Dental insurance is a complex topic, and endless rumors and misunderstandings are shared as if they were facts. Before deciding based on what you heard from a friend, you must research dental plans and their benefits.
Dental healthcare is one of the most neglected areas due to its associated costs, so let’s discuss what dental insurance plans are and how they can give you the freedom to focus on preventative care.
What is Dental Insurance, and How Does it Work?
Dental insurance is a healthcare plan exclusively for dental-related expenses. These plans can vary but typically cover preventative services like checkups and cleanings, diagnostic procedures like dental x-rays, and restorative care such as extractions and fillings. Dental insurance companies often work with a select network of providers and are very strict about what they do and don’t cover.
If you want to visit a specific dentist or have particular treatments you need to cover, you may have to pay for a more expensive plan. Basic dental plans are usually more affordable than other medical insurance plans, and many employers offer them as part of their compensation packages. However, you should know several costs, including your deductible, co-payment rate, coinsurance percentage, and annual maximum amount.
Dental plans are available from some insurance providers as part of specific medical plans or from standalone providers that aren’t associated with your health insurance. There are countless myths about what dental insurance is and what it covers that can be detrimental. Understanding what’s true about dental plans is vital to ensure you have all the information you need to decide on your healthcare.
Debunking Five Common Dental Insurance Myths
Myth 1: Your Dentist and Dental Insurance Provider Work Together
Your dentist doesn’t influence what your dental insurance covers. Dental insurance companies often don’t communicate with qualified dentists to determine what they should and shouldn’t cover.
Many patients believe incorrectly that the dentist decides what is covered. Your dentist will often be just as annoyed as you are when something important isn’t covered. There are several dental insurance providers, so you should never assume your dentist knows what’s covered.
Always understand your policy and tell your dentist which provider you use so you can decide on your best options.
Myth 2: Dental Insurance Understands Dentistry and Makes Knowledge-Based Recommendations
Sometimes, your dental insurance doesn't recommend the best choice for your health. Dentists train for many years to earn their qualifications, which give them the knowledge to assess a problem and decide on the appropriate treatment.
On the other hand, dental insurance providers can only determine the most common courses of action based on statistics. They often only cover the most affordable treatment option, which may not be what your dentist knows is best.
Dentists also stay current on industry developments, but dental insurance companies are often several years behind in covering treatments.
Myth 3: Dental Insurance is Only for Emergencies
Most dental plans prioritize preventative care to avoid more expensive treatments in the future. However, many plans don’t cover emergency dental procedures or only cover specific emergencies up to a specified amount.
You should utilize your dental plan to visit your dentist as often as your plan allows so you can reap the full rewards of preventative care. Depending on your specific plan, you may be covered for annual checkups, dental x-rays, and cleanings.
Some plans may even cover basic fillings, but knowing what you are covered for is imperative because unused benefits usually don’t carry over to the following year.
Myth 4: Dental Insurance is Too Expensive to Be Worth it
Dental insurance plans often prove more cost-effective than paying out-of-pocket. When paying cash, many patients avoid going to the dentist until an emergency can be expensive. With a dental plan, you can get regular checkups, which will catch any minor issues early before they become unmanageable.
Most dental issues can be treated affordably in the early stages, while major procedures can add up quickly and are rarely covered by dental plans. It is best to have a dental plan when your teeth are still healthy to help keep them that way.
Myth 5: Dental Insurance Covers Cosmetic Procedures
While some premium dental plans may cover cosmetic procedures, most only pay for medically necessary preventative treatments. For instance, while your plan may cover tooth removal, it likely won’t cover veneers since they’re considered cosmetic.
It is essential to understand thoroughly what is covered and what is not before choosing your dental plan. If you don’t choose wisely, you may be caught unaware by cosmetic dental procedures with high price tags.
Empowering Your Dental Health Decisions
Dental insurance can be a powerful tool to ensure dental health, but it’s vital to understand the options for coverage before choosing a plan or provider. Gather as much information as possible and avoid falling for myths about what dental insurance is. Make the right decision for your health based on what’s important to you so you can take control of your dental health.