August is National Wellness Month, a time for raising awareness about the importance of self-care. Managing stress and incorporating healthy routines into one’s day may sound like platitudes, but in the hectic bustle of modern business, wellness is crucial. Employees are the lifeblood of your organization. If they break down, the big machine that drives your profits and innovation also fails. Although physical fitness and mental health often take center stage in wellness discussions, oral health is an equally vital component of overall well-being. Companies today have access to convenient, high-quality dental services that come right to their offices, making it easier for employees to prioritize their oral health. Let’s look at how onsite portable dentistry can take your wellness programs to new heights.
Overall Wellness Includes Oral Health
According to the National Day Calendar, “National Wellness Month was born out of the idea that if we are going to do big things in the world,” we must be in top form. “In between building our careers, raising a family, furthering our education, creating new ideas, and nurturing our bodies, we need to take care of ourselves, too… Research has shown that self-care can help increase happiness by up to 71% when we manage our stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
Oral health plays a crucial role in maintaining good overall health. Studies have shown a strong link between neglected dental hygiene and several chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. The eyes may be windows to the soul, as philosophers are fond of saying, but in many ways the mouth is the window to the body. Dental problems often predict, contribute to, or exacerbate other conditions.
- Gum Disease and Inflammation: Untreated gum disease can lead to chronic inflammation, which can negatively impact the body’s ability to fight off other diseases.
- Oral Bacteria and Cardiovascular Health: Untreated cavities and gum disease can allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Oral Health and Diabetes: Chronically high blood sugar levels can weaken a person’s immune system, making them more susceptible to gum infections and other oral health complications.
Taking care of your oral health, on the other hand, can bolster your overall well-being.
- Improved Self-Confidence: A healthy smile can positively impact self-esteem and confidence, leading to better social interaction and work performance.
- Pain Reduction: Regular dental checkups can prevent or identify and treat oral problems before they become painful and disruptive.
- Enhanced Productivity: Dental pain or discomfort can be distracting and decrease an employee’s ability to perform at work.
Wellness, Stress, and Dental Issues
As we wrote last month, dentists around the country have witnessed a surge in bruxism. The spike began during the pandemic. In 2022, however, the situation appeared to worsen, with a majority of Americans reporting high stress levels due to financial concerns, inflation, the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 variants, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to a poll from the American Psychological Association. All of those situations also accelerated instances of chronic teeth grinding, which wears down the protective layer of enamel on the tooth and leads to fractures, jaw pain, facial discomfort, and even loss of teeth in severe cases.
Reductions in productivity, staff retention, and profitability cost the world economy $7.8 trillion – the equivalent to 11% of global GDP based on studies conducted by Gallup.
“Stress levels among workers rose for a third year in a row, with 44% of respondents saying they’d felt stressed on the day before the survey,” Gallup reported. “This is an all-time high for Gallup’s reports. Feelings of worry edged lower, but remained higher than for any of the previous 10 years. The same was found for anger.”
Poor oral health and stress-induced problems like bruxism are contributing factors to these losses in productivity and financial growth.
- Financial Losses: Absenteeism, presenteeism (being physically present but mentally checked out), and employee turnover all cost businesses money. Additionally, stress-related health problems fuel higher healthcare costs.
- Low Morale and Decreased Engagement: A stressed workforce is a disengaged workforce. Employees who feel overwhelmed and unsupported are less likely to be motivated and enthusiastic about their jobs.
- Negative Customer Interactions: Stressed employees can be short-tempered and less patient, which can lead to negative interactions with customers. This can damage a company’s reputation and potentially lead to lost business.
Wellness Programs Should Integrate Dental Care
Workplace stress and health emergencies are two of the biggest factors in resignations and hits to a company’s bottom line. Wellness programs have demonstrated their ability to curb those losses by retaining employees, bolstering their morale and dedication to the organization, and fueling increases in performance and productivity.
Unfortunately, the percentage of businesses that include dental in their wellness programs is relatively low, somewhere in the range of 10% to 20%. For example, a 2019 survey by the National Association of Dental Plans found that only 22% of employers offer dental insurance as part of their wellness programs.
Given that people with poor oral health are more likely to experience chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, more companies will reap greater rewards by incorporating oral health care into their wellness solutions.
Wellness Starts with Preventative Dental Care
Preventative dental care encompasses a range of practices and treatments designed to maintain oral health and prevent dental problems before they occur. These include regular dental check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and education on proper oral hygiene. Here’s why preventative dental care is crucial:
Early Detection of Dental Issues
Regular dental check-ups allow dentists to identify and address potential problems early. Conditions like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer can be detected in their initial stages, leading to more effective and less invasive treatments. Early intervention not only saves teeth but also reduces the risk of more serious health issues.
