:DentalPlans SmileIndex™ Survey Reveals Affordability Key Issue

:DentalPlans SmileIndex™ Survey Reveals Affordability Key Issue

Dental Insurance Only for Some

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 percent-60 percent 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 Fees Sample Reduced Fees
(for Plan Members) Total Savings
8 Routine 6 Month Check-ups $488 $256 $232
4 Adult Teeth Cleanings $452 $248 $204
4 Child Teeth Cleanings $328 $180 $148
4 Full Mouth 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.

Joining a dental savings plan with :DentalPlans is easy. Just visit the website at www.dentalplans.com or call 877-270-5379 for more information.

About :DentalPlans
:DentalPlans, founded in 1999, is a leading dental and health savings marketplace in the U.S., 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.

We provide comprehensive resource centers aimed at helping people to maintain/regain optimal health, and successfully navigate the maze of healthcare payment options (including Obamacare and Medicaid.) Our independent research -- the :DP SmileMeter™ and :DP SmileIndex™ -- delivers a unique look into the consumer healthcare market. We offer user-friendly access to a wide selection of traditional dental insurance and 40+dental savings plans, along with innovative healthcare offerings including telemedicine, medical advocacy, and online counseling services. Our online plan comparison and savings calculator tools help consumers to make smart choices about essential healthcare services, and our :DP AtYourService™ customer support team leaves no question unanswered. For more information, visit us at www.dentalplans.com.

About Infosurv Research
Infosurv Research is a full service online survey research company founded in 1998. With offices in Atlanta and Denver, Infosurv partners with clients to provide the information they need to make good business decisions, without any excuses or hassle. More information is available at our website (www.infosurv.com).

*A national study was conducted for :DentalPlans between Jan. 1 and Jan. 7, 2015 by Infosurv Research. A total of 1,200 national respondents were surveyed, yielding data with a margin of error of +/- 2.83%.

An independent study of its members was conducted for :DentalPlans between Jan. 21 and Feb. 4, 2015 by Infosurv Research. A total of 9,410 national customers were surveyed, yielding data with a margin of error of +/- .99%.

**The select regional average cost represents the average fees for the procedures listed above in Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago and New York City, as displayed in the cost of care tool as of August 2014.

Attachment Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2015/6/8/11G044190/SmileIndex_Affordability_Infographic_No_Number_(1)-1120787952004.pdf

Contact Information

For more information:

Melissa Watkins
Public Relations Counsel
Office: 804-402-5316
pr@dentalplans.com

Kelly Cioe
Public Relations Counsel
Office: 603-436-2347
Kelly@whalenpr.com