Dental + Medical = Lower Costs & Healthier Employees
layout
vertical-center
theme
secondary-dark
media-type
icon
icon
lh-icon--tooth
icon-size
xxl
gradient
true
bg-fill
true
title
100+ diseases
heading-level
h3
heading-size
xxs
title-alt
true
rte-description
can show symptoms in the mouth.1
Dental and Medical Integration
The numbers are in, and they tell a compelling story of the value of integrating dental and medical coverage. The truth is that oral health is vital to the overall health of your workforce – and your bottom line.
The real cost of poor oral health
Annual preventive care = lower annual medical costs
A recent study shows that by having at least one preventive dental visit each year, participants with diabetes and/or coronary artery disease (CAD) had significantly reduced annual medical costs.4
layout
vertical-center
theme
white
media-type
icon
icon
lh-icon--money
icon-size
xxl
gradient
false
bg-fill
true
title
$54 billion in lost productivity
heading-level
h3
heading-size
xxs
title-alt
true
rte-description
The economic impact of unmanaged oral health is staggering.2
Two Blues are better than one
Having both dental and medical coverage with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is not only better from an administrative perspective. It’s better for employee health as well.
We’re able to spot employees with diabetes or coronary artery disease (CAD) who are behind on preventive dental care and reach out to them through regular care-gap reminder communications.
alt
Bar graph showing annual preventive care equal to lower annual medical costs for Diabetes, CAD and Diabetes + CAD
caption
"Adherence Type = 0” means the participant DID NOT have at least one preventive dental visit over the course of the study. “Adherence Type = 1” means the participant DID have at least one annual preventive dental visit over the course of the study.
lh-rounded
false
lh-circular
false
lh-full-width
false
Why dental health matters
layout
vertical-center
theme
primary-dark
media-type
icon
icon
lh-icon--diabetes
icon-size
xl
gradient
true
title
86% increase
heading-level
h3
heading-size
xxs
title-alt
true
rte-description
Diabetes dramatically increases the risk of gum disease.5
layout
vertical-center
theme
primary-dark
media-type
icon
icon
lh-icon--heartbeat
icon-size
xl
gradient
true
title
2x the risk
heading-level
h3
heading-size
xxs
title-alt
true
rte-description
People with gum disease are about twice as likely to have a heart attack.6
layout
vertical-left
theme
transparent
media-type
none
gradient
true
title
Better Oral Health = Better Diabetes Control
heading-level
h3
heading-size
sm
rte-description
The connection between gum disease and diabetes is clear. If you have diabetes, you’re at higher risk for gum disease.5 Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels as well.7 What means when your gums are healthier, it’s also easier to manage your diabetes.
layout
vertical-left
theme
transparent
media-type
none
icon-size
xxl
gradient
true
title
Better oral health = lower heart attack risk
heading-level
h3
heading-size
sm
rte-description
Studies show that gum disease is associated with heart disease.3 In fact, those with gum disease are about twice as likely to have a heart attack than those without. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.6 By keeping your mouth healthier, you’ll help keep your heart healthier as well.
Awareness is key to adherence
Many people don’t realize there’s a connection between their oral health and total health. To help you educate your workforce on the benefits of adhering to regular dental exams, we’ve put together a flyer (in both English and Spanish) for distribution or posting.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of integrating dental and medical coverage, contact your authorized Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina representative.