DentalPlans SmileIndex 2015 - Consumer Insights Dental Health, Access & Affordability

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2015 Consumer Insights Dental Health, Access and Affordability

888.632.5353


Table of Contents Content

Slide Number

Executive Summary

3

Key Findings Healthcare Coverage – National Sample

10

Dental Coverage – National Sample

15

Results by Insurance Source

19

National Sample vs. :DentalPlans Customer Sample

23

Appendix Other Detailed Results

40

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Executive Summary

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Insurance Coverage Stats •

Health Insurance Coverage 87% of respondents in the national sample currently have health insurance. (Coverage is similarly high amongst :DentalPlans customers at 90%). Age: older respondents are more likely to have health insurance. Family status: respondents who are married and/or have children are more likely to have health insurance than single respondents without children. Income: Only about two-thirds of respondents making less than $25,000 have health insurance. Coverage likelihood increases steadily with income. Education: Less than half of respondents without a high school diploma are insured. Generally, coverage likelihood also increases with more education.

• • • •

Dental Insurance Coverage 62% of respondents in the national sample currently have dental insurance. (Coverage is, not surprisingly, much lower for :DentalPlans customers at 36%). • • • •

Age: Younger respondents are more likely to be covered. Only about half of respondents 55 years or older currently have dental insurance. Family status: As with health insurance, respondents who are married and/or have kids are more likely to have dental insurance. Income: Again, coverage likelihood increases as income increases. Only 39% of those making under $25,000 have dental insurance, compared to 85% who make at least $100,000. Education: Respondents with at least a Bachelor’s degree are more likely to be covered.

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Healthcare Coverage Summary • •

Overall, the two most common sources of health insurance are employers (55%) – either directly or via the spouse – and through Medicare (24%). Only 7% of the national sample get insurance through the exchange. The majority of respondents state that the comprehensiveness of their plan has not changed since last year, but their costs have either stayed the same or increased.

Differences by Age • Employers are the primary insurance sources for younger and middle-age respondents (topping out at age 35-44), while Medicare is the top source for those over 55, and especially those 65+ years old. • Few respondents, regardless of age, say their own costs have declined in the past year. People under 24 years old are the most likely to be unsure whether or not their costs have changed.

Differences by Family Status • Respondents with children get insurance via employers significantly more often than those without kids. • Respondents with families are also more likely to indicate their own costs have gone up. • Families are more likely than others to indicate their comprehensiveness of coverage has changed, but the majority of all demographic groups still feel that coverage has remained relatively stable.

Differences by Income • Mid- and high-income respondents generally receive insurance through employers (including twothirds of those with incomes of $50,000-$99,000, and 85% of those with incomes greater than $100,000). • However, few respondents under $25,000 get their insurance through employers (14%), while almost half get insurance through Medicare.

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Dental Coverage Summary • • •

Here again, overall, employers or the spouses’ employers, and Medicare/Medicaid are also the most common sources of dental insurance. Only 4% get dental insurance via the exchange. Respondents with no dental insurance are most likely to say cost is the top reason they do not have it (58%). Only 23% search for low or no-cost options. Only half of national respondents claim any level of familiarity with dental savings plans.

Differences by Age • Career-aged respondents (25-54 years old) are much more likely to receive their dental insurance through an employer, while those over 65 are much more likely to get it through Medicare. • Despite the concerns about affordability, few respondents in any age group seek out low/no cost alternatives. However, respondents under 24 are most likely to search for these options.

Differences by Family Status • The source of insurance does not vary greatly based on family status. • Respondents with families (married and/or with children) are more likely to seek out low/no cost options for dental insurance. However, these efforts are rare among all groups. • Though all groups lack familiarity with dental savings plans, respondents with families are generally more likely to have some level of familiarity.

Differences by Income • Well over 80% of respondents with an income higher than $50,000 get their dental insurance through employers. However, respondents with an income of less than $25,000 are much more likely to get dental insurance through Medicare or Medicaid (64%). • Dental savings plans familiarity increases as income increases. Almost one third of respondents making $100,000 or more are very familiar with these plans.

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The Obamacare Impact Overall, there is no clear cut opinion on how Obamacare has impacted healthcare in the minds of national respondents. Just under one third of all respondents (31%) think that Obamacare has made healthcare costs more expensive, while almost the same number (30%) think it has had no impact either way. 25% feel it has made healthcare more affordable, and the rest just are not sure.

Differences by Age • Younger respondents, especially those 25-34, are much more likely to think Obamacare has made their healthcare more affordable. As age increases, people become more and more likely to think it hasn’t made a positive impact. People over 65 are significantly more likely to feel it hasn’t made any difference.

