Everything You Need to Know About Dental Insurance Deductibles

Dental insurance is a great investment because it allows you to keep your teeth and gums healthy for minimal out-of-pocket costs. Your premiums give you access to a nationwide network of dental professionals, allowing you to benefit from reduced rates for the services you need to achieve optimal oral health. However, dental insurance can be confusing, especially when it comes to your deductible. Here’s what you need to know to maximize your dental insurance.

How Dental Insurance Works

Dental insurance focuses on prevention to stop common oral health issues to prevent needing costly dental work down the road. Researchers have found that $1 of preventive care can save up to $50 on emergency and restorative fees. In addition to preventive coverage, your insurance will also pay some of the expenses for medically necessary services. Although every policy differs, most include:

• 100% of preventive dental care
• 80% of basic dental care
• 50% of major dental services

What is an Annual Deductible?

You have an annual deductible that must be met before your insurance will cover all of your dental expenses. Depending on your plan, you may have a:

• Individual Annual Deductible
• Family Annual Deductible

A co-pay allows you to visit your dentist for cleanings and checkups, but if you require any dental work, you’ll be required to pay toward your deductible. 

If a treatment costs $250, you will need to pay some of your deductible before your insurance will pay 50% to 80% of the restorative treatment. Your deductible will go towards the overall cost of the procedure. After your insurance pays their portion of the treatment, you’ll be responsible for the remaining 20% to 50% of the cost not covered by your benefits.

You are given a yearly allowance to use towards the cost of medically necessary services, like fillings, root canals, and dentures. Your insurance will continue to pay for your treatments until reaching your yearly limit.

Your Deductible Resets

At the end of the year, your dental benefits reset, including your deductible. You will not be reimbursed for any unused benefits. Any amount you’ve paid toward your deductible will not be applied to your deductible for the new year. 

With less than 3% of Americans meeting or exceeding their annual limits, billions of dollars are lost in unused dental benefits every year. You can ensure you’re making the most of what you’ve paid for by meeting your deductible.

Your dentist will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage to keep a healthy smile within your budget.

About Dr. Steven Kendrick

Dr. Kendrick achieved his dental degree at the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry and has continued his education in many specialties, including dental implants, CEREC, and general dentistry. He accepts many dental insurance plans to keep a healthy smile affordable. His office also offers many flexible payment options. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (405) 732-0431.