3 Surprising Ways Dental Insurance Can Help Retain Your Employees

In 2025, there are many challenges that employers face, and retaining good employees is a big one. It’s time to accept how difficult it is to run a good company if your talent pool keeps leaving every few years. 

According to Statista, there are a number of factors that affect employee retention. These include salary and benefits (58%), work-life balance and experience expectations (58%), and remote work opportunities (49%). 

Benefits are where employers have the most headroom to make changes, but sadly, many overlook how much workers love benefits like dental insurance. It’s natural to be skeptical, but dental coverage can significantly impact an employee’s decision to stay with an organization. Let’s find out why below. 

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1. Increased Awareness About The Link Between Dental Health And Well-being

Today, people are becoming more aware of the connection between oral health and overall well-being. The impact of poor dental health goes far beyond cavities or gum disease and can actually contribute to more serious health conditions. 

As Harvard Health notes, numerous studies have revealed a link between poor oral health and cardiovascular problems. Similarly, periodontal disease, which affects 42.2% of adults in America, has been linked to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. 

With greater awareness of these facts through social media and the internet, people are taking their health seriously. With dental health on a lot of people’s minds, employees greatly appreciate when it’s covered by their company. 

The fact is, while many companies offer insurance, the coverage is often limited and lacking. Dental coverage is sure to raise some pleasantly surprised eyebrows and even make employees willing to compromise in other areas. 

2. It Saves People A Lot of Money 

It’s common knowledge that healthcare costs in the U.S. are notoriously high. Dental care is no exception. Without insurance, routine procedures like cleanings, fillings, and X-rays can rack up huge bills quickly. 

For many people, paying out of pocket for dental care just isn’t an option. Regrettably, this leads to delay or forgoing treatment altogether. According to a recent report by CareQuest, 68.5 million adults in America do not have dental insurance. The report also found that the lack of dental insurance was 3x higher than for those without health insurance.

If a company is able to offer its employees something like group health dental insurance, it can mean huge financial savings. Even something like a dental crown can range from $1,600 to $3,500. Meanwhile, complex treatments like root canals or orthodontic work can be financially overwhelming and even go into the five-figure range. 

An employee without coverage might have to pay all of that out-of-pocket, and this is why dental coverage is a lifesaver. Moreover, group coverage policies are often incredibly helpful to more than just the employee alone. As HWP Insurance notes, the benefits can also extend to the families of employees. All these advantages naturally do wonders for employee retention.

3. Offering Dental Insurance is a Conscious Decision by Employers

Employees pay close attention to the choices their employers make regarding benefits. They are aware that most employers only want to do the bare minimum. Sure, some companies boast about gyms, free food, and spas at work. However, many note that these benefits end up being used against them to leverage more time in the office. 

Workers appreciate companies that take truly proactive steps to offer meaningful benefits, but they will quit if they feel undervalued by the company.

A study by Maven, a family-planning organization, revealed that at least a third of employees consider leaving a job due to low benefits. The same study notes that two-thirds of employers are planning to increase family benefits by 2026. 

Companies that don’t offer high-value coverage, like dental, risk being perceived as indifferent to their employees’ well-being. In industries where competition for skilled workers is high, this can be an important factor for retaining a valued employee. 

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Lastly, it shouldn’t be surprising that when employees have access to benefits that make their lives easier, they are going to be productive. If you’re an employer who can offer thoughtful benefits like dental insurance, you’re sure to foster long-term commitment and loyalty.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Conclusion

Long story short, it’s become increasingly common for employees to job-hop every few years. Even in this market, employees are still willing to shop around. While that’s great for them, it often means that companies have to deal with constant talent acquisition and training. 

Thankfully, employers are realizing that if you can offer good benefits like dental coverage, employees feel more comfortable staying for the long haul.