Employees also do not believe that every consultation requires a trip to the office. Here's what most patients like about having a virtual oral care option for a consultation or conversation.

Time savings by not having to travel to the dental office when no clinical treatment is scheduled, which may include connecting them to in-person care.
Reduced anxiety when meeting new providers or discussing diagnostic results or treatment plans.
Less need to take time off from work or kids out of school.
Triage dental emergencies without going to the ER
Receive oral hygiene instruction in the comfort of their own home, to help them achieve their overall wellness goals.
Less stress and discomfort for dependents with physical disabilities.
Having a network of qualified virtual care providers to choose from.
Virtual consultations with other specialists or medical providers referred by their virtual care provider.

How to enhance dental benefit plans with virtual care options

Benefits brokers and plan administrators can incorporate virtual care into an existing dental benefits plan to add virtual care options, including:

A24/7 service
AI wellness scans
Personalized assistance and care coordination of in-person visits, when needed
Assistance in navigation of dental benefits and second opinions
Expert oral health and wellness coaching by trained oral health experts
Risk identification across medical benefits to reveal health care savings and improve patient outcomes
Data-driven engagement that educates and connects

Conclusion

Delta Dental estimates that 164 million working hours and $45 billion worth of productivity are lost each year due to oral health issues. In addition, ResearchGate reports that adult workers account for 60% of individuals with heart disease and diabetes.

Instant Insights /

4 reasons employees want dental benefits with virtual care options

More From HR Executive

Related Stories

Recommended For You