Differences by Family Status • People with children are significantly more likely to think Obamacare has lowered healthcare costs. People without kids either believe it hasn’t made a difference or they are not sure. • Similarly, married people are more likely to think it has made healthcare more costly. Single people are more likely to say it hasn’t made any impact or they don’t know

Differences by Income • Respondents making more than $25,000 are significantly more likely than those making under $25,000 to say Obamacare has made healthcare more costly. • Interestingly, those making less than $25,000 are not more likely to think Obamacare has made healthcare more affordable. Instead, they are most likely to be unsure of the impact it has had on their costs.

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Insurance Source Summary • •

Overall, about 80% of both :DentalPlans customers and national respondents are at least somewhat satisfied with their healthcare coverage. National respondents (71%) are more satisfied with their dental coverage than customers (63%), however.

Differences in perceptions of Healthcare Coverage • National respondents who get their health insurance through Obamacare are less likely to be satisfied with their healthcare coverage (65%, compared to 81% of those who use other sources). • Similarly, only 59% of customers who get their health insurance through Obamacare are satisfied, compared to 84% of those who use other sources. • A relatively large percentage of customers who use Obamacare are dissatisfied (16%).

Perceptions of cost of health insurance • National respondents who use healthcare exchanges for health insurance are most likely to indicate they believe healthcare is more affordable under Obamacare. However, they are also the group most likely to indicate their own costs have increased. • National respondents who do not use healthcare exchanges are less likely to say Obamacare has impacted affordability. They are also more likely to indicate their own costs have not changed.

Differences in perceptions of Dental Coverage • National respondents who get their dental coverage through Obamacare are slightly but not significantly more likely to be satisfied with their coverage (79% vs. 71%). • However, customers who get dental insurance through Obamacare are much less satisfied with their coverage (40% vs. 63%) with a very high percentage of dissatisfied responses (23%).

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Other Key Findings Customer Highlights • :DentalPlans customers are less likely than national respondents to get their insurance through employers—52% buy their own healthcare coverage, and 77% buy their own dental coverage. • :DentalPlans customers also have better dental habits in several areas: – – – – –

They are more likely to have regular maintenance, especially X-rays (80% vs. 63% of national sample). They are more likely to have visited a dentist within the past six months (85% vs. 55%). They are more likely to indicate flossing and seeing a dentist regularly is important. They brush their children’s teeth and take them to the dentist earlier in life. They are less likely to need to give extra incentives to get their children to brush.

• :DentalPlans customers are also more loyal to their current dentist—52% of customers indicate they would not change dentists, compared to only 37% of the national sample.

Educational Opportunities • Respondents lack clear knowledge about what drinks and snacks are bad for their teeth. – Only a few of the most obvious foods and drinks (for example, sodas and chocolate) are identified by almost all respondents as bad for their teeth. – Responses are mixed when asked if coffee, juices, wine, sports drinks or beer are bad for teeth. – Similarly, responses are mixed when asked if apples, vegetables, bananas, nuts, or cheese are good for teeth.

• Additionally, relatively few respondents believe that activities such as regularly replacing a toothbrush or using fluoride rinse/having a fluoridated water supply help with oral health.

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Key Findings: Healthcare Coverage National Sample

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Employers and Medicare are where most of these respondents get their healthcare insurance. Employers are the most frequent source of insurance for middle-aged, high income respondents with children, while Medicare is source for older and low income respondents. Coverage differences by age

How do you currently get your health insurance coverage? 32% 13%

41%

Employer

58%

48%

Employer

34%

16%

10%

8%

75%

46%

16%

21% <25

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

Medicare

65+

24%

Medicare

Coverage differences with children 15%

Spouse's employer

Has kids

11%

Medicaid

No kids

35% 0%

9%

Purchased on my own

48%

20%

20%

68%

Employer Spouse's employer

11% 45% 40%

60%

80%

Coverage differences by income 7%

Healthcare exchange

63%

68%

20%

19%

85%

45%

6%

Other

44% 14%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

<$25K

Base: 1,049 National Sample respondents with medical insurance.

Employer* 11%

30% $25K-49K $50K-74K $75K-99K

$100K+

* Includes both respondent’s and spouse’s employer.

