Benefits of Group Dental Insurance in 2025
Many companies focus on offering medical insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave as part of their benefits package. But dental insurance is one of the most overlooked benefits employees value. According to the Harvard Business Review, over 80% of employees would rather have better benefits than a pay raise, and after medical insurance, dental coverage is one of the most preferred benefits.
Despite this, traditional group dental insurance plans are often inefficient with limited networks, confusing claims processes, and high out-of-pocket costs for employees. Employers end up paying for underutilised benefits, while employees struggle to get the care they need. Here are six benefits of group dental insurance.
1. Poor Oral Health Directly Impacts Employee Productivity and Business Costs
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over $45 billion in productivity is lost annually due to untreated oral health problems.
A study by the American Dental Association (ADA) found that:
- More than 34 million school and work hours are lost each year due to unplanned emergency dental visits.
- Employees with untreated dental conditions are more likely to experience pain, distractions at work, and increased sick leave.
- Businesses lose thousands of hours in productivity each year due to preventable dental-related illnesses.
Providing dental insurance encourages preventive care, which reduces emergency visits, lowers absenteeism, and helps maintain workplace efficiency.
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2. Employee Retention and Satisfaction Improve with Dental Benefits
The competition for top talent remains high, and offering dental benefits can be a critical factor in retaining employees. A 2024 MetLife Employee Benefits Trends Study found that:
- 72% of employees consider dental insurance a key factor in job satisfaction.
- 65% of job seekers factor dental insurance into their decision when considering job offers.
- 40% of employees who do not receive dental benefits from their employer plan to leave their job within the next year.
Providing dental coverage shows that a company values its employees’ wellbeing, leading to increased loyalty, higher morale, and reduced turnover costs.
3. Dental Insurance Supports Overall Health and Can Save Lives
Routine dental visits are not just about oral hygiene; they are a critical component of overall health. Dentists often detect early warning signs of serious medical conditions, including:
- Heart disease – Research from the American Heart Association shows that gum disease increases the risk of heart attacks.
- Diabetes complications – The CDC reports that 95% of adults with diabetes have gum disease, which can worsen their condition.
- Oral cancer – The British Dental Association found that over 3,500 people in the UK die each year from oral cancer, a number higher than road accident fatalities.
When caught early, oral cancer has a survival rate of 80-90%, but without regular check-ups, the disease is often diagnosed too late. Offering dental insurance ensures employees receive regular screenings, leading to early detection of life-threatening diseases.
4. Traditional Dental Insurance Models Are Inefficient and Costly
Many employees do not maximise their dental benefits, leaving employers paying for unused coverage. The National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) reports that:
- Only 9% of employees reach their annual dental insurance maximum, meaning 91% of allocated funds go unused.
- Employers pay premiums regardless of whether employees use their benefits.
- Traditional insurance models involve slow processing, pre-approvals, denied claims, and restricted provider networks, leading to employee frustration.
Modern Alternatives to Traditional Dental Insurance
Newer models, such as self-funded dental benefits, offer:
- Customisable employer contributions ensure that only necessary costs are covered.
- Employees will be able to visit any dentist without network restrictions.
- Streamlined claims processes, reducing paperwork and improving access to care.
This shift from traditional models reduces employer costs while improving employee satisfaction with their coverage.
5. Dental Insurance Improves Recruitment Efforts
The job market remains competitive, and employers must differentiate themselves to attract top talent. According to a survey by Glassdoor:
- 65% of HR professionals believe offering group dental insurance helps them recruit high-quality candidates.
- 50% of employees would visit the dentist more regularly if it were employer-funded.
Comprehensive benefits, including dental insurance, make a company more attractive to prospective employees. In industries with high turnover, offering a strong benefits package can be the difference between securing top talent and losing them to competitors.
6. Family Dental Coverage Strengthens Employee Loyalty
Many employees consider benefits not just for themselves but for their families. Providing family-friendly dental insurance can be a major factor in employee retention and satisfaction.
- Dental care is one of the top health concerns for parents.
- Many group insurance plans for employees now cover spouses and children, sometimes at no extra cost.
- Employees with family coverage are twice as likely to stay with their employer long-term.
By offering comprehensive family dental plans, companies demonstrate a commitment to employees’ overall well-being, leading to higher job satisfaction and long-term retention.
Choosing the Right Group Dental Insurance Plan
Traditional PPO and HMO dental plans often come with hidden fees, network restrictions, and slow claim approvals. Modern alternatives, such as YuLife and Bento, offer:
- Fully customisable plans with budget control for employers.
- No restrictions on providers, allowing employees to see any dentist they prefer.
- Real-time claims processing, eliminating delays and reducing administrative burdens.
- Lower overall costs, providing better coverage at a reduced expense.
Employers looking to optimise their benefits package should consider flexible, cost-effective dental plans that provide real value to employees.
Why Dental Insurance is no Longer Optional?
- Poor oral health leads to billions in lost productivity each year.
- Employees expect dental benefits, and companies that provide them retain staff longer.
- Preventive dental care reduces overall healthcare costs and can detect serious health issues.
- Traditional dental insurance is inefficient, modern solutions save employers money while providing better coverage.
- Dental insurance helps recruit and retain top talent in a competitive job market.
- Covering families strengthens employee loyalty and overall job satisfaction
Why CHOYS offers the Best Dental Insurance
CHOYS offers a comprehensive, digitally-driven group dental insurance experience that prioritises employee wellbeing and engagement. Unlike traditional insurance models, CHOYS provides extensive dental benefits through 360+ panel clinics, covers oral surgeries (like wisdom tooth extraction and cyst removal), and grants immediate coverage upon enrollment with no medical exam.
But dental coverage is just one part of CHOYS' value. The CHOYS app enables employees to track their wellbeing, take on gamified challenges, earn rewards (CHOYSCoins), and engage in positive health habits like walking or meditating. For HR, CHOYS delivers real-time dashboards, self-service tools, and seamless claims management.
If you want to learn more about CHOYS Dental Insurance, schedule a demo today!
FAQs on Group Dental Insurance
What is the most common employer dental insurance?
One of the most commonly offered employer-sponsored dental insurance plans is Signlife, known for its large provider network and cost-effective premiums. It covers preventive care, restorative treatments, and orthodontics, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.
What is the maximum benefit in dental insurance?
The benefit maximum is the annual limit a dental plan will pay for care, typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. Once this cap is reached, employees must cover additional costs. Some premium plans offer higher limits or rollover benefits for unused amounts.
What is the best insurance to have for dental?
The best dental insurance depends on individual needs, but group dental insurance through an employer is often the most cost-effective. Signlife, YuLife, and Delta Dental are top-rated for their extensive coverage, low deductibles, and flexible provider networks. Some plans also include teledentistry for added convenience.
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