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Nearly 90% of respondents to a new survey by DentalPlans.com, a leading online marketplace for dental savings plans, said they will go to the dentist despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as long as safety precautions are in place. Of those respondents, all of whom are current plan members, many have already booked appointments for basic care or are planning to see a dentist soon. Only 5% plan to wait until a vaccine for COVID-19 is available.
Survey respondents agreed that frequent sanitation/disinfecting throughout a dental practice, knowing exactly what the office is doing to keep patients safe in advance, and requiring dental staff and patients to wear masks would significantly increase their confidence in getting preventive dental care such as checkups and cleanings right now.
But 72% of those polled said they’d only go to a dentist they’d already seen and trust right now. And the majority (73%) of respondents want dentists to share information about their COVID-19 infection control processes prior to an appointment.
All survey respondents are members of a dental savings plan which provides them with discounts on dental and other healthcare services and helps lessen the concern regarding cost of care. However, one analysis by an international actuarial and consulting firm anticipates a 34% reduction in dental insurance claims this year.
“While it’s great that plan members are ready to get back to their routine care, there’s concern for those who are left without insurance as a results of job loss or reduced benefits at work,” said Jenn Stoll, Chief Commercial Officer at DentalPlans.com. “We are likely to see an uptick in postponing essential dental care due to cost, meaning now, more than ever, Americans need affordable options for dental care.”
Medical studies indicate that untreated oral disease may contribute to various health conditions, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. This, combined with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) warning that underlying heath conditions such as these significantly increase the severity of COVID-19, reinforce the importance of DentalPlans.com’s mission to make dental care affordable for more Americans. Find out more about dental savings plans at DentalPlans.com.
About DentalPlans.com
DentalPlans.com, founded in 1999, is a leading online marketplace in the U.S. for dental and health savings plans, helping more than a million people to affordably access quality healthcare services. Our mission is to empower consumers with the tools, information, and services that they need to live happier, healthier lives.