The Cost of Life Without Dental Benefits
The current economy has driven many people to weigh and balance their expenditures as they look for ways to save money. It is recommended people take a peek into the costs of oral health care while reviewing their options.
Online, March 22, 2013 (Newswire.com) - The current economy has driven many people to weigh and balance their expenditures as they look for ways to save money. It is recommended people take a peek into the costs of oral health care while reviewing their options.
Regular dental care is important - whether you have dental benefits or not. Take a look at the compelling case for dental benefits, such as discount programs and insurance, to ensure better overall health and cost effectiveness for the whole family.
There's the obvious disparity in access to dental care that correlates with a lack in dental benefits.
• Eighty-five percent of people with dental benefits report having a dental check-up every six months. Only sixty-six percent of those without any benefits have a regular six-month check up with a dentist.
• Nearly four out of five consumers have a regular dentist; although only 66 percent of consumers without dental benefits have a regular dentist.
The actual dollar cost for anyone without any sort of dental benefits (including discounts and/or insurance) can be finically crippling.
• In the Zip Code of 45241 in the Greater Cincinnati area, the median range of full dentist charges for a composite resin filling, one surface is $120 to $144. A porcelain/ceramic crown is $988 to $1,160. Root canals can cost between $600 and $970 per tooth. Imagine paying these costs out-of-pocket in addition to preventive visits for a household.
So Much to Lose Without Regular Oral Health Care
• More than 164 million work hours are lost annually to dental disease.
• More than 51 million school hours are lost each year.
• Dental disease costs the United States more than $70 billion each year.
• Oral health care consumes approximately five percent of every U.S. health care dollar.
• The American Dental Hygienist Association reports that every $1 spent on preventive oral care can result in $8 to $40 in savings on additional dental costs.
Discount Programs Can Be a Great Source of Dental Benefits
• Savings programs, such as Dental & Vision Extras, can be a great supplement for those who already have dental insurance, but an affordable option for those who don't.
• The Dental & Vision Extras savings program offers both Individual and Family options that feature discounts on most dental and optometry procedures.
• With the Extras card, individuals and families can receive instant, unlimited savings at participating providers nationwide.
• The Extras plan allows you pay a discounted fee directly to the dentist at the time of service with a potential savings of up to 45 percent, depending on the treatment.
The Extras Advantage
• There are no health restrictions or limitations on eligibility.
• As many dental and vision procedures as needed may be had in 12 months.
• Members enjoy Hassle-free discounts with no additional paperwork or waiting periods.
Medical research increasingly indicates a link between oral health and overall physical health. Dentists, who often see their patients more often than general physicians, can identify symptoms that indicate a physical ailment that has been undiagnosed or requires medical intervention, suggesting a potential medical savings linked to regular dental care.
###
Dental & Vision Extras (www.dentalandvisionextras.com) is a joint venture of The Dental Care Plus Group and Total Vision Services.
The Dental Care Plus Group is the largest dental carrier in the Greater
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area with expanding operations throughout Kentucky and Ohio. For more information, visit www.dentalcareplus.com.
Total Vision Services, based in Cincinnati, offers both insured and noninsured vision benefits through a nationwide network of providers. For more information, visit www.totalvisioncare.com.