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    93% of Americans plan to visit the dentist in 2021

    This World Oral Health Day, Delta Dental applauds the efforts of Americans for making oral health a priority 
     

    For media inquiries, contact media@deltadentalma.com

    BOSTON - March 18, 2021 — In recognition of World Oral Health Day on Saturday, March 20,  Delta Dental published new survey findings on American's oral health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic:  

     
    • 90% believe that during the pandemic, maintaining oral health is essential to protecting their overall health 
    • 72% are paying closer attention to their oral care habits at home as a result of COVID-19 
    • 93% plan to visit the dentist in 2021 
     
    "The findings show that people are focused on their oral health and recognize the integral role it plays in their overall health. With so many reporting that they plan to visit the dentist in 2021 and high levels of commitment to oral health habits at home, we are optimistic this will contribute to continued improved overall health in Massachusetts and across the country," said Dennis Leonard, president & CEO, Delta Dental of Massachusetts. "Delta Dental applauds these efforts to make oral health a priority amid the pandemic." 
     
     
    Delta Dental recognizes the tremendous efforts of our dentists and the entire oral health community to safeguard access to oral health care services and has taken action through a collective commitment of $1.1 billion by the Delta Dental member companies to support COVID-19 relief. In Massachusetts alone, Delta Dental dedicated $40 million to helping support the oral health system with programs for providers, employers, members and the community at large.  
      
    For more information on Delta Dental’s national response to supporting oral health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit this Delta Dental COVID-19 resource.  
     
     
    About the survey 
    Delta Dental's Oral Health & Wellness Survey was conducted Dec. 28, 2020, through Jan. 8, 2021, among a nationally representative sample of 1,000+ Americans ages 18+, with a margin of error of +/- 3%. 

    About Delta Dental of Massachusetts
    Delta Dental of Massachusetts (www.deltadentalma.com), the largest provider of dental benefits in the state, is a leader in innovative programs that improve the overall health of members, prevent oral disease and reduce health care costs for employers, groups and individuals. Headquartered in Charlestown, Mass., Delta Dental of Massachusetts, a member of the Delta Dental Plans Association (www.deltadental.com), covers more than 2 million people. Follow us on Twitter (@DeltaDentalofMA), Facebook (www.facebook.com/DeltaDentalMA), and Instagram (@deltadentalofma) and check out the monthly oral health calendar at www.keepahealthysmile.com

    About Delta Dental Plans Association 
    Delta Dental Plans Association, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, is the not-for-profit national association of the 39 independent Delta Dental companies. Through these companies, Delta Dental is the nation's largest dental insurance provider, covering more than 80 million Americans and offering the country's largest dental network with approximately 156,000 participating dentists. In 2019, Delta Dental companies provided $76 million in direct and in-kind community outreach support to improve the oral health of adults, children, and infants in local communities across the country. Visit deltadental.com for additional information on dental plans and more. Follow Delta Dental on Twitter @DeltaDental and Facebook: Delta Dental Plans Association.