Dental Insurance 101
If you’ve never had dental insurance before (or never really used it), understanding how it works can be confusing. Here are a few tips, tricks, and definitions that can help you decipher your dental plan and know what to expect from it.
Dental insurance is coverage that helps you pay for dental care. You pay a monthly premium, just like you do with health insurance, and in return, the insurance helps cover the cost of things like cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and more, depending on the plan you choose.
Most dental plans cover three types of services:
Preventive care – cleanings, exams, and x-rays. Many plans cover these at 100%, which means you pay nothing additional out of pocket for these services.
Basic services – fillings, tooth extractions, and sometimes root canals. You’ll usually share the cost with your insurance provider after you meet a deductible.
Major services – crowns, bridges, dentures, and other more involved procedures. These are often covered at a lower percentage than basic services.
It’s important to remember that not all plans cover all services. Some plans may be preventive only and cover just two cleanings per year, while other plans may be more comprehensive and cover things like orthodontics for children and/or adults. Be sure to talk with your agent about your dental care needs before deciding which type of plan to enroll in.
Before choosing a plan, be sure to familiarize yourself with a few key terms:
Deductible – the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance starts helping with costs (usually applies to non-preventive services).
Co-insurance – the percentage you pay vs. what insurance pays once your deductible is met.
Annual maximum – the most your plan will pay in a year. After that, any additional costs are up to you.
Dental insurance exists to make routine care more affordable and reduce the financial stress of bigger procedures. Whether you’re just looking to stay on top of cleanings or want broader coverage (like adult ortho), there’s likely a plan that fits your needs.