It’s true. Employers and employees want dental benefits. They're a big selling point that you can remind your clients of as an important part of their benefits offerings. And, with the changing health care landscape, there’s no better time to offer dental benefits. The ancillary benefits market which includes dental will be a steady source of revenue for brokers. Here's why, according to the National Association of Dental Plans:

There is demand for dental.
The National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) 2011 Group Purchaser Behavior Study showed that employees ask for dental benefits and ask for them often. Since employees request them, employers should consider them an important part of their overall benefits packages, even if on a voluntary basis only. Since it's in demand, this is great news. 

Broker assistance needed.
Brokers will play key roles with the roll out of private and public exchanges, and they should be ready to jump on opportunities to assist clients. The Center of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) has stated that agents will be part of the Federal Exchange and will be compensated for their work. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) anticipate that 90 percent of applications will be submitted online because of the convenience and numerous benefits of online applications.  CMS believes that at this rate of electronic submission, 85 percent of applications will be facilitated by brokers, who will be required to submit information electronically.

Majority of employers both large and small offer dental.
Research shows that the majority of employer groups offer dental benefits. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, about 56 percent of employers with at least six employees offer dental. This leaves a huge opportunity to sell dental to the other 44 percent of employers. Additionally, the NADP study showed that dental ranks among the top-three desired benefits only after medical and retirement.

Dental benefits are inexpensive.
Employees probably enjoy their daily cups of coffee. Well, for about the same price, they can have dental coverage.  Depending on the type of plan, average dental premiums can be from $14-$28 per enrollee per month.

Preventive care is usually covered.
Dental benefits encourage people to take care of their oral health. That's because most dental plans cover 100 percent of —or require a very small co-payment for preventive care. This typically includes regular cleanings, X-rays, and office visits. 

Benefits can include expanded coverage and screenings.
Some plans, like many of Solstice'’s, provide additional benefits such as:
- Preventive care cleanings for pregnant women. Gum disease is shown to increase risk of preterm births. Pregnant women in their second trimester should get an additional cleaning. This will help prevent gum disease.
- Oral cancer screenings. With oral cancer rates rising, regular screenings are a key feature of a dental benefits package.

Given the above, when it comes to pushing dental benefits go for it! Employees want the coverage and employers want to offer it. You can provide them with the knowledge they need to make informed, smart choices about their dental offerings.