Our Story
All great movements start with a big problem. Our problem was really big, silent epidemic big.
In 2000, U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher declared poor oral health “a silent epidemic,” largely because it was so pervasive, and the impacts were so broad.
In the 20-plus years since, thousands of research studies have explored the complex ecosystem of bacteria that lives in the mouth.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 1 in 4 U.S. adults have untreated health decay. Nearly half (46%) of all adults 30 and older show signs of gum disease.
“People with gum disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event,” according to Harvard Health. The Mayo Clinic concluded, “Gum disease can cause significant, increased complications with respiratory diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and more.”
And if that’s not enough, a recent analysis by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) concluded that untreated gum disease is associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
For 150 years, it’s been our Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA), mission to help dentists help more people get the oral health care they need and want.
One day, we pondered a basic question: “Why do nearly 90% of U.S. adults believe good oral health is connected to good overall health, but only 50% go to the dentist regularly?”
We found three main reasons people stay away from the dental office – inconvenience, cost and fear. And we uncovered one key insight: If we remove two of these obstacles (inconvenience and cost), more than 80% of the people avoiding the dentist now would be significantly more likely to go.
Our team went to work to find a better way to help dentists help more people achieve better oral health and smile a little easier. That better way is the WDA Dental Savings Club.
For just $4 per month, WDA Dental Savings Club members get access to more transparent, convenient and affordable dental care.
Members get more transparency with prices based on data from FAIR Health, a national, independent, not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to bring transparency to healthcare costs and health insurance information. They get a more convenient experience with an easy-to-use app to find dentists, plus easy-to-request appointments, easy-to-understand bills and easy-to-succeed payment plans.
Most importantly, WDA Dental Savings Club members get more affordable dental care, with savings up to 55% and even special dental care bundles at participating dental offices.
The WDA Dental Savings Club is a better way for more people to achieve better oral health and smile easier. That’s our passion and mission. This is our story.
