Bupa is introducing free preventative treatments at its dental care practices for dental insurance customers.
The insurer is also increasing dental plan benefit allowances for preventative treatments and removing the two-visit cap on routine examinations along with other changes.
The all included treatment covers new patient examinations including any x-rays that are taken as part of the exam, routine examinations and check-ups, and scale and polishes.
This means its Dental Plan customers will have nothing extra to pay when undergoing these appointments.
The insurer is also increasing dental plan benefit allowances for preventative treatments, including at non-Bupa practices, and removing the two-visit cap on routine examinations and scale and polish benefits.
Customers can now claim money back every time they visit their dentist for these treatments.
For customers with the Dental Choice product, the insurer will now cover the full cost of a new patient exam at any of its practices. This applies across all levels of cover.
Bupa said around seven in ten claims were for preventative treatment such as check-ups and scale and polish treatments.
Disparity between supply and demand
Eight in 10 (79%) employees polled by the insurer said they would take up dental benefits if offered by their employer, but just one in three employers provided access to them.
The survey of 2,000 adults found a quarter (23%) rated dental cover as one of the top three benefits that would help to make an employer more attractive.
It also highlighted some key barriers to dental care, with nearly a fifth (17%) of employees reporting not being able to afford it, and a further fifth (16%) saying the cost of appointments or treatment was their biggest obstacle.
As a result, just two-fifths (41%) of employees regularly visited the dentist at least once every six months.
Just 28% of employees considered oral health to be part of their overall physical health.
The research also indicated that employer-provided dental coverage could help overcome these challenges.
More than half (53%) of employees said having dental cover from their employer would encourage them to visit the dentist more regularly.
Clear opportunity
Ann Stewart, director of Bupa Dental Insurance, said: “Our research shows a clear opportunity for employers to better meet the needs of their people.
“Dental cover is no longer seen as a ‘nice-to-have’ benefit; it’s something employees actively want and value.
“We’ve seen a long-standing trend where employees struggle with the cost of dental care, which directly impacts their ability to seek preventative treatment and maintain their health. And our research not only confirms that cost is a major barrier but also reveals the overwhelming appetite for employer-provided solutions.
“By making dental care more accessible and affordable, employers can not only support the health and wellbeing of their workforce but also strengthen their ability to attract and retain talent.”