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Medicare


Obamacare’s impact on cost is viewed more favorably by younger respondents. Additionally, respondents with a family (married and/or with children) indicate Obamacare has had some kind of impact (either positive or negative) on cost. Cost differences by age

I think that Obamacare has made‌

49%

38% 30%

29%

23%

21%

21%

20%

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

36%

25%

Healthcare more affordable

33%

24%

<25

Affordable

31%

Healthcare more costly

11% 65+

No Impact

Cost differences by family status Has kids

30%

No impact on healthcare

33%

No kids

14%

Don't know

19%

Married

24%

Single

25% 0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

29%

22% 36%

37% 22% 20%

Affordable

40%

35%

Costly

27%

60%

No Impact

Base: 1,049 National Sample respondents with medical insurance.

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17%

36%

40%

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10%

12% 18%

80%

Don't Know

100%


Most respondents say their insurance costs have stayed the same or increased in the past year. Youngest respondents are least likely to indicate they are paying more, while those with families are more likely to have noticed an increase in cost. Cost differences by age

Compared to what you paid last year, do you feel like your health insurance‌

54% 45%

46%

40%

41%

46%

21%

42%

Costs more

9%

<25

33%

11%

35-44

Costs more

8%

Costs less

25-34

34%

39%

5%

9%

55%

42%

5%

45-54

8%

55-64

Costs less

65+

Costs the same

Cost differences by family status Has kids

42%

Costs the same

48%

No kids

38%

Married

8%

Not sure

Single

29%

10%

20%

30%

40%

Costs more

50%

44% 8%

9%

20%

39%

8%

50%

0%

0%

8%

38%

Costs less

60%

Costs the same

Base: 1,049 National Sample respondents with medical insurance.

13

10%

49% 40%

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5%

4%

13% 80%

100%

Don't Know


Though younger respondents and those with families are more likely than others to feel their coverage is more comprehensive, the greatest percentage of respondents in all groups feel their coverage has remained the same. Coverage differences by age

Compared to your coverage last year, is your current health care coverage‌

68%

63%

63%

75%

52% 50% 19%

15%

More comprehensive

21%

<25

10% 7%

25-34

35-44

45-54

More comprehensive

15%

Less comprehensive

11%

27%

55-64

65+

About the same

Coverage differences by family status Has kids

63%

About the same

23%

No kids

9%

Married

7%

Not sure

Single

12%

20%

40%

60%

17%

61%

11%

Less

10% 4%

66% 40%

60%

About the same

Base: 1,049 National Sample respondents with medical insurance.

14

4%

68%

20%

More

80%

57%

13%

18%

0%

0%

16%

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12% 80%

Not sure

100%


Key Findings: Dental Coverage National Sample

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Respondents with dental insurance most frequently get it through either their own or their spouse’s employer. Medicare and Medicaid are sources for groups who are not as likely to have employer coverage (younger, older, and low income respondents). Coverage differences by age

How do you currently get your dental insurance?

83%

49%

Employer

74%

72%

73%

16%

17%

13%

45-54

55-64

44%

70%

44%

26%

11%

24%

21%

Spouse's employer

<25

16% 7%

Medicare

64%

4%

Healthcare exchange

65+

Medicare/Medicaid*

Coverage differences by income

9%

Medicaid

35-44

Employer*

11%

Purchased on my own

25-34

78%

79%

6%

8%

91%

57%

24% 21%

5%

Other 0%

<$25K

20%

40%

$25K-49K

Employer*

60%

6% $50K-74K

$75K-99K

$100K+

Medicare/Medicaid*

* These are combined totals for all employers (employer + spouse’s employer) and all Medicare/Medicaid users.

Base: 747 National Sample respondents with dental insurance.

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Though affordability is the primary reason identified for opting out of dental coverage, few respondents in any group seek out low cost alternatives. Percent who search for low/no cost measures for dental care - by age

If you do not have dental coverage, why not?

46% 31%

58%

Not affordable

Overall

21%

It was not offered

31%

23%

<25

25-34

35-44

19%

17%

15%

45-54

55-64

65+

Percent who search for low/no cost measures for dental care – family status 15%

Not necessary

37% 25%

23%

18%

6%

Other

0%

20%

40%

60%

Overall

80%

Has children

No children

Married

Base: 453 National Sample respondents without dental insurance.

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22%

Single


Groups that are most likely to be familiar with dental savings plans are 25-44 years old, have families, and make at least $50,000+ per year.

How familiar or unfamiliar are you with what a dental savings plan is?

