Leader’s Edge: The mouth is the gateway to the body

Leader’s Edge – Dental coverage sits in a gray area within the employee benefits space; sometimes it’s considered a traditional benefit like medical insurance, while other times it’s viewed as voluntary.

In this Q&A, Sarah Chavarria, CEO and president of Delta Dental of California and Affiliates, discusses how crucial maintaining oral health is to a person’s overall well-being. Oral wellness is often inextricably linked to major health outcomes, Chavarria says, so employers should treat it like a traditional, expected benefit.

We’re in the era of the multigenerational workforce. Does that make it more important to include a dental benefit in an employee benefits package?

Sarah Chavarria: We have five generations in the workforce right now, which is unprecedented. This requires employers to take into consideration the life experiences, the expectations, and the relationship that these generations have with healthcare and overall health.

As employers, we prioritize engaging our workforce and ensuring the health and well-being of our employees and their families. Recognizing that oral health is a cornerstone of overall wellness, integrating dental benefits into health offerings is essential. Whether it’s a young Gen Z employee or a seasoned professional, good oral health is crucial for overall well-being.

Read the full Q&A in Leader’s Edge.