What You Need to Know About Dental Insurance

Seeing your dentist regularly not only ensures that you have good oral health but it can save you from gum disease and cavities. By purchasing dental insurance, you can prevent yourself and your family from costly surgeries.

Understanding Dental Insurance

If you receive dental insurance through your company, you pay a premium and the insurance company will cover a portion of the dental services.

Dental insurance comes in a few different types of plans:

• Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) – You must visit an in-network dentist.
• Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO) – You receive coverage with in- or out-of-network dentists.
• Dental Indemnity Plan – You can choose from any dentist with no difference in cost.
• Discount Dental Plan – You pay for all dental services with a discounted rate.

The Importance of Dental Insurance

When you schedule regular dental visits, you can prevent common dental issues such as gum inflammation, bad breath and tooth decay. If you do not treat any of these symptoms, you may end up with more painful problems in the near future. Dental exams will determine whether your dental problems are serious or minimal.

What Will Be Covered?

Typically, dental insurance covers preventative and diagnostic procedures, helping to eliminate more expensive services such as dental disease or surgery. Each service fits into a different category of services, depending on the difficulty and cost.

• Class I: Diagnostic & preventative care such as cleanings and X-rays
• Class II: Basic care such as fillings & root canals
• Class III: Major services such as crowns & dentures
• Class IV: Orthodontics

Dental coverage is also dependent on several other factors and they’re also limited. For example, most plans limit the number of cleanings and exams to two per year. Fluoride treatments are generally covered for children but rarely for adults.

How Does Dental Coverage Work?

Dental coverage is actually quite simple to figure out. All you need to do is pay premiums and your insurance will cover the dental costs. Exams and cleanings are generally covered at 100% while you may need to pay a deductible or copay for other services.

If you have dental insurance and you’re ready to receive our services, contact Lindner Dental at 603.624.3900.