By Family Status 62%

66%

56% 42%

25%

60% 50%

51% 12%

10%

26%

43%

33%

36%

31%

Has kids

No kids

Married

Single

46% 9%

12%

Somewhat familiar

35% 6%

39%

34%

38% 32%

36%

43% 29%

31%

22% <25

25-34

35-44

Somewhat familiar

45-54

55-64

Very familiar

By Income

65+

<$25K

Very familiar

59%

62%

64%

15%

20%

29%

44%

42%

$50K-74K

$75K-99K

13%

9%

Overall

11%

36% 28%

16%

34%

42%

19%

30% $25K-49K

Somewhat familiar

Very familiar

Base: 1,200 National Sample respondents

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35%

$100K+


Key Findings: Results by Insurance Source

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Respondents in both the national and customer samples are more satisfied with their health care coverage when they do not get it through a healthcare exchange.

NATIONAL SAMPLE: Overall satisfaction with health insurance coverage

CUSTOMER SAMPLE: Overall satisfaction with health insurance coverage

65%

59%

44%

43%

30%

37%

35%

37%

5%

5%

5%

6%

National Sample Total (n=1,049)

Healthcare exchange (Obamacare) (n=74)

Other source (n=975)

Customer Sample Total (n=8,433)

Somewhat Satisfied

56%

54%

30%

Total Dissatisfied

84%

82%

81%

80%

28%

Very Satisfied

Total Dissatisfied

29% 16% Healthcare exchange (Obamacare) (n=661) Somewhat Satisfied

Question: Overall, how satisfied are you with your current health insurance coverage?

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28% 6%

Other source (n=7,772)

Very Satisfied


Perceptions of dental coverage are fairly similar regardless of insurance source in the national sample. However, perceptions in the customer sample are much lower among those with insurance through a healthcare exchange. NATIONAL SAMPLE: Overall satisfaction with dental insurance coverage

CUSTOMER SAMPLE: Overall satisfaction with dental insurance coverage

79% 71% 35%

71% 41%

63%

63%

35%

28%

40%

28%

17%

36%

38%

36%

9%

10%

8%

National Sample Total (n=747)

Healthcare exchange (Obamacare) (n=29)

Other source (n=718)

Total Dissatisfied

Somewhat Satisfied

35% 14%

Customer Sample Total (n=3,429)

Very Satisfied

Total Dissatisfied

23% 23% Healthcare exchange (Obamacare) (n=53) Somewhat Satisfied

Question: Overall, how satisfied are you with your current dental insurance coverage?

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35% 14%

Other source (n=3,376)

Very Satisfied


Healthcare exchange users are more likely than others to indicate that their own costs have changed (either positively or negatively). They also have a much more favorable view of the affordability of healthcare under Obamacare. I think that Obamacare has made‌

Compared to what you paid last year, do you feel like your health insurance‌ 57%

Healthcare more affordable

23%

55%

Costs more

41%

28%

Healthcare more costly

32%

Costs less

33%

Costs the same

19% 7%

3%

No impact on healthcare

12%

Don't know

Healthcare exchange

20%

43% 4%

Not sure

12% 0%

22%

40%

60%

8% 0%

Other source

20%

Healthcare exchange

40%

Other source

Base: 1,049 National Sample respondents with health insurance (74 through Healthcare exchanges; 840 through other sources)

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60%


Key Findings: National Sample vs. :DentalPlans Customers

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Respondents in the National Survey are significantly younger than the :DentalPlans customers who responded to this survey. 52%

Please indicate your current age.

23%

19%

19% 11%

7%

24%

5%

6%

25 to 34

35 to 44

15%

17%

1% Under 25

45 to 54

Customer Survey

55 to 64

National Survey

Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

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65+


Customers are especially likely to get health insurance coverage through Medicare, while respondents in the national sample are more likely to get their insurance through an employer.

Do you currently have health insurance? (% Yes) 90%

How do you currently get your health insurance coverage?

87%

52%

41%

24% 19%

18%

15% 11%

9%

7%

11% 8% 7%

6%

2%

Customer Survey National Survey Customer Survey

Employer

Medicare

National Survey

Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national

Spouse's employer

Medicaid

Customer Survey

Purchased Healthcare on my own exchange

Other

National Survey

Base: 8,433 customers and 1,049 national who currently have health insurance

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Most customers purchase their own dental insurance, while the majority of national sample respondents get their insurance through either their employer or their spouse’s employer.

