Employers today know the value of providing great, comprehensive benefits to maintaining a productive and dedicated workforce. While dental care is a great low-cost and high-impact benefit to offer, it often gets overlooked. To fill that gap, mobile dentistry is fast becoming a popular option for both companies and patients. By bringing dental care directly to the workplace, employers can significantly enhance their employees' health and satisfaction, ultimately benefiting the business.
The growing importance of employee dental health
Dental health is a critical aspect of overall health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to severe health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Moreover, dental pain and related issues can result in substantial absenteeism and reduced productivity. Therefore, it is in an employer's best interest to ensure that employees have access to regular dental care.
What are mobile dentistry units?
Mobile dentistry units are state-of-the-art dental clinics on wheels, equipped with the latest dental technology and staffed by professional dental teams. These units can visit workplaces, providing comprehensive dental services such as routine cleanings, exams, x-rays, fillings, and even more complex procedures.
Benefits of mobile dentistry units for employers
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Increased employee productivity:
Mobile dentistry units come directly to the workplace, minimizing the time employees need to spend away from their desks. This convenience leads to fewer missed work hours and increased overall productivity.
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Enhanced employee health and well-being:
Regular dental check-ups can prevent many serious health issues. By providing access to dental care at work, employers can ensure that employees maintain good oral health, which is closely linked to their overall well-being.
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Improved employee satisfaction and retention:
Offering on-site dental care demonstrates that a company values its employees' health and well-being. This benefit can significantly boost employee morale and job satisfaction. When employees feel cared for, they are more likely to remain loyal to the company, reducing turnover rates and saving on recruitment and training costs.
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Customizable and flexible services:
Mobile dentistry units offer a wide range of services that can be customized to meet the specific needs of the workforce. Whether it's routine preventive care or specific treatments, employers can tailor the services to ensure maximum benefit for their employees. Services typically covered include a comprehensive exam, x-rays, cleaning and cavity fillings.
Removing barriers to access
One of the most significant advantages of mobile dentistry units is their ability to remove barriers to dental care access. Many employees face challenges that prevent them from receiving regular dental care, including:
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Time constraints
Busy work schedules often make it difficult for employees to find time for dental appointments. Mobile dentistry units eliminate the need for travel and long waiting times, as the dental clinic comes directly to the workplace. This convenience allows employees to receive care during work hours without disrupting their daily routines.
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Geographical barriers
In rural or underserved urban areas, access to dental care can be limited. Mobile dentistry units can bridge this gap by traveling to these locations and providing essential dental services. This flexibility ensures that employees, regardless of their location, have access to the dental care they need.
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Financial barriers
For some employees, the cost of dental care can be a significant barrier. Mobile dentistry units often provide services at a lower cost than traditional dental practices and can be part of an employer-sponsored benefits package, reducing the out-of-pocket expenses for employees.
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Anxiety and fear
Dental anxiety is a common issue that prevents many people from seeking dental care. Mobile dentistry units often create a more relaxed and familiar environment, which can help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with visiting a traditional dental office. The convenience of on-site care also means that employees can receive support from colleagues, making the experience less intimidating.
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Lack of awareness
Many employees may not prioritize dental care due to a lack of awareness about its importance. By bringing dental care directly to the workplace, employers can educate their workforce about the importance of oral health and encourage regular check-ups.
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Jet Dental:
Jet Dental isn’t necessarily a dentistry unit on wheels, but a mobile solution to dental access. They are an on-site dental provider, working with corporations to bring dentists directly to the workplace. They bill your existing insurance and Delta Dental of Washington is one of the benefits provider company partners that accepts this service.
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The Floss Boss:
Floss Boss Mobile is a pioneering dental office on wheels led by Dr. Lina Kim, a dedicated Delta Dental of Washington member dentist. This mobile clinic offers comprehensive dental services including preventive care such as cleanings and exams, as well as cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, custom nightguards, and Botox. Beyond these advanced services, Floss Boss Mobile is committed to giving back, with a portion of its profits supporting marginalized communities in Washington.
Utilizing mobile dentistry units is a forward-thinking strategy that offers numerous benefits for both employers and employees. By providing convenient and comprehensive dental care at the workplace, employers can enhance employee health, increase productivity, and improve overall job satisfaction. In the competitive business landscape, these advantages can give companies a significant edge. Adopt this innovative approach and watch your workplace thrive.
