Did you know that your oral and overall well-being are closely connected? Healthy teeth and gums are more important than ever before, but they don’t happen by chance. Brushing and flossing aren’t enough to keep your mouth healthy. The American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. Dental insurance is an investment in reduced rates for the services you need for optimal oral health. It’s open enrollment time, but you don’t want to just pick any dental plan. Here are 5 important things to consider when choosing dental insurance.
1. Premiums, Deductibles, and Limits
You’ll pay monthly premiums for your policy, which gives you access to a nationwide network of dental professionals. In addition to preventive care, your dental insurance will pay some of the expenses for medically necessary treatments after you meet your annual deductible. The amount that must be paid varies, depending on the insurer and your policy. Your insurance will pay some of the expenses until you reach your yearly limit.
2. Services Covered By the Dental Plan
Most dental plans follow the same breakdown of services:
- 100% of preventive services are covered.
- 80% of minor restorative procedures are covered.
- 50% of major restorative procedures are covered.
Not all policies cover specialty services, like orthodontics. Consider your personal needs when choosing a plan.
3. Waiting Periods
Dental insurance can save you a lot of money when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy. However, some dental insurance companies have waiting periods for new policyholders. Often, preventive services are covered within 30 days, but other services may not be covered for 3 months or longer.
4. Dental Insurance Expires
Dental insurance doesn’t last forever. Dental benefits expire at the end of the calendar year. You aren’t reimbursed for your premiums, even if you never visit a dentist. Your deductible isn’t refundable and your annual allowance won’t carry over.
5. Dentists Near You
Look for dentists in your area that accept the plan you’re considering. Your dental insurance will recommend choosing a dentist in their network to benefit from more coverage at the time of services. You can visit any dentist that accepts your insurance plan, even if they are out-of-network. You can still use your insurance, but you’ll be responsible for the difference between your policy’s allowable amount and the dentist’s fees.
Dental insurance is a great investment. You can visit your dentist regularly to achieve excellent oral health to support your well-being. You’ll keep your mouth and body healthy while also reducing your overall dental expenses. You can’t put a price on the benefits you’ll gain with a healthy, confident smile.
About Dr. Wael M. Kassem
Dr. Kassem achieved his dental degree at Temple University and has regularly continued his training to provide the most up-to-date services, like dental implants and cosmetic dentistry. He accepts many dental insurance plans to keep a healthy smile affordable. Dr. Kassem is a member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or call (856) 341-9472.
