Employers that offer dental benefits now place a higher value on that coverage as an essential part of their benefit package, according to the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) 2008 Group Purchaser Behavior Study.

Almost two-thirds of employers, 62 percent, view dental coverage as essential to their benefits packages, a nine-point jump from 53 percent in 2005. The largest increase was reported by employers with 250 to 999 employees–a 16-percent increase since 2005 from 55 to 71 percent.

“Clearly one reason for the dramatic increase in employers’ views about the value of dental benefits is growing awareness of the connection between oral and overall health,” said NADP Executive Director Evelyn F. Ireland, CAE. “NADP’s 2007 Consumer Survey and other published reports show that dental benefits have a positive impact on individuals’ attitudes and behaviors regarding both their dental and overall health.”

Other findings of the NADP 2008 Group Purchaser Behavior Study support this view as employers cite the impact of dental health on medical health as the most important reason for considering a change in dental carriers.

Those employers offering dental benefits today are considering a variety of strategies to keep dental in their benefits portfolio. According to the survey:

– 15 percent are likely to transition to voluntary dental benefits

(employee paid)

– 28 percent are likely to increase the premium paid by employees

This report also provides insight into what drives employer loyalty, the benefits and features employers are looking for in a dental plan and the sales channels used by various size employer groups.

This Study presents the results of a survey of over 1,900 employers across the country in July 2008 regarding their attitudes and behaviors toward dental benefits. The report builds upon a similar study conducted in 2005 and trends results of key findings.

The NADP 2008 Group Purchaser Behavior Study is available online in the NADP Mall with for the first time, detailed data tables. For more detail on the contents of this report, contact Jerry Berggren, Director of Research and Information at (972) 458-6998.

About NADP

The National Association of Dental Plans is a non-profit trade association representing the entire dental benefits industry, including dental HMOs, dental PPOs, discount dental plans and dental indemnity products. NADP’s member dental plans provide dental benefits to more than 80 percent of the 173 million Americans with dental benefits. NADP’s members include major commercial carriers, regional and single-state companies.

SOURCE National Association of Dental Plans

Credit: National Association of Dental Plans

dentalplans benefitdentalplans coupon

Click here to learn more about the differences between discount dental plans and traditional dental insurance.

OR Get Special 25% Coupon for DentalPlans.Com Here

What is bacterial endocarditis?

Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the lining inside of the heart muscle and valves. Bacteria attach themselves to the lining, usually on the heart valves. They grow there and can damage the valves. Children with heart defects or heart diseases (such as rheumatic fever) are more likely to get this infection. This can usually be prevented by taking one dose of antibiotics before medical or dental procedures.

When should my child take antibiotics?

Dental Procedures:

Your child should take a dose of antibiotics before a dental procedure when bleeding is expected, such as:

• cleaning teeth
• cutting tissue
• probing the gums
• reimplanting a tooth
• placing orthodontic bands.

Your child does not need to take the medicine if there will be no bleeding. Dental work that usually does not cause bleeding includes:

• filling cavities
• getting a shot to numb the mouth
• adjusting braces that are already in place
• getting fluoride treatments.

Antibiotics are not needed when your child loses baby teeth.

Medical Procedures:

Your child should take antibiotics before surgeries and procedures that involve:

• The respiratory system. This includes the nose, mouth, and upper part of the airway (such as removing tonsils or having a rigid bronchoscopy).
• The stomach and intestines. This includes the esophagus (the swallowing tube), bile ducts, and colon.
• The genitals or urinary system. This includes the bladder and the urethra (the tube that urine goes through).

Your child does not need antibiotics for procedures such as:

• putting in ear tubes
• circumcision.

Your healthcare provider is the only one who can decide if your child needs antibiotics. Always talk to your provider if you have any questions about the need for antibiotics.

Be sure to tell your provider if your child has any allergies to any medicines.

Card For Patient to Carry

+-Cut-here-----------------------------+Cut-here

  Date _______________________________

  Name _______________________________

  should be treated before certain

  dental and medical procedures for

  prevention of bacterial endocarditis

  because of the following heart

  condition: _________________________

  Prescribed by: _____________________

dentalplans rewards codebacterial endocarditis

Books for Children
Click here to learn more about the differences between discount dental plans and traditional dental insurance.

OR Get Special 25% Coupon for DentalPlans.Com Here
* A Day in the Life of a Dentist; by Health Adamson, Capstone Press, 2004
* Behold, No Cavities: A Visit to the Dentist; by Sarah Willson; Simon Spolight/Nickelodeon, 2007
* Caillou at the Dentist; by Johanne Mercier; Chouette, 2004
* Danny Goes to the Dentist; by Robert Robinson; illustrated by Nicola Smee; McGraw-Hill, 2002
* Dental Office; by Lola Schaefer; Heinemann Library, 2000
* Does a Lion Brush? by Fred Ehrlich; Blue Apple Books, 2008
* Elmo Visits the Dentist; by Dalmatian Press, 2007
* First Visit to the Dentist; by Monica Hughes; Raintree, 2004
* Going to the Dentist; DK Publishing, 2007
* Going to the Dentist; by Melinda Radabaugh, Hinemann Library, 2004
* My Dentist; by Harlow Rockwell; Econo-Clad Books, 1999
* Open Wide!; by Tom Barber and Lynne Chapman, Chrysalis Children’s Books/Publishers Group West, 2004
* Open Wide!: A Visit to the Dentist; by Cecile Schoberle; Simon, 2000
* Show Me Your Smile! A Visit to the Dentist; by Christine Ricci; Simon Spotlight/ Nick Jr., 2005
* Taking Care of Your Teeth; by Sylvia Goulding; Rourke Publishing, 2005
* What Does a Dentist Do?; by Heather Miller, Enslow Publishing, 2005
* Where do Baby Teeth Go?; by Denise Jenkins; First Page, 2004
* What to Expect When You Go to the Dentist; by Heidi Murkoff; illustrated by Laura Rader; Harper Festival, 2002

Other Resources

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
211 East Chicago Avenue #700
Chicago, IL 60611
312-337-2169
Web site: http://www.aapd.org
Information available by telephone or by mail regarding oral health of infants, children and adolescents.
visiting dentist
dental plans coupon codedentalplans rewards code