Simplyhealth launches digital-first workplace dental benefit to improve access to preventative care 

Simplyhealth has launched a digital-first workplace dental benefit as new figures show the impact poor oral health is having on work and productivity. 

The product, Simply Dental, aims to improve access to preventative treatments at a time when one in four people (26 per cent) say dental pain has affected their work and 38 per cent of those who don’t attend regularly cite affordability as the main barrier. 

The benefit provides money back towards routine check-ups and hygiene visits, supporting early detection and prevention. Employees can also claim up to 100 per cent of a dentist’s receipt (within annual limits) for essential care including fillings, extractions, X-rays, scans, prescriptions and more. It can be used with any NHS or private dentist and includes worldwide dental emergency cover and a 24/7 helpline. 

Simplyhealth says poor oral health is a workplace issue as well as an individual one. The 2024 Oral Health Survey found 18 per cent of respondents said dental pain had specifically affected their productivity, while a quarter of adults do not attend check-ups at least every two years as recommended. Rising costs are a significant factor, with the Oral Health Foundation reporting that NHS dentistry charges have increased around 50 per cent in the past decade. 

Previous Simplyhealth research shows that 90 per cent of people with a dental plan attend the dentist at least every two years, compared with 70 per cent of those without cover, highlighting the role of funded preventative care. 

As well as dental reimbursement, Simply Dental provides access to a range of discounted and self-pay services, including at-home diagnostic tests and eye care. Claims are managed through an app designed to reduce admin for employers and offer straightforward support for staff. 

Marc Singh-Jones, Head of Commercial Product and Partnerships, said:

“Employers recognise the value that workplace health benefits provide, not just in attracting and retaining staff, but ensuring their workforce has access to preventative healthcare. 

“A healthy workforce takes fewer sick days, is more productive, and feels happier at work. We have developed Simply Dental, our new digital-first workplace dental benefit, to be affordable and flexible to meet the needs of different businesses and their diverse workforces.”

The product draws on Simplyhealth’s 150 years of experience in workplace health plans and the expertise of Denplan, which has more than 6,600 member dentists caring for 1.5 million patients.