Dental insurance is known for its complexities and challenges. Its verbiage can be difficult to navigate for most individuals, and attempting to compare plans can leave a person more confused than ever. However, investing in this type of safety net is crucial should you require invasive, complex, and expensive dental care at any point. If you have yet to purchase a plan, it’s important not to jump on the first one you see. Instead, consider these 3 factors before you decide to buy.
Preventive Care is Likely to Be Covered
When looking at the different dental insurance plans on the market, one thing you will notice is that most companies offer 80-100% coverage for preventive care. This is good news since you are encouraged to visit your dentist twice a year for dental checkups and cleanings.
Apart from these visits, X-rays, fluoride treatment, and other similar services can be considered under the umbrella of preventive care. This means that you will likely pay little or nothing at all to simply maintain your smile year-round.
When reviewing the plan, make sure you understand exactly how much you can expect to pay for these services, as they are designed to minimize your need for costlier and more extensive care down the road.
Some Dental Plans Include Waiting Periods
Although it may not make sense, some dental insurance companies incorporate waiting periods as part of their plans. They may not be required for all services; however, for more extensive ones, like dental crowns, tooth extractions, or root canal treatment, you may be required to wait a few months or an entire year before your insurance company will agree to pay their portion.
The reason for waiting periods is to prevent individuals from purchasing a plan that can be used to pay for multiple dental procedures, only to cancel it once the claim is processed. Most dental plans require at least a one-year commitment.
Dental Insurance is Unlikely to Cover Non-Medical Treatments
If you want to purchase dental insurance to cover the cost of your cosmetic dental procedure or orthodontia, slow down. Most companies do not offer coverage for veneers, teeth whitening, or other similar services, as they are viewed as “non-medical treatments.” Since they don’t contribute to the improvement of your oral health (according to insurance companies), you’ll be required to seek alternative payment solutions.
Also, when it comes to braces, some plans do include orthodontic coverage, but you’ll need to read the fine print to determine if there are any stipulations or exclusions you should know about (i.e., age limit or maximum amount applied toward orthodontia). It may be necessary to purchase an additional plan solely for orthodontics if you or a member of your family will need braces in the future.
Choosing the right dental insurance plan can save you thousands of dollars each year in oral healthcare treatment, so make sure to do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way.
About the Author
Dr. Steven Kendrick is a Midwest City Dental specialist who completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry. Leading a team of qualified staff and professionals, he was recognized in Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 under 40 after opening his dental office in 2001. Offering affordable services for any budget, he is pleased to be in-network with multiple dental insurance plans, and our team will maximize all available benefits to ensure the greatest savings. If you want to know how to best use your plan, contact us at (405) 732-0431.