Do you currently have dental insurance? (% Yes)

How do you currently get your dental insurance coverage? 77%

62% 49%

36% 21% 11%

9% 3%

Customer Survey National Survey Customer Survey

Employer

3%

1%

Spouse's Purchased Medicaid employer on my own

National Survey

Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national

9%

Customer Survey

7% 2%

4%

Medicare Healthcare exchange

8%

Other

National Survey

Base: 7,772 customers and 747 national who currently have dental insurance

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5%


On average, :DentalPlans customers pay almost twice as much as respondents in the national sample pay for dental care. How much did you pay overall for your dental care last year? (open-ended question) 30%

Survey Version 23%

Customer

$1,243

National

$672

18%

18%

17%

15%

14%

15%

13% 9%

11% 8%

4%

< $100

$100 - $249

$250 - $499

Average

$500 - $999

Customer

$1,000 - $1,499 $1,500 - $2,499

National

Base: 2,154 customers and 383 national survey respondents.

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6%

$2500+


:DentalPlans customers are significantly more likely to see a dentist regularly. In both groups, however, those who don’t visit a dentist regularly, cite cost as the primary reason. For the national sample, lack of insurance is also a key reason, as well. Do you currently have a dentist that you see regularly? (% Yes) 88%

Why don’t you see a dentist regularly? 53% 46% 37%

63% 23% 19% 11%

11% 7%

Too expensive

Customer Survey National Survey Customer Survey

National Survey

Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national

No insurance

9% 9%

It's unnecessary No affordable Can't find one I to see one dentists close to like regularly me

Customer Survey

National Survey

Base: 1,173 customers and 443 national who don’t see a dentist regularly

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Both groups are similarly likely to get regular cleanings and check-ups, but the national respondents are significantly less likely to get regular X-rays.

Which of the following ADA-recommended annual procedures have you had in the past year? 83%

76%

80%

80%

76%

63%

5% Regular cleanings

Regular check-ups

X-rays

Customer Survey

None of the above

National Survey

Base: 8,237 customers and 757 national respondents who see dentists regularly.

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6%

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About 85% of :DentalPlans customers have visited a dentist within the past six months compared to only 55% of national respondents. When was the last time you went to the dentist? 49% 38% 26%

24% 14%

12%

8%

3% Within the past week

Within the past month

2 to 6 months

12%

7 to 12 months

Customer Survey

7%

6%

1%

More than a year Don't remember ago

National Survey

Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

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Few respondents in either group have had cosmetic procedures in the past year. Fillings and crowns are the most common non-routine procedures, especially among customers. Which of the following have you had in the past year? Cosmetic procedures 84% 54%

73%

Non-routine procedures 48%

52% 27%

Fillings

Crowns

37% 26%

18%

Root Canal

22% 11%

19%

6%

Bridges

6% No nonroutine procedures

Customer Survey

Teeth whitening

8% 8%

2% 4%

2% 3%

Dental implants

Braces

Veneers

National Survey

Base: 8,237 customers and 757 national respondents who see dentists regularly.

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No cosmetic procedures


:DentalPlans customers are much less likely to switch dentists for any reason. However, affordability is just as large a concern for customers as it is for the national sample. Which of the following, if any, would make you switch dentists. 52% 37%

34% 28% 27% 21%

26%

22%

20% 12%

12% 6%

Better quality dentistry

Found a more affordable dentist

Covered by my Closer to home insurance or work

Customer Survey

Gentler on teeth/mouth

5%

6%

Referral

3%

1%

Other

National Survey

Question: Which of the following, if any, would make you switch dentists? Base: 8,237 customers and 757 national respondents who visit a dentist regularly

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None of these would not switch dentists


Customers are significantly more likely to believe that flossing daily and seeing the dentist twice a year are important for good oral hygiene.

Besides brushing your teeth, what other things do you believe help you with good oral hygiene?

59%

66%

69% 65%

80%

78% 64%

57%

50% 53%

51% 46% 23%

28%

30%

24% 6% 2%

Using mouthwash

Drinking water, keeping hydrated

Flossing daily Seeing the Replacing Eating plenty dentist twice toothbrush of fruits and a year often vegetables

Customer Survey

Using fluoride rince

Having access to a fluoridated water supply

National Survey

Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

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Other


:DentalPlans customers start brushing their children’s teeth at an earlier age. About 55% of customers started brushing their child’s teeth before they were a year old, compared to only 41% of national respondents. At what age did your child start brushing their teeth? 34% 28% 21%

21%

23% 17%

13%

11%

8% 4%

6 months or younger

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old

4 years old

Customer Survey

2%

4%

5 years old

2%

4%

Over 5 years old

National Survey

Base: 1,867 customers and 500 national respondents with children

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6%

4%

N/A


Almost one third of customers indicate that they do not need to encourage their children to brush their teeth, compared to only 19% of national respondents.

