There are some things in life that you don’t realize you need until the moment you need them. Dental insurance sometimes falls victim to being one of those unnecessary necessities. After all, it is the other health insurance. As long as you brush, floss, eat apples, and stay away from candy, then you don’t need it, right?
Most dentists recommend that you come in every six months to get a checkup and teeth cleaning. Sometimes the out of pocket expenses for those two visits and dental coverage for a year are similar in cost. In theory, if you only ever need those two visits every year, then you may not need health insurance. The question is, how sure are you that you’ll never need more than your two annual cleanings?
Who needs dental insurance?
According to the American Dental Association, around 33% of American adults are without dental coverage of any kind. The same study says that about 90% of children in the U.S. have coverage. It seems like people are growing into a fear of the dentist’s office rather than the other way around.
What is it? Do people reach a certain age where they no longer need to see a dentist? That would be a hard point to make. Studies show that over 90% of Americans between the ages of 20 and 64 have cavities. In addition, around 1 out of every 4 have tooth decay.
You need more than just regular cleanings to ensure your oral health. Receiving superior dental care can be expensive, but dental coverage will lower out of pocket costs.
Should I choose my dentist or my dental coverage first?
You may be thinking that you need to know how you’re going to pay your dentist before you actually pick one out. The fact is, some insurance companies force you to go to a provider within their network in order to receive benefits.
With that in mind, it would be wise to find your dentist before you decide on your dental coverage. You don’t want to sign with an insurance company and be bound to their network of providers that you know nothing about.
Ask people you know you know which dentist they trust. Look up some of the leading practices in your area—like NuLife Dental & Med Center—and see what separates them from the rest of the pack.
Do your research and be diligent. Between word-of-mouth and the internet, you will be able to find the right dentist for you.
How do I choose the right dental insurance for me?
When it comes to getting any type of insurance, your goal should be to get the plan that best suits your budget and needs. You don’t want to end up paying for something you don’t need or not having coverage for something you do need.
You may be able to get dental benefits through your employer, and they usually offer better benefits than individual dental coverage plans. One drawback associated with them is that they tend to have high costs for their premiums.
The type of plan that’s best for you also depends on whether or not you already have a favorite dentist or not. Indemnity plans allow you to choose whatever dentist you please. Preferred provider organizations and dental health maintenance organizations require you to choose a provider within their network for coverage.
If you don’t have a dentist already, then a DHMO or PPO may be the perfect plan for you. You may have to stay within their network of providers, but they generally offer lower co-pays for visits.
If you aren’t familiar with how insurance plans work, insurance enrollment can be a bit confusing. Use the tools at your disposal. Websites like Health Quote Gurus allow you to compare insurance quotes from major providers online. This way, you can get the best dentist and dental coverage for your needs.