Cost Savings
Preventative care can significantly reduce dental care costs in the long run. Treating dental problems in their early stages is generally less expensive than dealing with advanced conditions that require more complex procedures. Investing in preventative care helps employees avoid costly treatments and minimizes their out-of-pocket expenses.
Improved Overall Health
Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Poor dental hygiene and untreated dental conditions can contribute to systemic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and complications during pregnancy. By promoting regular dental check-ups and cleanings, employers can help their workforce maintain better overall health.
Enhanced Quality of Life
Good oral health contributes to a higher quality of life. Employees with healthy teeth and gums experience less pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. They are more likely to enjoy their meals, speak confidently, and maintain social interactions, which positively impacts their mental and emotional well-being.
The Wellness Benefits of Onsite Dental Services
Providing onsite dental services offers numerous advantages for both employers and employees. At Dentists on Demand, we specialize in delivering portable preventative dental care directly to corporate clients. Here’s why onsite dental services are a game-changer:
Convenience and Accessibility
One of the biggest barriers to regular dental care is the inconvenience of scheduling and attending appointments. Onsite dental services eliminate this hurdle by bringing dental care directly to the workplace. Employees can receive dental check-ups and cleanings without having to take time off work or travel to a dental office. This convenience encourages more employees to prioritize their dental health.
Increased Employee Participation
When dental care is easily accessible, employees are more likely to take advantage of it. Onsite dental services often see higher participation rates compared to traditional dental benefits. By removing logistical challenges, employers can ensure that a greater percentage of their workforce receives the preventative care they need.
Reduced Absenteeism
Dental problems can lead to significant absenteeism. Pain, discomfort, and the need for extensive dental treatments can cause employees to miss work. By providing regular onsite dental care, employers can help prevent dental issues from escalating, reducing the number of sick days taken due to dental problems.
Enhanced Employee Productivity
Healthy employees are more productive. When employees are not distracted by dental pain or discomfort, they can focus better on their work. Onsite dental services help maintain employees’ oral health, leading to fewer disruptions and increased productivity.
Boosted Employee Morale and Retention
Offering onsite dental services demonstrates that employers care about their employees’ well-being. This investment in employee health can boost morale, job satisfaction, and loyalty. Employees are more likely to stay with a company that prioritizes their health and provides convenient access to essential services.
Partnering with HR to Deliver Comprehensive Wellness Solutions
At Dentists on Demand, we understand the critical role that HR departments play in promoting employee wellness. Our collaboration with HR teams is designed to seamlessly integrate onsite dental services into existing wellness programs. Here’s how we work with HR to enhance employee health:
Tailored Wellness Programs
Every company is unique, and so are its employees’ needs. We work closely with HR departments to develop tailored wellness programs that align with the company’s goals and employee demographics. Whether it’s dental check-ups, cleanings, or educational workshops on oral hygiene, we create customized solutions that fit the company’s schedule and budget.
Comprehensive Communication Strategies
Effective communication is key to the success of any wellness program. We provide HR teams with comprehensive communication strategies to promote onsite dental services. Through marketing campaigns, branded microsites, and our proprietary CUSPID teledentistry platform, we ensure that employees are well-informed about the benefits and availability of our services.
Seamless Scheduling and Coordination
We handle all aspects of scheduling and coordination, making it easy for HR departments to implement onsite dental services. Our team manages appointment bookings, reminders, and follow-ups, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for both employees and HR staff.
Data-Driven Insights
Our services include detailed reporting and analytics, providing HR departments with valuable insights into employee participation and overall oral health trends. This data helps HR teams measure the impact of onsite dental services and make informed decisions about future wellness initiatives.
Educational Resources
Education is a cornerstone of preventative dental care. We offer a range of educational resources to empower employees with the knowledge they need to take control of their oral health.
Wellness Fuels Workforce Well-being
National Wellness Month is an ideal time to reflect on the importance of comprehensive wellness programs that include preventative dental care. At Dentists on Demand, we are committed to enhancing employee health by providing convenient, high-quality onsite dental services. By partnering with HR departments, we make it easier for employees to prioritize their oral health, leading to improved overall well-being, reduced healthcare costs, and a more productive workforce.
Investing in preventative dental care is an investment in your employees’ health and happiness. Let’s work together to create a healthier, more vibrant workplace: schedule a pop-up today, or contact us to learn more about how we can help your company achieve its wellness goals.