IMPROVING EMPLOYEE WELLBEING THROUGH BETTER ORAL HEALTH

Why oral health matters for employers

Oral health is a vital yet often overlooked component of overall wellbeing.

Poor oral health can lead to pain, infections and even serious conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

For employers, these health concerns can contribute to absenteeism, presenteeism and reduced productivity. By raising awareness and providing access to preventive care, businesses can help mitigate these issues, fostering a healthier and more engaged workforce.

Supporting oral health as part of an employee wellbeing strategy demonstrates a commitment to holistic care and helps foster a more productive workplace.

What is oral health? 

Oral health refers to the condition of the teeth, gums and mouth, which play a critical role in everyday functioning and overall wellbeing. Despite this, many adults experience dental issues that impact their daily lives. 

Key statistics

  • Prevalence: Almost one in three (31%) UK adults have tooth decay1.
  • Workplace impact: More than a quarter (28%) of UK employees have taken time off work due to dental pain, leading to an estimated 23 million working days lost annually2.
  • Preventability: Around 66% of adults have visible plaque and 25% do not brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste3 - behaviours that significantly increase the risk of oral health problems.

These figures highlight the importance of workplace oral health initiatives. By integrating dental health awareness into employee wellbeing strategies, businesses can help boost productivity while promoting better overall health.

Encouraging oral health awareness 

Employers can support oral health by providing educational resources and practical guidance. 

Raising awareness through intranet articles, newsletters and posters can encourage employees to take oral health seriously. Wellbeing workshops led by dental professionals and participation in national campaigns such as National Smile Month can further reinforce good oral hygiene practices.

Employers can also promote awareness through ‘benefit talks’ that outline what employees receive through their dental insurance cover.

A recent Bupa Dental survey found that young people face a significant dental health knowledge gap, with two-thirds knowing more about mental health than dental health. This underscores the need for greater education in the workplace.

Supporting oral health through employee benefits 

Providing access to dental care benefits can significantly improve employee health, helping to prevent untreated issues from impacting wellbeing and productivity. 

Employers should consider:

  • Dental insurance plans: Covering check-ups, hygiene appointments and necessary treatments to provide essential support.
  • Health cash plans: Helping employees manage routine dental care costs.
  • Private Medical Insurance (PMI): Some plans include oral health cover to support preventive and restorative treatments. 
  • Flexible benefits schemes: Allowing employees to opt into dental plans as part of their overall package. 
  • Group protection policies: Some providers include virtual dental services as part of their Group Risk cover, making professional advice more accessible. 
  • Specialist dental services: Some dental providers allow self-pay access to dental care and offer useful online resources on symptoms, treatments and what to expect during a visit, which employers can reference to support their workforce.

Creating a workplace that supports oral health 

Fostering a workplace culture that prioritises oral health goes beyond offering benefits. Small but meaningful initiatives can help employees maintain good dental hygiene and prevent oral health issues from impacting their wellbeing and productivity. 

Providing free or discounted oral hygiene products in wellbeing packs, stocking sugar-free snacks in vending machines and ensuring access to water dispensers can all encourage healthier habits while reducing sugary drink consumption.

Additionally, allowing flexible working arrangements to accommodate dental appointments can help employees stay on top of their oral health without added stress.

Recognising when oral health issues may be affecting employees is equally important.

Managers should be mindful of potential signs, such as frequent absences for dental visits, decreased concentration due to pain or visible oral health concerns, such as swollen gums.

Encouraging open conversations and signposting employees to relevant benefits can help provide the necessary support to address these challenges effectively.

If dental health issues are impacting an employee’s mental wellbeing, EAPs may also offer additional emotional support.

Leveraging digital tools and resources 

Digital solutions can play an important role in promoting oral health, making it easier for employees to access guidance and support. 

Apps, such as Brush DJ, can offer brushing reminders and helpful tips, while company intranets can provide employees with trusted resources from organisations such as the NHS or the Oral Health Foundation.

Some PMI schemes will also include virtual GP or dentist consultations, enabling employees to seek professional advice without disrupting their work schedule.

Embedding oral health into your wellbeing strategy 

To ensure oral health remains a long-term priority, businesses should integrate it into their wider wellbeing initiatives.

Providing clear information about NHS dental services and local dentists helps employees stay proactive about their dental care. Engagement can be further encouraged through initiatives such as subsidised dental visits and flexible working policies that allow time off for appointments.

Partnering with dental providers to offer workplace check-ups or screenings can improve accessibility, while collaborating with wellbeing champions within the organisation helps maintain awareness and keeps oral health initiatives front of mind. 

Supporting your workplace wellbeing strategy 

Making oral health support readily available reinforces the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene. 

Towergate Employee Benefits understands the value of fostering a healthy workplace. Contact us to find out more about how our tailored benefits can help you promote better oral health and create a healthier, more engaged workforce.