Some of the more common questions we get in the office are related to dental insurance. Specifically, patients ask if dental insurance is worth it and what do policies typically cover?
While you have to weigh your own finances and personal set of pros and cons such as the cost of a policy under an employee, your household budget, or other issues, we can help you understand the “typical” dental insurance plan.
Contact us directly to weigh all your options.
What Are The Dental Treatments That Insurance Typically Covers?
Dental insurance policies are typically additional riders that you can add to your employer-sponsored or open market health insurance plan. Dental policies are much less expensive than regular health insurance policies. There are several options for dental treatment that may or may not fall under an insurance plan:
- Preventative care like dental cleanings and regular exams.
- Filling cavities or repairing teeth.
- Orthodontics, which is the straightening of misaligned teeth.
- Cosmetic dentistry, which can include veneers, crowns, or other repairs.
The American Dental Association (ADA) is careful to point out, “Dental benefit plans are not designed to cover all dental procedures. Plans usually cover some, but not all, of your dental costs and needs.” In our experience, this is certainly true.
Dental insurance plans are typically designed to cover preventative care. They may or may not have a small co-payment for each visit. This means they could cover cleanings and exams as well as x-rays. They may also cover all or a portion of basic care, such as fillings, tooth extractions, or root canals.
Major treatments such as orthodontics or cosmetic procedures like bleaching or veneers, are typically not covered by dental insurance, or may be partially covered. It’s possible your policy will have a lifetime cap on what is covered, or require additional payments in the form of co-insurance.
How to Select the Right Dental Insurance
One thing to keep in mind is the concept of “in-network” versus “out-of-network” coverage. In-network dentists are under a contract with the carrier to provide service. As a result, selecting an “in-network” provider will cost you less. With that said, your choice of dentists is very important and should be focused on the quality of care you receive, not whose network they’re in. Out-of-network services are typically covered; there is usually just a higher out-of-pocket fee.
It’s so important to read and understand your coverage. Here are some great questions to ask, courtesy of the American Dental Association (ADA):
- Can you select your own dental provider?
- Is preventative care covered? Will a co-payment be required?
- What specialty services are covered? What is the maximum amount covered?
- What are your deductibles? What are your annual out-of-pocket costs?
- What about emergency treatment?
Be sure to talk with your Las Vegas dentist, Smiles by Dr. Hadley, to help you understand your dental insurance and how it can really benefit you and your family. We’re just a phone call away and can help you understand dental insurance and all the options it offers for your care.