Good employee wellness programs go beyond gym memberships and nutrition tips. They take a holistic look at what helps people thrive, including aspects that aren’t always top of mind. One of the most overlooked areas? Oral health. While it may not spark as much conversation as mental health days or standing desks, integrating dental care into your company’s wellness strategy is a move that pays off in unexpected ways.
This post will explore the business case for supporting your team’s oral health, practical ways to add dental initiatives to your offerings, and steps to measure their impact.
The Hidden Value of Oral Health in the Workplace
Why oral health matters at work
For most adults, the line between personal and professional well-being runs straight through their mouths. Gum disease, toothaches, and other dental issues can lead to pain, distraction, missed workdays, and even bigger health problems. According to the CDC, more than 164 million work hours are lost every year because of dental problems.
What’s more, oral health connects to other conditions. Untreated dental issues can raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections. For employers, that means higher medical costs, increased absenteeism, and reduced productivity. When employees can’t eat comfortably, speak clearly, or focus due to mouth pain, their performance drops.
Dental health as part of holistic wellness
Today’s leading wellness programs already support physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and sleep. Adding oral health is a logical next step, especially since preventive dental care is highly effective and low-cost. Regular cleanings, check-ups, and early intervention can stop problems before they start, benefitting both the employee and employer.
Building Oral Health into Your Wellness Program
Assess current benefits and employee needs
Begin by looking at your current employee benefits. Do you offer dental insurance, and if so, how is it utilized? Are employees aware of what’s available to them? A quick anonymous survey can reveal:
- How many employees visit the dentist annually
- Barriers they face (cost, location, knowledge)
- Interest in more oral health resources or events
Partner with dental professionals and providers
To make dental care more accessible, connect with local providers or dental networks. Consider hosting on-site dental screenings, virtual Q&A sessions with dentists, or distributing lists of trusted clinics. For instance, many businesses in New York partner with professionals like an emergency dentist in Astoria for fast referrals and after-hours advice when urgent care is needed.
Corporate dental days, where mobile dental units visit your office, are becoming popular as well. These events lower employee stress about squeezing in appointments and offer immediate feedback on dental issues that might otherwise go unaddressed.
Make education a focal point
Knowledge is power. Many employees don’t realize how closely oral health ties to their overall wellness. Share resources about daily dental care, mouth-healthy diets, and the signs of early dental trouble. Monthly newsletters, webinars, and infographics are great for quick learning.
You can also leverage your communications channels to share reminders about open enrollment for dental plans, local dental events, or national oral health campaigns like National Dental Hygiene Month.
Incentivize preventive care
Encourage your team to take charge of their dental health by offering small incentives. These could include:
- Rewarding annual dental check-ups with extra wellness points
- Hosting a competition to see which department completes the most dentist visits in a year
- Providing reimbursement for dental supplies like electric toothbrushes or mouthguards
Small perks can lead to big improvements in participation rates and long-term savings on healthcare costs.
Foster a supportive dental culture
Leaders who mention their own dental check-ups during meetings, or HR staff who openly share resources, help reduce the stigma around dental issues. Normalize conversations about appointments, preventive measures, and dental emergencies as part of professional life.
You might also consider flexibility around appointments, letting employees use paid time off or arrange their work hours to fit in dental visits.
Measuring the Impact of Oral Health Initiatives
Track participation and outcomes
Once your program is up and running, keep tabs on how employees are using the new resources. Track metrics such as:
- Enrollment in dental insurance
- Number of employees scheduling regular dental visits
- Days lost to dental issues before and after the program
Send annual feedback surveys to see what’s working and where to improve. Look for reductions in absenteeism, improvements in health claims data, or positive feedback from staff.
Share successes and story highlights
Share program wins with your team. Highlight employees who’ve improved their oral health, saved money, or caught issues early thanks to the wellness program. Personal stories make the initiative real and motivate others to participate.
Take the Next Step for a Healthier Team
Bringing oral health into your employee wellness program is a forward-thinking move that benefits everyone—from frontline staff to upper management. It reduces lost time and healthcare costs, boosts morale, and positions your company as one that truly cares about holistic employee well-being.
If you’re ready to prioritize your team’s smiles, start by surveying employees, reviewing local dental partnerships, and gradually weaving oral health into your regular wellness communications. Consider listing reliable contacts, such as an emergency dentist in Astoria, for urgent issues that can’t wait.
Investing in oral health isn’t just about avoiding toothaches; it’s about building a healthier, happier, and more resilient workforce.