How do you encourage your children to brush their teeth? 50%

56%

32%

28% 21%

19% 19%

19%

14% 5%

4% Model good behavior

Use a fun/electric toothbrush

Nag

Rewards

11%

Use a timer

Customer Survey

1%

3%

Punishment

6%

3%

Other

National Survey

Base: 1,867 customers and 500 national respondents with children

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None of the above


All respondents realize that sodas and coffee are bad for teeth. However, they less sure how other drinks impact oral hygiene.

Which of the following drinks, if any, do you think are bad for your teeth? 87%

82%

76%

66% 54%

50%

40%

44%

47%

40%

34%

23% 4% Sodas

Coffee

Juices

Wine

Customer Survey

Sports Drinks

Beer

National Survey

Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

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5%

None of these


Most respondents think apples and veggies are good for teeth. Again, however, they are not as sure about the positive impact of other snacks.

Which of the following snacks, if any, do you think are good for your teeth? 74% 65%

68%

64%

36%

42%

31% 29%

25% 24% 5%

Apples

Vegetables

Bananas

Nuts

Cheese

Customer Survey

9%

Chocolate

9% 3% 1% Other

National Survey

Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

37

14%

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None of these


Demographics Gender

Customer

National

Male

44%

50%

Female

56%

50%

Customer

National

Under $25,000

15%

19%

$25,000 - $49,000

31%

25%

$50,000 - $74,000

25%

22%

$75,000 - $99,000

14%

16%

$100,000 or more

14%

18%

Customer

National

Some high school

1%

2%

High school degree

13%

17%

Some college

31%

33%

Bachelor’s degree

23%

29%

Some post-graduate work

7%

5%

Post-graduate degree

19%

15%

Prefer not to respond

6%

0%

Household income

Education

Race

Customer

National

White/Caucasian

92%

62%

Black/African American

2%

17%

Hispanic

2%

13%

Asian/Pacific Islander

2%

4%

Bi-racial

1%

3%

Indian

1%

1%

Middle Eastern

0%

0%

Customer

National

18 to 24

1%

7%

25 to 34

5%

19%

35 to 44

6%

19%

45 to 54

11%

23%

55 to 64

24%

15%

65 or older

52%

17%

Age

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Demographics # of Children living at home

Customer

National

None

80%

58%

1

10%

16%

2

6%

15%

3

2%

7%

4 or more

1%

3%

Ages of children at home

Relationship Status

Customer

National

Single

35%

41%

Married/Partnered

65%

59%

Customer

National

New England

17%

17%

Mountain

16%

17%

Mid-Atlantic

19%

17%

Region

Customer

National

Under 12 months

4%

4%

Midwest

13%

16%

1-2 years

7%

13%

South

25%

17%

3-5 years

10%

23%

Pacific

10%

17%

6-10 years

20%

42%

11-15 years

26%

39%

16-20 years

28%

24%

Over 20 years

43%

15%

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Appendix: Other Detailed Results

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The national sample was evenly balanced (purposefully) but the customer sample had a disproportionate number of respondents from the South.

25%

19% 17%

17%

16%

17%

17%

16%

17%

17%

13% 10%

New England

Mountain

Mid-Atlantic

Midwest

Customer Survey

South

National Survey

Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

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Pacific


:DentalPlans customers were significantly more likely not to have children living at home. Are you‌

65%

35%

How many children, if any, do you have currently living at home with you?

59%

80% 58%

41%

10% Single

Married/Partnered

Customer Survey

None

16%

1

National Survey

15%

6%

7%

2% 2

Customer Survey

3

National Survey

Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

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1% 3% 4 or more


Not surprisingly, since the :DentalPlans respondents were older in age, those with children were significantly more likely to have children over 20 years old. 43%

42% 39%

26% 23%

28% 24%

20% 15%

13% 10% 4%

4%

Under 12 months

7%

1-2 years

3-5 years

6-10 years

Customer Survey

11-15 years

16-20 years

National Survey

Question: What are the ages of your children? Base: 1,865 customers and 499 national respondents who have children living at home.

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Over 20 years old


Respondents in both samples had varying views about the impact of Obamacare on healthcare costs. The biggest difference, however, was that that national sample was significantly more likely to think Obamacare had made healthcare more affordable. Based on your personal experience, which of the following statements is TRUE when it comes to the Affordable Healthcare Act?

36%

32%

31%

30%

25%

21% 14%

12%

Obamacare has made my healthcare more affordable.

Obamacare has made my healthcare more costly.

Obamacare hasn't made any impact on my healthcare

Customer Survey

Don't know/not sure

National Survey

Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

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People in both samples believe their health insurance costs have either stayed the same or gone up.

