In today’s unsteady economic climate, offering comprehensive dental benefits can help employers build a more resilient and loyal workforce. However, differences among dental carriers can significantly impact client and employee satisfaction. With 79% of employers trusting brokers to help select benefits and nearly 60% expecting to lean even more on brokers in the next five years, it's crucial that clients can depend on you to guide them to the right dental plan for their employees. Here are five key questions to ask when comparing dental carriers.

1. What Level of Customization Is Available for Plan Designs?

Employers have diverse needs based on their workforce demographics and budgets. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, select a carrier that can customize their plans to provide the right coverage for your client.

Considerations:

• Plan Flexibility: Can the carrier tailor plans to add or exclude specific services?
• Cost-sharing Options: Are there flexible contribution and co-pay structures?
• Additional Benefits: Does the carrier offer value-added benefits or discounts on non-covered services?

Best-in-class dental carriers offer adjustable plan options to meet the specific needs of employers of all sizes. They’re able to deliver customized benefit designs that reflect real workforce dynamics without inflating cost. Some carriers also include perks such as discounts on cosmetic dental procedures and savings on other ancillary products, increasing perceived value for employees without driving up the bottom line.

2. Does the Carrier Have Specialized Dental Expertise?

Dental coverage isn’t just another add-on to a health plan. It has its own set of clinical norms, billing codes and treatment timelines. Carriers without specialized dental knowledge often stumble in claims processing and network adequacy.

Considerations:

• Dedicated Dental Team: Does the carrier have an internal team focused solely on dental benefit sales, service and administration?
• Balanced Reimbursement: Is the carrier committed to maintaining sustainable network fee schedules that balance affordability for members with fair reimbursement for dentists?
• Industry Partnerships: Does the carrier maintain strong partnerships with professional dental organizations like local dental societies, NADP and ADA?

Best-in-class dental carriers build benefit designs that reflect clinical standards and proven treatments. They use standardized fee schedule data, partner with industry organizations, and employ dedicated dental experts. The impact shows up in fewer complaints, expected plan utilization, and longer client retention.

3. How Robust and Accessible Is the Provider Network?

A vast dental network is commendable, but accessibility is paramount. To offer your clients the best savings, be sure the carrier’s network provides easy access to dentists and specialists for all employees. 

Considerations:

• Network Distribution: Does the carrier offer a wide selection of participating providers with access for employees in different regions?
• Specialist Availability: Does the network include specialists like orthodontists and periodontists? 
• Easy-to-Use Search Tools: Does the carrier provide tools that make it easy for employees to find participating dentists and specialists in their network?

Best-in-class dental carriers maintain strong networks that provide easy access to substantial savings for all employees. They offer simple network search tools that allow employees to find participating dentists and specialists without having to enter plan ID numbers or group name. 

4. How Efficient Is the Claims Process?

A seamless claims process enhances employee satisfaction and reduces administrative burdens.

Considerations:

• Processing Time: What is the average turnaround time for claims?
• Decision Clarity: Are clear explanations provided for claim approvals or denials?
• Digital Tools: Does the carrier provide online portals or mobile apps for easy claim tracking?

Best-in-class carriers leverage dental-optimized claims processing and expertise, ensuring fast, accurate processing and clear communication with members and providers. They offer real-time portals for tracking claim status, minimizing back-and-forth between offices and customer service.

5. What Support and Resources Are Available for Employers and Employees?

Support can make or break a group’s experience. Nearly 70% of employers say quality carrier support is just as important as plan design when selecting a benefits partner. Whether it’s a question about eligibility, coverage or claim status, clients and their employees need help that’s fast, friendly and knowledgeable.

Considerations:

• Dedicated Account Managers: Is there a specific point of contact for employers?
• Educational Materials: Are there resources to help employees understand and utilize their benefits effectively?
• Customer Service Accessibility: What are the hours of operation, and are there multiple channels (phone, email, chat) for support?

Best-in-class carriers provide dedicated account teams, localized customer service with real dental knowledge, and multiple support channels for quick resolution. Specialized dental carriers staff their support centers with former dental professionals who understand clinical workflows, billing and the dentist-patient relationship. This level of support reduces escalations, increases trust in the plan and makes your job easier. 

Partner With a Carrier That Checks All the Right Boxes

87% of employers believe dental benefits are essential or a differentiator in their benefits package. Dental coverage isn’t a "nice to have." It’s a must-have benefit that signals a company truly values its people. When you work with a carrier that understands the nuances of dental care, you can deliver smarter solutions that position you as an indispensable advisor to your clients.