Do Pennsylvanians Have the Healthiest Smiles?

:DentalPlans, a leader in dental savings plans, an affordable alternative to dental insurance, is pleased to announce that its state-wide network of dentists in Pennsylvania continues to offer affordable options in urban, suburban and rural areas where dentists are needed most.

Pennsylvania is among the most underserved states for dental care services. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA.gov), Pennsylvania only meets 40.26 percent of its residents’ needs when it comes to dental care services. :DentalPlans’ partner networks offer access to providers in every county throughout the state, even in the most underserved areas; affording access to tens of thousands of residents across the state of Pennsylvania. To view dentists that participate in dental savings plans in your area visit www.DentalPlans.com.

Despite the shortage of dentists across the state, Pennsylvanians are above average when it comes to knowing the importance of dental care. Results from the :DP SmileIndex*, a national survey conducted by :DentalPlans, revealed that :DentalPlans customers in Pennsylvanians belong to a region where 62 percent get the annual ADA recommendations for dental care.*
In fact, :DentalPlans customers in the Mid-Atlantic region are 19 percent more likely to follow all dental hygiene guidelines, which includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, spending at least one minute each time they brush, and replacing a toothbrush every 3-4 months and/or when bristles become frayed. Residents of the Mid-Atlantic were also 46 percent more likely to have seen a dentist within the past 2-6 months when compared to the national sample.

“Oral health is extremely important to our overall health and we would like to see more Pennsylvanians visiting the dentist twice a year as recommended by the ADA,” states Bill Chase, vice president of marketing for :DentalPlans.  “We'd like to make sure that every resident in Pennsylvania has access to high quality, affordable dental care services.”
More than 100 million Americans do not have dental insurance and struggle to get the care that they need. For those without affordable access to dental insurance, dental savings plans provide an affordable, easy option to gain the oral care services necessary to maintain a healthy smile.

What is a Dental Savings Plan?

Dental savings plans offer a simple-to-use, cost-effective alternative to dental insurance. Participating dentists have agreed to accept a reduced fee from dental savings plan members for a variety of dental procedures. Members pay a low annual fee and get access to reduced rates on dental services including cosmetic dentistry and orthodontia, as well as discounts on vision and pharmacy with select plans. Members can choose from more than 30 different plans from trusted healthcare brands like Aetna, Careington, and Cigna, and have access to more than 100,000 dentists nationwide.

:DentalPlans has affordable plans to fit any need and budget. And depending on the plan you choose, you can save 10 to 60 percent off services. Visitors of DentalPlans.com can compare plans by zip code or procedure, view sample savings and find a nearby dentist. :DentalPlans is committed to making you smile, by making access to quality oral healthcare affordable and accessible to everyone nationwide.

Example savings:
Plan: Vital Savings by Aetna®
Scenario: Two Adults and Two Dependent Children
Annual Family Membership Fee: $179.95

Using the Aetna Vital Savings plan, which costs a low annual fee of $179.95, a family of four could save $864 on their annual ADA recommended treatments alone. That’s $684.05 in savings, when including the cost of the plan. And the savings can really add up when additional dental care is factored in, like sealants for children’s teeth, crowns, braces, and other procedures.

Source: HRSA.gov link: shortage.http://datawarehouse.hrsa.gov/tools/maptool.aspx
*A national study was conducted for :DentalPlans between Jan. 1 and Jan. 7, 2015 by Infosurv Research. A total of 1,200 national respondents were surveyed, yielding data with a margin of error of +/- 2.83%.
An independent study of its members was conducted for :DentalPlans between Jan. 21 and Feb. 4, 2015 by Infosurv Research. A total of 9,410 national customers were surveyed, yielding data with a margin of error of +/- .99%.
**An aggregate index score, known as the Dental Hygiene Index, shows how much more likely :DentalPlans customers are to take care of their teeth on a daily basis compared to the national sample.
EDITORS NOTE: For a complete copy of the Survey contact Alisa at [email protected]

Using the Aetna Vital Savings plan, which costs a low annual fee of $179.95, a family of four could save $864 on their annual ADA recommended treatments alone. That’s $684.05 in savings, when including the cost of the plan. And the savings can really add up when additional dental care is factored in, like sealants for children’s teeth, crowns, braces, and other procedures.

About :DentalPlans

:DentalPlans, founded in 1999, is a leading dental and health savings marketplace in the U.S., helping more than a million people to affordably access quality healthcare services. Our mission is to empower consumers with the tools, information, and services that they need to live happier, healthier lives.

We provide comprehensive resource centers aimed at helping people to maintain/regain optimal health, and successfully navigate the maze of healthcare payment options (including Obamacare and Medicaid.) Our independent research – the :DP SmileMeter™ and :DP SmileIndex™ – delivers a unique look into the consumer healthcare market. We offer user-friendly access to a wide selection of traditional dental insurance and 30+dental savings plans, along with innovative healthcare offerings including telemedicine, medical advocacy, and online counseling services. Our online plan comparison and savings calculator tools help consumers to make smart choices about essential healthcare services, and our :DP AtYourService™ customer support team leaves no question unanswered. For more information, visit us at www.dentalplans.com and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.