Compared to what you paid last year, do you feel like your health insurance‌ 46%

42% 38%

10%

Costs more

42%

8%

6%

Costs less

Costs the same

Customer Survey

Not sure

National Survey

Base: 8,435 customers and 1,049 national respondents who currently have insurance

45

8%

888.632.5353


Comprehensiveness of coverage, however, has stayed the same, according to most people.

Compared to what you paid last year, do you feel like your health insurance‌ 71% 63%

9%

15%

More comprehensive

15%

15% 5%

Less comprehensive

About the same

Customer Survey

Not sure

National Survey

Base: 8,435 customers and 1,049 national respondents who currently have insurance

46

7%

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Although affordability is the main reason respondents in either sample opt out of dental coverage, less than a quarter of them search for low or no-cost measures.

Do you search online for free clinics or other low/no-cost measures for dental care? (% Yes)

If you do not have dental coverage why not? 57% 58%

22% 21%

15% 6%

Not affordable

It was not offered Customer Survey

Not necessary

24%

23%

Customer Survey

National Survey

16% 6% Other

National Survey

Customer Survey

National Survey

Base: 5,981 customers and 453 national respondents who do not have dental coverage

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Half of all national respondents have no idea what a dental savings plan is. Even those who are familiar with the concept don’t often recognize the companies who provide dental savings plans.

How familiar or unfamiliar are you with what a dental savings plan is? (National Survey Only)

79% 77%

16% 50% 34%

Very familiar

Somewhat familiar

17%

13%

Dental :Dental Plans* Insurance.com

5%

9%

1Dental

Customer Survey

Not at all familiar Base: 1,200 national respondents

10%

8% 1% Brighter.com None of these

National Survey

Base: 9,510 customers and 1,200 national respondents * This answer choice appeared only on the National Survey.

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Respondents conversations with dentists revolve mainly around cleanings and oral exams, and to a lesser extent about product recommendations or treatment options.

70%

65%

30% 32%

32% 25% 10% 12%

19% 5%

9%

Cleanings and oral Which oral I ask my dentist Cosmetic TMJ pain or exams hygiene products for advice about improvements for headaches, other they recommend treatment options me related problems

Customer Survey

8%

9%

New dental technology

National Survey

Question: Which of the following have you discussed with your dentist? Base: 8,237 customers and 757 national respondents who visit a dentist regularly

49

22%

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None of these


Both customers and national respondents are most likely to indicate they brush twice a day and take 1-2 minutes to brush each time. How many times per day do you brush your teeth? Customer Survey

22%

64%

14%

<1%

National Survey

28%

59%

11%

2% 0%

10%

20%

0 times

30%

40%

1 time

2 times

50%

60%

70%

3 or more times

80%

90%

100%

Ho long do you brush your teeth each time?

Customer Survey

7%

National Survey

7% 0%

69%

21%

56% 10%

Less than 1 minute

20%

30%

1-2 minutes

31% 40%

50

50%

3-4 minutes

60%

70%

80%

5 minutes or longer

888.632.5353

2%

6% 90%

100%


Not surprisingly, morning and evening are the main times people brush their teeth. Very few do it in between these times.

89%

87%

81%

7% Morning

8%

Noon

72%

9%

8%

Afternoon Customer Survey

5% Evening

Every time I eat something

National Survey

Question: At what time(s) during the day do you normally brush your teeth? Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

51

4%

888.632.5353


The main reason people might brush in between their normal routine times was when food got stuck in their teeth after a meal. The national group was also more likely to brush before a date – probably because this sample trends younger than :DentalPlans customers.

79%

71% 46% 32% 21%

23% 13%

21% 4%

After eating foods that get stuck in my teeth

Before a date

Prior to giving a speech or presentation Customer Survey

After drinking coffee

6%

Before I work out at the gym

National Survey

Question: What other reasons might cause you to brush your teeth outside your normal brushing times? Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

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13%

10%

Other


Four out of 10 people change their toothbrush out every three to four months.

42% 42%

29% 22%

20%

15% 8%

Every 3-4 months

Every couple of months

When the bristles become frayed

5%

4% 3%

When I get a Once a year new one from the dentist

Customer Survey

0% 3%

1% 1%

2% 2%

I don't

I replace it after an illness

Don't remember

National Survey

Question: How often do you replace your tooth brush? Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

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Most respondents keep their toothbrushes out on the sink in a container or in a cup.

46%

48%

19%

22% 11%

In a container on the sink

In a cup

14%

13%

10%

7%

In a drawer

With other toothbrushes

Customer Survey

13%

In a plastic sleeve

National Survey

Question: Where do you store your toothbrush? Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

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18% 9%

Other


:DentalPlans customers are significantly more likely to floss once a day than the national group.

