Is Dental Health Insurance Right For You?

Even if you take excellent care of your teeth, accidents are bound to happen and when they do, it doesn’t matter how many times a day you floss or what toothpaste you brush with.

So, what exactly does dental insurance cover? A dental insurance plan typically covers your visits to the dentist and your dental care. Basic dental insurance plans usually cover a maximum of $1,000 - $1,500 annually for dental services. This is usually enough dental insurance to cover preventative procedures like regular cleanings, x-rays - anything involved in regular check-ups. Any kind of procedures above the basics, like fillings, root canals and crowns depends on the kind of dental insurance you have, and how much you pay for your dental insurance.

The standard dental insurance plan works like any other type of insurance plan; you pay a weekly or monthly premium to a dental insurance company and in return, a certain percentage of your dental expenses are paid for by that dental insurance company.

KEEP IN MIND: Some dental insurance companies require that YOU pay at the dentist’s office and then file for reimbursement. Read your dental insurance policy carefully so you can be prepared to pay at the office if your dental insurance requires it.

Often, employers will offer dental insurance as an option in their benefit package. Or you may be self-employed or seeking dental insurance independently of your workplace. Regardless, there are four questions you should know the answers to when choosing dental insurance:

1. Will my dental insurance plan allow me to choose my own dentist? Some dental insurance plans will only cover visits to certain dentists, so if you already trust a dentist, that preference should be factored into your dental insurance decision.
2. Will my dental insurance plan allow me to choose the best treatment? Certain dental insurance plans will only cover the cheapest treatment for your pearly whites. Consider this dental insurance restriction carefully.
3. Will my dental insurance plan restrict when I make my appointments? Some dentist’s offices limit the appointment times for certain dental insurance customers. If your schedule is incredibly flexible, this dental insurance restriction may not be a problem, but if not, find out whether your dentist limits your dental insurance company or not.
4. How much will I have to pay for my dental insurance? That really depends on the dental insurance plan and who is covered under it. But typically, no matter how much you pay for your dental insurance, it will be cheaper than if you didn’t have it at all. And, in some cases, your dental insurance premiums may be tax deductible!

If you have young children, you probably don’t need to pay for orthodontic coverage in your dental insurance policy. But, once those little babies turn into awkward teenagers with crooked teeth, you may want to add orthodontia to your dental insurance plan! You should always keep yourself informed about what you dental insurance does and doesn’t cover - and you can always modify your dental insurance policy (though that may add cost) according to your personal and familial needs!

Staff Contribution: Anna Neiger

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