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Most companies are running leaner than they did just a few years ago. While companies are faced with doing more with less, employee expectations haven't changed much, particularly when it comes to dental benefits.
A survey released in May 2002 by market researchers Taylor Nelson/Sofres Intersearch assessed attitudes regarding dental benefits. Nearly 80 percent of respondents felt it is "very important" or "somewhat important" to have dental insurance provided by a prospective employer. Most did not view rising medical costs as a plausible reason for cutting dental benefits.
These results echoed earlier studies on the popularity of dental benefits. A 1999 LIMRA International study found that dental coverage is the second-most popular benefit in compensation packages, next only to medical insurance.
Employee expectations and bottom-line considerations are not always compatible. Although dental benefits play a role in helping attract qualified workers and managing overall healthcare costs, many companies have had to scrutinize every piece of their compensation and benefits packages, dental included.
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