In the newly released :DentalPlans SmileIndex™, an annual survey* on oral care access and affordability, 62 percent of the nationwide respondents were found to have dental insurance. Respondents with dental insurance tend to be younger, married with children, have a Bachelor's degree, and make $50,000+ (75 percent of respondents with dental insurance make between $50,000 -$99,000 and 85 percent of those with incomes greater than $100,000). Only 39 percent of those making less than $25,000 have dental insurance. The survey was conducted on behalf of :DentalPlans by an independent research agency, Infosurv Research.

"Our annual :DP SmileIndex survey confirms a big gap in the affordability of dental insurance," says Bill Chase, vice president of marketing for :DentalPlans, the leading provider of dental savings plans. "Cost was the biggest reason cited by respondents and remains a barrier to many."

According to the :DP SmileIndex, of the respondents without dental insurance 58 percent stated it was not affordable, while 21 percent said it was not offered through their employer, and 15 percent said it was not necessary. Only 23 percent of respondents would seek out other low or no cost alternatives to dental insurance.

"If you are not receiving dental insurance as part of your employer's benefits package, it is very likely you don't have coverage," adds Chase. "The survey also revealed to us that only about 50 percent of respondents are somewhat or very familiar with dental savings plans. It also concerns us that 15 percent of the respondents did not feel dental insurance was worth it. For us, that means we need to do a better job of educating people about the importance of oral care to your overall health and the affordability and ease of access dental savings plans offer."

Dental savings plans are affordable, easy, and offer quality access to dental services. Savings range from 10%-60% of what you might pay out-of-pocket without a plan.

Example savings:

Plan: Aetna Vital Savings

Scenario: Two Adults and Two Dependent Children

Annual Family Membership Fee: $179.95

	Typical Dentist Fee	Sample Discounted Fee	Total Savings
8 Routine 6 Month Check-ups	$488	$256	$232
4 Adult Teeth Cleaning	$452	$248	$204
4 Child Teeth Cleaning	$328	$180	$148
4 Four Bitewing X-Rays	$600	$320	$280
Total Savings			$864*

Using the Aetna Vital Savings plan, which costs a low annual fee of $179.95, a family of four could save $864 on their annual ADA recommended treatments alone. That's $684.05 in savings, when including the cost of the plan. And the savings can really add up when additional dental care is factored in, like sealants for children's teeth, crowns, braces, and other procedures.

Dental savings plans are not dental insurance. Participating dentists have agreed to accept a reduced fee from dental savings plan members as payment in-full for dental services performed. Dental savings plans are available to individuals and families, as well as businesses.

For more information on dental savings plans and the importance of oral care, visit :DentalPlans' Dental Information Center.