3 Things Everyone Should Know About Dental Insurance

At its core, dental insurance is a pretty straightforward concept; you pay a regular fee in exchange for a financial “safety net” that grants access to a certain amount of coverage for dental care. But whether you already have dental insurance, or you’re in the market for a new plan, it’s always important to have a thorough understanding of how these plans function and benefit your smile. To save yourself from any potential confusion, here are three key things to keep in mind concerning dental insurance.

Every Provider Is Different

It’s important to note that every insurance provider has their own differing plans and varying prices, meaning that if you’re shopping for insurance, you have a lot of different things to consider. For example, the majority of plans have specific waiting periods that might require you to hold off on undergoing certain procedures (this often doesn’t apply to checkups and cleanings). To make sure you’re getting a good deal on coverage and unlocking access to every benefit you think you’ll need, be sure to read the fine print and gain an understanding of what you’re enrolling in. You wouldn’t want to commit to coverage that doesn’t help you pay for things you need!

Coverage Doesn’t Roll Over

Despite their differences, there is one common similarity among dental insurance plans—they all typically operate based on the calendar year, with coverage activating in January and continuing through December. This means that once you are enrolled in a plan, your coverage will not roll over to the following year unless your plan is renewed. That said, you should always try to utilize all of your benefits and allowances before your plan expires, such as attending both of your biannual checkups each year.

Dental Insurance Emphasizes Preventing Issues

On that note, dental insurance often fully covers the cost of these preventive care visits; insurance companies and dentists alike understand that it’s always going to be easier and more cost-effective to prevent issues from occurring in the first place, rather than trying to treat them after they’ve worsened. Conversely, many plans have higher co-pays for procedures categorized outside of preventive care, meaning that when you’re considering insurance, you should be mindful of the types of services you’ll likely need, especially if you’re focused on more than just preventive care.

The bottom line is that dental insurance is vital for maintaining good oral health and keeping your annual dental care expenses in check. Knowing how and why these plans operate the way they do will ensure that no matter what happens, your smile is always protected!

About the Author

Dr. Dominic G. Carlson received his DDS from the Creighton University School of Dentistry and has proudly served patients and families in the Bakersfield, CA area for several years! His practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services aimed at helping you and your loved ones achieve stunningly beautiful and healthy smiles. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit, you can contact Dr. Carlson through his practice’s website or over the phone for further information. Telephone: (661) 327-7301.