It’s no news to employers that healthy employees miss less time from work, are more productive, and are generally more satisfied in their jobs. Still, many business owners don’t realize what a big role their employees’ dental health plays in their overall health.
Oral health directly affects one’s overall health. If there is an active infection in the mouth, this infection can travel through the bloodstream to other areas of the body. This is why a dentist may be the first medical professional to notice signs of heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, among other conditions. Similarly, good oral health has been proven to actually prevent certain diseases from occurring.
According to local dentist Brent Rusnak, business owners should encourage their employees to take advantage of their dental benefits, if offered to them. “Most dental insurance plans will pay for 2 preventative visits annually yet 28% of those with dental insurance don’t take advantage of these appointments,” says Rusnak.
Just this past year a research study was completed by Cigna that aimed to identify key reasons employees don’t use their dental benefits. They found that the 3 most common reasons people avoided their dental check-ups was their current lack of pain, dental anxiety, and cost. They also concluded that although people know their oral health is connected to their overall health, they don’t understand why. “This creates an opportunity for employers to educate their staff about the importance of regular dental care,” comments Rusnak. “With rising healthcare costs, it is now more important than ever for everyone to think about their health in a preventative manner.”
Dr. Rusnak has several tips for employers when it comes to educating their employees about dental health:
• February is Dental Health Month. Send a company-wide e-mail reminding employees to schedule their dental checkups.
• Put a fun spin on dental health at your workplace. Many companies host contests and events that aim to promote healthy lifestyle habits for their employees. Consider incorporating a dental focus into these events as well.
• Host a lunch and learn for your employees and invite a local dentist to come and speak.
For more dental health resources, or to schedule Dr. Rusnak for a lunch and learn, please contact Rusnak Family Dentistry.
It’s no news to employers that healthy employees miss less time from work, are more productive, and are generally more satisfied in their jobs. Still, many business owners don’t realize what a big role their employees’ dental health plays in their overall health.
Oral health directly affects one’s overall health. If there is an active infection in the mouth, this infection can travel through the bloodstream to other areas of the body. This is why a dentist may be the first medical professional to notice signs of heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, among other conditions. Similarly, good oral health has been proven to actually prevent certain diseases from occurring.
According to local dentist Brent Rusnak, business owners should encourage their employees to take advantage of their dental benefits, if offered to them. “Most dental insurance plans will pay for 2 preventative visits annually yet 28% of those with dental insurance don’t take advantage of these appointments,” says Rusnak.
Just this past year a research study was completed by Cigna that aimed to identify key reasons employees don’t use their dental benefits. They found that the 3 most common reasons people avoided their dental check-ups was their current lack of pain, dental anxiety, and cost. They also concluded that although people know their oral health is connected to their overall health, they don’t understand why. “This creates an opportunity for employers to educate their staff about the importance of regular dental care,” comments Rusnak. “With rising healthcare costs, it is now more important than ever for everyone to think about their health in a preventative manner.”
Dr. Rusnak has several tips for employers when it comes to educating their employees about dental health:
• February is Dental Health Month. Send a company-wide e-mail reminding employees to schedule their dental checkups.
• Put a fun spin on dental health at your workplace. Many companies host contests and events that aim to promote healthy lifestyle habits for their employees. Consider incorporating a dental focus into these events as well.
• Host a lunch and learn for your employees and invite a local dentist to come and speak.
For more dental health resources, or to schedule Dr. Rusnak for a lunch and learn, please contact Rusnak Family Dentistry.