61% 47% 33% 19%

15%

15%

5% 0

1

2

Customer Survey

3 or more

National Survey

Question: How many times, if at all, do you floss each day? Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

55

6%

888.632.5353


Most respondents first sent their children to the dentist at age 2 or 3.

Has your child seen a dentist? (% Yes) 89%

How old was your child at his/her first dental checkup? 25%

84%

23%

24%

25%

17%

17% 12%

Customer Survey National Survey Customer Survey

1 year or younger

12%

2 years old

National Survey

Base: 1,869 customers and 500 national

3 years old

Customer Survey

10%

4 years old

11%

13% 12%

5 years old Over 5 years old

National Survey

Base: 1,663 customers and 422 national whose children have seen a dentist

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Most people responding to the survey had sent their child to the dentist within the past 6 months or more recently.

When was your child’s last checkup? 59% 47%

18% 5%

16%

13%

6%

Within the past week

Within the past month

2-6 months

12%

7-12 months

Customer Survey

8%

4%

More than 1 year ago

National Survey

Base: 1,663 customers and 422 national whose children have seen a dentist

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9%

3%

Don't remember


Those who hadn’t sent a child to the dentist yet mainly had not done so because the child wasn’t old enough yet, or for financial reasons such as no insurance or money to cover the visit. Why hasn’t your child seen a dentist? 35% 31%

30% 27% 23%

21% 17% 13%

13% 4% Child is too young/not enough teeth yet

No insurance

Too expensive

2%

It's unnecessary to see one regularly

Customer Survey

5%

Can't find one I like

2%

4%

No affordable dentists close to me

National Survey

Base: 206 customers and 78 national respondents whose children HAVE NOT seen a dentist

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Other


Children from either group floss either daily or just occasionally. Most teens brush without being told.

How often does your child floss?

35% 38% 20%

86%

84%

Customer Survey

National Survey

35% 25%

23% 10%

Never

Do your teens brush without being told? (% Yes)

Daily Customer Survey

14%

Weekly

Just occasionally

National Survey

Base: 1,867 customers and 500 national respondents with children

59

Base: 1,106 customers and 148 national with teens

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•

Respondents in the national sample are significantly more comfortable making online purchases than :DentalPlans customers. –

This may result from the fact that the :DentalPlans group was older and often older respondents are less trusting about shopping online.

How comfortable do you feel about making purchases online?

64% Customer Survey

36%

23%

41%

77% National Survey

22%

0%

10%

Uncomfortable (0-6)

27%

20%

30%

40%

50%

50%

Somewhat comfortable (7-8)

60

60%

70%

80%

90%

Very comfortable (9-10)

888.632.5353

100%


About one third of each sample never makes online purchases via tablet or mobile device. Only 21% of customers and 27% of the national respondents make frequent purchases. How often, if at all, do you make online purchases through your mobile device or tablet? 34% 26%

24%

19%

19% 16%

14% 7%

33%

8%

All the time

Often

Occasionally Customer Survey

Rarely

Never

National Survey

Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

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Approximately three-quarters of both groups place at least some importance on online reviews when purchasing something. How important to you are online reviews when making a purchase?

31%

34%

73%

76% 42%

44%

19%

15% 7%

9%

Customer Survey

National Survey

Not at all important

Slightly important

Moderately important

Extremely important

Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

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Facebook is by far the most frequently accessed social media platform via mobile phone. :DentalPlans customers, however, are more likely than the national group to not access any social media via mobile phone. Which of the following social media applications, if any, do you access on your mobile phone. 55%

49% 39%

36% 22%

7% Facebook

Twitter

18%

8%

11% 13%

10%

13%

2%

Instagram

LinkedIn

Customer Survey

Pinterest

2%

Other

National Survey

Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

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None of these


Search engines and key word searches are by far the most frequently used method for finding health or dental information online. When looking online for information on health or dental related issues, where do you find the information you need? 83% 70%

29% 32% 17%

22%

11%

Search engine key Friends or family Insurance websites word searches

16%

News sites

Customer Survey

11% 13% Articles from industry journals

3%

7%

Blogs

National Survey

Base: 9,410 customers and 1,200 national respondents

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5%

7%

Other


Want to know more about dental savings plans? Please contact us for more information. Join a Plan

Media Inquiries

:DP AtYourService™ Team

Melissa Watkins

:DentalPlans’ Customer Care

Public Relations Counsel

866.763.5221

804.402.5316

www.dentalplans.com

PR@DentalPlans.com

*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%.

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