The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. However, 35% of adults never schedule an appointment. The cost of dental care is a common reason people don’t see their dentist regularly. If you have dental insurance, you don’t have to worry about a large bill. Paying your premiums gives you access to a nationwide network of dental professionals. You can use your coverage to achieve optimal oral health without breaking the bank.
Premiums and Deductibles
Medical and dental insurance works a bit differently. Every month, you pay a premium for your dental policy, allowing you to benefit from discounted rates for common services after meeting your deductible. Your annual deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your benefits kick in.
Reduced Rates for Comprehensive Care
Dental insurance focuses on prevention to stop oral health issues from occurring, like cavities and gum disease. Research has found that every $1 spent on preventive dentistry can save up to $50 on emergency and restorative care. You can visit your dentist semi-annually for a cleaning and checkup for a co-payment. 100% of the expenses for preventive services are covered, including X-rays.
If your dentist finds anything concerning, you won’t have to spend your life’s savings to treat the issue. After meeting your deductible, your insurance will pay $50 to 80% of the expense for restorative procedures until you reach your annual limit. You are given a yearly allowance to use toward the cost of any medically necessary procedures.
In-Network VS Out-of-Network
Your dental insurance recommends choosing a dentist in their network to enjoy more coverage at the time of services. They have pre-negotiated rates with specific dentists to lower your out-of-pocket cost. You can still choose any dentist that accepts your coverage, even if they are out-of-network. You’ll have to pay the difference between the dentist’s fees and your insurance’s allowable amount.
Dental Benefits Don’t Last Forever
Your coverage resets at the end of the year and you’ll lose anything you haven’t used. You won’t be reimbursed for your premiums or deductibles, either. On average, less than 3% of Americans meet or exceed their annual limits, which means you could lose hundreds of dollars that could have been spent on your dental health.
You pay for your coverage, so don’t throw money down the drain. It’s never too late to commit to a healthy smile. Your dentist will help you make the most of your dental insurance to invest in your oral health without it costing you an arm or a leg.
About Dr. Maria Maiorino
Dr. Maiorino has over 30 years of experience in dentistry. She earned her dental degree at Temple University School of Dentistry and has regularly continued her education to provide the most up-to-date treatments. Dr. Maiorino is affiliated with many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. She accepts several dental insurance plans to keep a healthy, beautiful smile affordable. Request an appointment through her website or call (609) 998-8838.