We are all well aware than oral health care is important. We learn this very early on, as we are taught how to brush and floss our teeth on a regular basis as children. As we get older, the need for more regular oral care is greater and having no coverage can be extremely costly rather quickly, as without a Dental Insurance Plan, or at least a Dental Discount plan, you would be responsible for the full cost of your treatment.
Having Dental Insurance will help improve your oral healthcare, while making dental care in general more affordable. With insurance for dental, you can manage the upkeep of normal checkups and cleanings, medicines and even medical procedures that you require to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Most insurance plans for dental give total inclusion to preventative care, which is essential when thinking about these expenses, as they can include x-ray, fluoride, medications and other symptomatic administrations are required. Without proper preventative care, the risk for medical intervention with your teeth or gums becomes greater.
You are more likely to avoid future dental problems when you are able to schedule and complete preventative checkups, since your dentist would be able to detect problems early. This would help you avoid more costly and complex procedures, like crowns and root canals down the road. In fact, for every dollar spent on preventative services, it is estimated that about $50 or more is saved on more expensive procedures.
Research shows that oral care is not just good for your smile, it also has a positive effect on your overall health. Studies have shown that oral health problems can be associated with an increased risk of heart disease and many other health conditions, including exacerbating diabetes. During an oral exam, your dentist can potentially detect signs in the mouth of more than 120 diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. This can lead to earlier, less costly or even life-saving treatment. When oral diseases go untreated, it can lead to problems with eating, speaking, learning and productivity, not to mention potentially more serious issues, like cancer.
Another preferable standpoint that may or may not be applicable to you, is that it can be an important advantage to offer Dental Insurance or even a Dental Discount Plan to your representatives or employees, if you own a business. An employer who offers dental coverage has an advantage with their employees. Often very reasonably priced, especially as a bundled plan, your employees will most likely be able to manage the cost of their dental care much easier, resulting in regular checkups and avoiding missed days due to dental issues. That said, as an employee, if your employer offers a dental insurance plan, taking it is probably your cheapest coverage option.
“Preventative Oral Care saves you money!”
Dental Discount Plans are another option, but it is set up to only cover certain kinds of costs. You may find that some procedures are covered fully, some you must pay a percentage of, and other procedures that your dentist may recommend are not covered at all. It is still a great option for you if you do not have comprehensive dental insurance. A dental discount plan is similar to a warehouse club, but rather than getting deals and bargains on food and clothes, you get discounted prices on dental services. With discount plans, members typically pay an annual fee up front instead of monthly installments or premiums like traditional dental insurance. You are given a discount card, which you present at each visit to get the lower prices on services. These plans do not reimburse you like dental insurance does, instead you pay in cash directly to the dentist.
With Dental Discount plans the average savings for procedures is between 10% and 60% however, all services may not be available with these plans, so make sure you check the list of covered services. and there’s no deductible, meaning you don’t have to have paid a certain amount for the discount to kick in.
With a Dental Insurance Plan, typically about 50% of major treatments such as root canals, crowns, bridges and dentures are covered. For basic dental care for things like fillings, simple extractions and some types of deep cleanings, a dental insurance plan may cover up to 80% and for preventative care, a Dental Insurance plan will typically pay 100% of the cost, including checkups, x-rays, and routine cleanings.
For more information regarding Dental Insurance Plans, click here: http://groupplansinc.com/services/ancillary/
If you are interested in a Dental Insurance Plan or more information regarding options for dental coverage, such as Dental HMO or Dental PPO plans, please give us a call or fill out the form below!