South Jordan, Utah-based Merit Medical, a disposable medical device manufacturer, opened a permanent on-site dental clinic for employees and their families, according to Deseret News.
Fred Lampropoulos, Merit chairman and CEO, told Deseret News that it's important employees and families have dental care, something he grew up without access to. With mental health advisers, a medical clinic and pharmacy already on-site, the dental clinic became the newest edition when it opened in May 2019.
The Merit dental clinic is staffed with two part-time dentists and three hygienists. Since opening, the clinic has served 1,136 patients and provided over $340,000 in benefits. Employees don't have to pay anything and get up to $3,000 in care per person every year.
Employees' dental emergencies cost companies about $45 billion in productivity each year, the CDC estimates. On-site clinics could make dental care more convenient and affordable for employees.
The service has helped Merit Medical attract talent and maintain a stable employee base, Deseret News reports.