DO FLORIDIANS HAVE THE HEALTHIEST SMILES? Plantation-based Company Survey Indicates Above-Average Oral Health in South & Provides Resources to Keep it that Way

PLANTATION, Fl. (Aug. 11, 2015)— :DentalPlans, a leader in dental savings plans, an affordable alternative to dental insurance, is pleased to announce that its state-wide network of dentists continues to offer affordable options in urban, suburban and rural areas where dentists are needed most.

Florida is one of the most underserved states for dental care services, ranking just behind California. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA.gov), Florida has a Dental Health Professional Shortage Area of 20.1; meaning 20.1 percent of Floridians lack access to dental care providers. :DentalPlans’ partner networks offer access to providers in 90 percent of counties throughout the state, even in the most underserved areas; affording access to tens of thousands of residents across the state of Florida. To view dentists that participate in dental savings plans in your area visit www.DentalPlans.com.
Despite the shortage of dentists across the state, Floridians are aware of the importance of dental care. Results from the :DP SmileIndex*, a national survey conducted by :DentalPlans, revealed that Floridians belong to the region with the best dental hygiene habits in the country.*

In fact, :DentalPlans customers in the South region are 30 percent more likely to follow all dental hygiene guidelines, which includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, spending at least one minute each time they brush, and replacing a toothbrush every 3-4 months and/or when bristles become frayed. Southerners were also 36 percent more likely to have seen a dentist within the past week and 12 percent within the past 2-6 months when compared to the national sample.

“Oral health is extremely important to our overall health and we are excited to find that Floridians already take great care of their teeth,” states Bill Chase, vice president of marketing for :DentalPlans.  “We'd like to make sure that every resident in Florida has access to high quality, affordable dental care services.”
More than 100 million Americans do not have dental insurance and struggle to get the care that they need. For those without affordable access to dental insurance, dental savings plans provide an affordable, easy option to gain the oral care services necessary to maintain a healthy smile.

What is a Dental Savings Plan?

Dental savings plans offer a simple-to-use, cost-effective alternative to dental insurance. Participating dentists have agreed to accept a reduced fee from dental savings plan members for a variety of dental procedures. Members pay a low annual fee and get access to reduced rates on dental services including cosmetic dentistry and orthodontia, as well as discounts on vision and pharmacy with select plans. Members can choose from more than 40 different plans from trusted healthcare brands like Aetna, Careington, Signature Wellness, and UNI-CARE, and have access to more than 100,000 dentists nationwide.

:DentalPlans has affordable plans to fit any need and budget. And depending on the plan you choose, you can save 10 to 60 percent off services. Visitors of DentalPlans.com can compare plans by zip code or procedure, view sample savings and find a nearby dentist. :DentalPlans is committed to making you smile, by making access to quality oral healthcare affordable and accessible to everyone nationwide.

Example savings for Florida Residents:

Plan: Vital Savings by Aetna^®

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, with an 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, 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.

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.

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For more information:

Melissa Watkins                                             Kelly Cioe

Public Relations Counsel                               Public Relations Counsel

Office: 804-402-5316                                     Office: 603-436-2347

pr@dentalplans.com                                      Kelly@whalenpr.com       

Source:  HRSA.gov link: http://datawarehouse.hrsa.gov/tools/maptool.aspx

*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%. 

**An aggregate index score, known as the Dental Hygiene Index, shows how much more likely :DentalPlans customers are to take care of their teeth on a daily basis compared to the national sample.

EDITORS NOTE:  For a complete copy of the Survey contact Melissa or Kelly at pr@dentalplans.com.