West Virginia ranks 49th out of 51 states and D.C. for dental health. Families and employers pay premiums every month, but too often, those dollars don’t reach patient care. We believe that has to change.
What We Stand For
Dentists care about their patients and oppose any unfair practices like padding insurers’ bottom lines that limit patients’ access to the quality care they need.
More Transparency
People deserve to know how their dental premiums are being spent. In West Virginia, dental benefit managers are required to report certain financial data, but Dental Loss Ratio (DLR) figures are buried in lengthy, poorly labeled reports that are difficult for the public to find or understand. Patients, families, and employers are left in the dark. Clear and accessible reporting standards would help everyone see whether coverage is working the way it should.
More Accountability
Health insurance companies already have rules that require most premium dollars to pay for treatment and care. Dental benefit managers should meet the same standard. When patients pay into a plan every month, they deserve the peace of mind that their money is going to support their health, not just profits and overhead.
More Value for Patients
Dental care is essential to staying healthy, working, and supporting a family. When dental benefit managers do not spend enough on patient care, people end up paying more out of pocket or delaying treatment. A Dental Loss Ratio law will make sure more of every premium dollar goes to cleanings, fillings, and preventive care so patients get the value they pay for.
Why It Matters
- 49th out of 51 states for dental health (WalletHub 2025)
- Some of the highest rates of tooth loss and untreated decay
- Only 48.7 dentists per 100,000 residents, compared to over 60 nationwide
These gaps mean patients often pay more out of pocket, wait longer, and still struggle to get care, even when they have coverage.
Unfortunately, West Virginia dental benefit managers are making this problem worse. Dental insurance plans in our state are not required to spend any specific amount of your premium on actual dental care. As much as 40% of premium dollars are instead spent on executive salaries, corporate profits, bonuses, and administrative costs, not on patient treatment. While compensation and profits continue to rise for dental insurance executives, patients are left with insufficient coverage and higher costs.
This lack of accountability forces many patients to delay or skip the care they need to stay healthy.
Our Solution
West Virginia lawmakers can stand up for patients by passing a Dental Loss Ratio law. This law would require:
At least 85 percent of dental premiums should go toward patient care.
If a dental benefit manager fails to meet these targets, it must refund the difference to patients.
With dental health outcomes among the worst in the nation and costs rising every year, the time to act is now. Every month without this law means more money goes to overhead and profits instead of care.
Take Action Now for Better Dental Benefits
- Learn About Our Work
- Share Your Dental Insurance Story
- Contact Your Lawmakers and Urge Them to Pass More for Your Smile
Act Now
About More for Your Smile West Virginia
More for Your Smile West Virginia is a patient-focused campaign to make dental coverage fairer, clearer, and more accountable. This effort is led by the West Virginia Dental Association, a non-profit organization working to improve and protect the health of the public. WVDA is dedicated to enhancing the patient experience, breaking down barriers that keep people from getting proper oral health care, and supporting policies that put patients first.
By joining together, we can strengthen our profession, improve community health, and help every West Virginian get more value and better care. More for Your Smile is about making sure dental coverage works for you, because everyone deserves a healthy smile they can count on.