Why Employees Delay Dental Care 

Most employees understand that regular dental care is important. They know cleanings help prevent cavities and gum disease, and reduce the risk of serious oral health issues. Still, many adults delay or skip dental visits each year.

The reasons are not always simple. For some, the barrier is cost. For others, it may be anxiety, time, transportation, lack of perceived need, or uncertainty about how to use their benefits. In many cases, these challenges overlap, making it harder for employees to get care before small issues become bigger ones.

Cost remains one of the biggest barriers

Even as access to dental benefits has expanded, out-of-pocket costs continue to prevent many people from receiving timely care. According to the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute, cost barriers remain more severe for dental care than for other types of healthcare services. Statistics also show that 16.8% of people deferred dental care due to cost in 2022, a higher share than those who delayed medical care, prescriptions, or mental health services for the same reason.

This matters because delayed dental care often becomes more expensive dental care. A small cavity that could have been treated early may progress into the need for a root canal, crown, extraction, implant, or bridge. Gum disease may worsen over time and require more complex treatment. What begins as a cost concern can quickly become a larger health and financial issue.

Unclear dental benefits

Having dental insurance can improve access, but members may still avoid care if they are confused about deductibles, coinsurance, annual maximums, balance billing, or surprise out-of-pocket costs. Someone may have coverage and still feel unsure about what they will owe after a visit.

That uncertainty can create hesitation. When members do not understand what their plan covers or how to find an in-network provider, they may put off scheduling care altogether.

Clear communication can help. Employers can support better utilization by helping members understand how their benefits work, why in-network care matters, and how preventive visits can reduce more expensive treatment later.

Anxiety and embarrassment

For some, the barrier is not only financial. Dental anxiety is real, and it can cause people to avoid appointments even when they know care is needed. Past painful experiences, fear of judgment, sounds or sensations during treatment, or embarrassment about the current condition of their teeth can all contribute to avoidance.

This can become a difficult cycle. The longer someone delays care, the more extensive their needs may become. Then, when they finally do go to the dentist, the appointment may feel more stressful, reinforcing the same fear that caused the delay.

A supportive dental experience matters. Encouraging members to find and choose a dentist they feel comfortable with can lead to earlier engagement, better outcomes, and an overall improved dental experience.

Access and logistics

Even when someone wants to go to the dentist, practical barriers can get in the way. Scheduling an appointment may require time away from work, child care, transportation, or finding a provider with available appointments. For hourly workers or employees without paid time off, the indirect cost of a dental visit can be significant.

Location can also be a barrier, especially in rural or underserved areas where there may be fewer dental providers nearby. Research from Harvard School of Dental Medicine has highlighted the impact of dental care shortage areas, and a related report found that rural communities face heavier travel and transportation burdens when trying to access dental care.

This is where network access and member education become critical. A strong dental network is only valuable if members know how to use it and can realistically access providers when they need care.

Delaying necessary care

Another common reason people skip the dentist is that they feel fine, but oral health problems often develop quietly. Early gum disease, small cavities, enamel wear, and other dental issues may not cause pain right away. The CDC’s 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report shows that untreated tooth decay remains common among U.S. adults, reinforcing why preventive care matters before symptoms become obvious.

This is one reason preventive care is important. Routine exams and cleanings can help detect problems earlier, when treatment is often simpler and less expensive. Plus, delaying dental care does not only affect the mouth. Oral health is closely connected to overall health, especially for people with chronic conditions. Research highlights that individuals who receive regular dental cleanings have lower medical spend for conditions such as diabetes and coronary artery disease compared with those who do not receive cleanings.

Together, this connection reinforces the value of preventive dental care. When members stay engaged with routine dental visits, they may be better positioned to manage both oral health and broader health risks over time.

The opportunity for employers 

Rather than simply offering more coverage, the goal is to offer benefits that align with member needs, support affordability, encourage preventive care, and help employees understand how to use their benefits effectively. A well-designed dental plan can help reduce delayed care and support better long-term health outcomes. For employers, that means considering the full member experience, from access and education to out-of-pocket costs and preventive engagement. Then, dental benefits can become a practical tool for better health and stronger overall value.

Sources and References:
Dental Care Market
Dental Coverage, Access & Outcomes
Something to Chew On
2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report, Selected Findings
New Study Maps the “Dental Desserts” in the U.S.
Rural U.S. Bears Heaviest Burden Accessing Dental Care
Dental Clinic Deserts in the U.S.: Spatial Accessibility Analysis
Oral Health in Rural Communities Overview