Survey Reveals Consumers Connect Oral Health and Overall Health

Most consumers age 25 and older make a strong connection between oral health and an individual's overall health, and are motivated to seek dental care. These findings are revealed in a recent survey of consumers by The Long Group for the Delta Dental Plans Association.¹ 

“Over the past decade there has been increasing evidence documenting the relationship between oral health and overall health,” says Max Anderson, DDS, a national oral health advisor for Delta Dental Plans Association. “So we find it very positive that these consumers are making the connection, as well.”

More precisely, the survey reveals that 68% of consumers recognize the link between oral health and overall health status. However, far fewer at-risk consumers – who are without dental insurance and do not receive dental care - make the same connection. 

“Clearly, this is disconcerting,” says Anderson, “and even more so because studies show that regular dental care can significantly improve an individual’s oral health.” An oral health study examining 15 years of Delta Dental claims data on approximately 750,000 members shows that dental benefits and the increased accessibility to dental care they provide can lead to dramatic improvements in oral health.² 

More Key Findings

• Surveyed consumers view dental benefits as “very important,” along with medical insurance, prescription drug coverage and retirement benefits.

• Nearly three in five – or 59% of consumers surveyed – have dental insurance, and of those, four in five (82%) have coverage through an employer-sponsored plan.

• Among consumers with dental insurance benefits, Delta Dental is the established leader for reasons such as ease of use and access to the consumer’s own dentist.

¹ The Long Group conducted random, 16 minute telephone interviews with individuals age 25 and older.  A sampling frame of 900 completed consumer surveys was utilized. The sample was drawn nationally to profile the distribution of population in each state. Among consumers, the sample was weighted to profile the age distribution of consumers within the nation. With 900 completed interviews, the confidence interval for the sample gathered ranges from 2.0% to 3.3% at the 95% level of confidence. 

² Delta Dental Plans Association, Dental Data Analysis Center, 2004.