FYI

Dentists know the immense value of preventive care, but not all patients do, too. When discussing preventive care with patients, it can be helpful to communicate how it impacts not just their oral health, but their overall quality of life — saving them money, time, stress and potentially serious health issues. Here are five topics to consider when talking about preventive care with patients to promote increased awareness and better health outcomes:
 

1. Long-term oral health

The best and most obvious benefit of preventive dentistry is that it helps prevent cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues. Gently let patients know that even if they keep up with brushing and flossing, it’s virtually impossible for them to reach every nook and cranny of their mouths. Regular dental cleanings are a must for eliminating plaque and tartar buildup and stopping decay and inflammation in their tracks.

You may also want to discuss other preventive measures with your patients, such as sealants and fluoride treatments. Sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities in children, and are covered by most Delta Dental plans for anyone under the age of 18. Similarly, most Delta Dental PPO™ and DeltaCare® USA plans cover fluoride treatments for children up to age 12, and many cover treatments up to age 18 and older. Check your patients’ benefit details in Provider Tools to see their coverage.
 

2. Healthcare costs

Cost plays a major role in many patients’ decisions to put off dental care. However, visiting the dentist regularly can actually save them money. According to the University of Chicago, studies have shown that for every dollar spent on preventive dental care, $8 to $50 can be saved in restorative and emergency treatments. These savings have the greatest impact on low-income families who have less disposable income.

Communicate to patients that twice-yearly cleanings are covered by most dental insurance plans, so they won’t have to pay anything out of pocket when they visit you. And even if they don’t have insurance, it’s cheaper to pay for cleanings twice a year than it is to pay for fillings, root canals or implants. With cost being a major barrier to entry for many patients, highlighting the potential savings of preventive care can be very effective.
 

3. The dental care experience

Another common consideration in putting off dental care: dental anxiety. However, by avoiding dental care, patients also increase their likelihood of needing the serious (and costly) dental procedures they’re afraid of. In this situation, everyone loses —  which is exactly why it’s so important to keep up with regular cleanings and exams.

When dealing with fearful patients, it’s important to approach them with compassion, and consult these helpful tips for how to alleviate patients’ fears. It’s also a good idea to contextualize the value of preventive care for them by sharing a few of the other points discussed in this article. 
 

4. Whole-body health

Preventive dental care is whole-body care. According to the National Library of Medicine, early signs of some serious health conditions can start in the mouth, including diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer and respiratory disease. Sharing this connection with patients can help them reframe preventive dental care as essential to their overall health, just like regular visits to the doctor.

Another form of preventive care that can help patients support both their oral and overall health: good nutrition. Eating a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, immunity-boosting antioxidants and inflammation-fighting omega-3’s can help preserve the health of the mouth and the body as a whole. For more dietary tips to share with your patients, read our article on the connection between nutrition and oral health.
 

5. Time

Lastly, preventive care saves patients valuable time and energy. Routine dental cleanings are quick, while fillings and root canals may require multiple trips to the dentist and hours in the chair. It’s safe to say that patients would rather spend their time doing something else. So, every time your patients visit you for a cleaning, remind them that they’re not only taking care of their teeth and gums, but investing in their overall quality of life too.