Dental Insurance Plans

Preventative care is an essential part of a dental insurance plan. But accidents also happen. Your child (or you) may take a spill and knock a tooth loose – or out. Maybe you bite into something hard and your tooth cracks. A sore, throbbing mouth needs attention, so being prepared with a dental insurance plan is an essential part of your family’s medical plans.

In addition, oral health is closely tied to your overall health care. Dentists are often the first to detect oral cancer in a patient. Good oral health has also been linked with heart health.

Dental Insurance Plan Types

Dental Exclusive Provider Organization (DEPO)
A primary care dentist isn’t required, and you won’t need referrals to see specialists.
Dental Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
Some of the most affordable dental plans are HMOs. You choose a primary care dentist from within a provider network.
Dental Indemnity
A fee-for-service plan that allows you to see any dentist. You’re not tied to a network dentist and will not need referrals for specialty care.
Dental Point of Service (POS)
You can see dentists outside the network, but costs are lowest for in-network dental providers. A primary care dentist will refer you to specialists, in or outside the network.
Dental Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
Offers a network of providers. You can opt to see a dentist outside the network in a PPO plan, but the costs will be higher. You are not required to choose a primary care dentist.

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Dental Insurance Benefits

Dental insurance covers preventive care, such as biannual checkups, routine cleanings, X-rays and fluoride treatments. Dental insurance also covers fillings and root canals, which could require a cost-share.

Dental benefits vary when it comes to specialists, such as:

Orthodontics

If you have children, braces could be in your future. Straightening teeth can range from $3,000 to as high as $10,000 depending on what type of braces you choose and the orthodontist service fees. Dental coverage that will help shoulder this load is important, especially if you will be paying for braces for several years with multiple kids. And don’t forget the retainer (and lost retainer) when the brace phase is done.

Restorative Care

Check to see how a plan handles restorative care like crowns, bridges and dentures.

Oral Surgery

Wisdom (or other) teeth may need to come out. You may need surgery for receding gums. Maybe you’ll need dental implants someday. You will need an oral surgeon for that. Ask about a plan’s oral surgery component.

Waiting Periods

Waiting periods are another factor to consider. Some dental insurance requires a waiting period for specific procedures, such as braces. If you know you’ll need immediate care, talk to us about that, too, so we can find a policy that will take that into account.

To get on the path toward a healthier smile and better oral health, please give us a call at 1-888-414-4547 so we can find the best dental insurance for you. Besides finding a dental insurance policy, Policy Guide can also help you solve your health insurance and life insurance needs.

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Dental Care Decisions

Policy Guide will help you sort out all these confusing acronyms. Our experts will take the time to listen and learn about your dental needs. We’ll answer any questions about expenses, such as copayments and other out-of-pocket costs. And, in the end, we’ll point you in the right direction to find the best dental benefits and insurance coverage for your family.

We’ll also provide you with your guide’s contact info, so you can get back in touch when you have more questions about insurance policies or are ready to make a decision.

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