Adviser Surgery: Dental plans

Q. HOW DOES A CORPORATE DENTAL PLAN WORK?

A. Denplan operates under a community-rated pricing structure so is able to offer a more stable premium and avoid fluctuations in cost. Denplan offer dental payment plans through a variety of funding methods from fully and part-funded plans through to flex or voluntary products. Plans can also be tailored to meet individual companies’ needs, so there’s a plan for everyone.

Q. WHY CAN IT BE MORE COST EFFECTIVE THAN INDIVIDUAL COVER?

A. Costs for a dental plan start from as little as £4 per employee per month and many providers offer a wide range of value-added services for both companies and employees – not to mention broker-specific benefits.

Q. ARE ALL DENTAL BENEFITS THE SAME?

A. No, dental benefits from specialist providers offer meaningful levels of reimbursement for dental care, whereas dental insurance schemes and cash plans will usually offer just a contribution (say £50 per policy year), which is just a small amount towards average dental costs in the UK.

Q. DO EMPLOYEES VALUE DENTAL BENEFITS?

A. Corporate dental benefits provide a financial incentive to employees, ensuring they receive the very best in preventive dental care. With some payment plan specialists offering money back for NHS charges as well as private care, dental is a benefit that can be widely used and is therefore more attractive to employees.

Q. WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR NHS DENTISTRY?

A. With funding getting tighter across the board and £20bn of efficiency savings for the NHS to take into account, it seems unlikely that the NHS can support further investment in dentistry. Professional regulations also mean that dental costs have risen over the last few years – making budgeting for dental care more difficult for individuals. This makes access to a dental benefit though an employer all the more appealing.

Q. I’M NEW TO INTERMEDIATING DENTAL BENEFITS. WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE FOR ME?

A. It’s important that brokers have a good knowledge of the dental industry. Expert dental companies, unlike general insurance providers, can provide experience based on the latest developments in the dental industry and specifically tailored to promote preventive dental care. Some providers can also offer value-added services such as broker-specific newsletters, annual research and a range of sales-aids to give you all the latest dental news and product information.