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A fully loaded dental plan not only levels the playing field for women, but also helps employers be more competitive by providing the health benefits women want and need, helping them live well, smile more.
Ensuring that women are treated equally in the workplace requires more than compliance with federal and state employment laws. It starts with recognizing your employees have different health needs and making sure women have access to quality health care, including dental care, so they can be effective in the workplace.
The health of our teeth and gums affects the rest of our body. Women, due to pregnancy and menopause, may experience changes in hormone levels that increase the risk of tooth decay or gum disease. Recent research has revealed that serious gum disease can even directly lead to premature birth in pregnant women, resulting in premature births and low birth weight babies. To help address these health challenges for women, some HDS dental plans offer mothers-to-be an additional dental checkup and cleaning each year at no additional cost.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawaii Dental Services
Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or a weak immune system, also affect oral health. Some HDS dental plans include two additional dental cleanings per year for those with diabetes. Regular brushing, flossing, a healthy diet, and visits to the dentist can prevent oral problems from worsening chronic disease elsewhere in your body.
Attractive benefits can be a valuable employee recruitment tool. However, dental plans, like health insurance, are no longer considered “minor” fringe benefits; they are essential elements of the employee benefits package. A fully loaded dental plan not only levels the playing field for women, but also helps employers be more competitive by providing the health benefits women want and need, helping them live well, smile more.
