Attracting the right talent has become increasingly complex. While salary remains a critical component, more candidates are looking beyond paychecks to evaluate potential employers. The way a company supports its employees, through flexibility, work culture, and especially benefits, can influence a candidate's final decision.
This is extremely important in today's time, where 4 in 5 employers globally face difficulties in hiring the right talent. Moreover, talent scarcity has increased, and there was a 77% shortage in 2023. According to Forbes, this has led to talent wars, but organizations with the right strategies can emerge victorious.
Job seekers today are more conscious of their long-term well-being. They want employers who consider their health, families, and quality of life. This shift means that benefits once seen as optional are now expected. Dental coverage, in particular, has become important as employees realize its role in overall health and confidence.
In this article, we will look at how employers can use group health dental insurance for acquiring the right employees.
Why Group Health Dental Insurance Matters
Including group health dental insurance in a benefits package reflects a broader commitment to employee care. It goes beyond traditional health insurance by addressing a type of care people often delay due to cost. Dental issues can impact everything from nutrition to job performance, yet they're still overlooked in many plans.
When an employer offers group dental coverage, it suggests they understand these deeper concerns. It shows a willingness to invest in preventive care and long-term health, which can influence how job candidates view the company. Rather than being seen as a transactional employer, the company becomes associated with stability, support, and care.
This kind of benefit also appeals to candidates with families. Coverage that includes dependents adds another layer of support, helping job seekers feel more confident in their decision to join the organization.
What role does dental insurance play in supporting employee mental well-being?
Dental health can influence self-esteem, social confidence, and even anxiety levels. Poor oral health often causes visible discomfort or embarrassment, which can affect how people interact at work. By covering dental care, employers help reduce these stressors, promoting a healthier mental outlook in daily life and work settings.
Setting Your Company Apart
In competitive industries, details matter. Candidates often compare offers that are similar in salary and role. Benefits, especially those related to health and dental care, become key differentiators.
A 2024 survey by PeopleKeep found that 91% of employees consider dental insurance a "somewhat important" or "very important" benefit. This places dental coverage just behind health insurance (92%) in importance, underscoring its role in comprehensive employee benefits packages.
Offering dental coverage sends a practical message: the company sees its people as long-term contributors, not just temporary assets. It supports smoother onboarding conversations, builds trust earlier in the recruitment process, and improves how candidates perceive the company's overall culture.
According to HWP Insurance, group dental insurance plans offer affordable coverage for routine care. Thus, your employees can get dental cleaning, exams, and X-ray services. This shows that your company is there to offer financial support to its employees when it comes to health. Therefore, this can place you in a better situation than your competitors in talent wars.
How does dental coverage enhance a company's brand during the hiring process?
A benefits package that includes dental insurance signals professionalism and long-term planning. Candidates may interpret it as a sign that the company takes its obligations seriously. It helps project an image of a stable, caring employer, traits that are increasingly important for building a strong employer brand.
Long-Term Gains Beyond Hiring
The impact of offering group health dental insurance doesn't stop at hiring. Employees who feel cared for from the beginning are more likely to stay. They're also more inclined to speak positively about their workplace, which supports organic referrals and boosts employer reputation.
Retention begins with trust. When people know their health needs are covered, including dental visits, they worry less and focus more. That reliability benefits the employee, the team, and the company.
This can help you save thousands of dollars on hiring new employees. A McKinsey & Company article states that replacing a full-time employee can cost companies around $52,000 on average. However, offering group health dental insurance gives your employees a strong reason to stay with you longer.
It also helps avoid disruptions. Preventive dental care means fewer emergencies and less time away from work, creating a more predictable and productive work environment.
How does offering dental insurance contribute to building a healthier workforce over time?
Regular dental care helps identify health issues early, some of which are linked to broader conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Employees who use their dental benefits tend to require fewer emergency visits and are more likely to maintain a stable routine. This supports healthier habits and overall workforce reliability.
How Dental Coverage Supports Family-Oriented Candidates
For many job seekers, especially those with families, accepting an offer hinges on more than just salary. Benefits that extend to spouses and children carry significant weight. Dental health is a regular concern for families, particularly children who require consistent checkups, orthodontic evaluations, and preventive care.
Offering group dental coverage that includes dependents makes a company more appealing to candidates trying to balance work and family responsibilities. It shows that the employer recognizes their needs beyond the workplace, often strengthening the emotional connection between employees and the organization.
Creating this balance between work and personal life and personal well-being is what candidates prefer the most. A Gallup survey found that one of the top four reasons why candidates are looking for a new job is personal well-being. If employers can offer them and their families well-being through insurance benefits, they are less likely to switch.
Aligning with Preventive Health Trends
Healthcare strategies have shifted in recent years, focusing more on prevention than treatment. Dental insurance fits naturally into this movement. Regular checkups and cleanings reduce the risk of larger health problems later on that can impact other parts of the body.
Employers who provide group health and dental insurance contribute to this proactive approach. It supports better health outcomes and reinforces a culture that values prevention and planning. These are qualities that many job seekers associate with thoughtful and responsible leadership.
Building a team isn't just about finding people who can do the job. It's about showing them why they should choose your company over others. Including group dental coverage shows attention to detail and a willingness to support employees practically and meaningfully.
Candidates notice when a company takes health benefits seriously. A package that includes dental insurance quietly signals that the employer understands what matters daily. During recruitment, there can be a difference between a "maybe" and a “yes.”
