How to choose a small business dental insurance plan

Choosing a small business dental insurance plan can feel overwhelming for any business owner. Selecting the right plan that fits the needs of both the business and its employees involves careful consideration of various factors including costs, coverage details, and more.

In this blog, we'll guide you through the essential factors to weigh when choosing a dental insurance plan for your small business. From understanding your employees' needs to evaluating coverage options and costs, we'll help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and the health of your team.

How to choose a small business dental insurance plan

Learn about your employees’ needs

Understanding the unique dental care needs of your employees is the first step toward selecting the right small business dental insurance plan. Are your employees mostly young and healthy, or do they have varying dental needs? Be sure to consider factors such as age, family composition, and any existing dental issues that require attention.

Gathering insights from your employees through surveys or discussions can provide valuable information for the coverage options you should consider.

Consider the business budget

Cost is a critical aspect of any benefit offering for small businesses. Compare the premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance associated with each dental insurance plan. Consider how much your business is willing and able to contribute towards employee premiums and evaluate whether the costs align with your budget.

In most cases, employees and employers share the cost of plan premiums. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), “Most covered workers make a contribution toward the cost of the premium for their coverage. On average, covered workers contribute 17% of the premium for single coverage and 28% of the premium for family coverage…”

Note: The numbers listed above are meant to represent national averages in the United States. The percentages your business and your employees contribute may vary based on your specific needs.

Consider the cost to employees

In addition to the cost to the business, it’s important to consider the cost to your employees. Although preventive services like checkups and cleanings are usually fully covered, your employees may be responsible for a percentage of other procedures such as fillings and root canals. Familiarize yourself with coinsurance costs and other out-of-pocket expenses before selecting a plan.

Understand coverage details and provider access

Not all dental insurance plans are created equally. Take time to get familiar with all the services covered under the plan. Small business dental insurance plans can range from basic to comprehensive coverage.

Basic dental plans generally include preventive care, such as dental exams and cleanings, and cover a portion of some restorative services . Comprehensive dental plans generally include preventive services, more coverage of basic restorative care (fillings), and major services (root canals or crowns).

Access to dentists should also be factored into selecting a small business dental insurance plan. Consider whether the plan's network of participating dentists includes providers that are conveniently located for your employees.

Small business dental insurance plans are valuable

By assessing your employees' dental care requirements, evaluating coverage options, and understanding costs, you can make a choice that aligns with your business goals while providing valuable benefits to your team.

Remember, companies that have comprehensive coverage attract top talent and healthier and happier employees. As you embark on this journey of enhancing your benefits package, know that you're taking a significant step toward the growth and success of your small business.

At Delta Dental of South Dakota, we offer a variety of affordable small business dental insurance plans that are designed around the needs of your small business. Click here for more information or contact our sales team.