In the last decade, the dental and medical communities have made stronger correlations between oral health and overall health and well-being. There are many studies and articles that point out the many reasons why oral hygiene and regular dental exams are necessary to maintain well-being.
The risks are great for those who neglect their teeth and gums, such as heart disease, diabetes and a number of other illnesses that lead to systemic health problems.
Their efforts have increased consumer awareness, and while many consumers claim to understand the relationship between healthy dental habits and their general health, those with access to affordable dental care and benefits are 28% more likely to institute healthy practices and schedule visits to manage their dental health as revealed in a recent survey conducted by the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP). The 28% rated their oral health as very good to excellent.
According to the NADP survey: people without dental benefit plans were 2.5 times less likely to visit the dentist than those consumers who did have access to coverage of some sort. More revealing was the fact that 48% of those without dental plans who had periodontal disease, which can be linked to heart disease and other ailments, had not received treatment, regardless of the potential health risks.
The NADP Consumer Survey received more than 6,000 consumer responses regarding dental benefits, behaviors and attitudes.
NADP Executive Director, Evelyn F. Ireland, responded to the results with this statement:
"Our survey found that people with dental benefits were more likely to have a regular dentist, visit the dentist more frequently, and receive dental treatment than those without. This included children's dental visits – when parents don't have dental benefits, the number of kids seeing a dentist twice a year drops by over 20%."
American Dental Plan provides affordable dental plans and benefits for individuals and families. Our plan is comprehensive and does not have many of the restrictions and pre-authorized requirements of a traditional dental insurance provider.
American Dental Plan also allows members the flexibility and freedom to visit a specialist within the network without obtaining a referral from a general dentist. Members can visit any dentist or specialist within our network of 650 providers in Arizona for dental care and certain endodontics, cosmetic procedures and orthodontics.
Why take the risk with your smile and your health when you can access affordable dental benefits and care when you can be one of the 28% who have the best ratings.
