefits by making it easy for them to get the care they need. Offering flexible scheduling options, reminders, or time-off policies for preventive care can help remove some of the barriers that stop employees from prioritizing their health.

Offering dental benefits is no longer optional 

There was a time when offering dental benefits was considered optional, but today it’s an expected part of an employee’s benefits package. Benefits may play a crucial role in a candidate’s decision to accept a job offer, making dental coverage more important than ever.

Delta Dental of Iowa is here to help you find the ideal dental plan tailored to your company and employees' needs. Whether you’re a large company or a small business, we have flexible group plans designed to keep your team smiling.

Dental benefits help keep your workforce healthy and happy

When employees take full advantage of their dental benefits, they’re more likely to prioritize preventive care, maintain better overall health, and avoid costly dental issues down the road.

Want to learn more about the importance of offering dental insurance? Check out “Preparing for Open Enrollment: Dental Insurance”.