Routine dental care is crucial when it comes to keeping up with your oral health. On the other hand, not keeping up with your oral hygiene can lead to dental problems and expensive treatment costs down the road.
By investing in dental insurance, you not only ensure that you have a healthy mouth, but can also save money when it comes to regular dental visits or unexpected accidents.
Today, your trusted McAllen dentists at WhiteWing Dental will break down the basics of dental insurance and how it can benefit you.
What Is Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance, which is also known as a dental plan, is a form of healthcare that is meant to pay for a portion of the costs related to dental care. Each month you pay a set dollar amount, also known as a premium.
When you visit a dental office, you may also be responsible for covering a copay. After your appointment, your dental healthcare provider will then bill your insurance company directly for the care you received.
In a study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 50.2% of adults between the ages of 18 and 64 had dental care coverage through private health insurance in the last 12 months.
Why Is Dental Insurance Important?
Dental insurance is a good idea to have for the following reasons:
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You are protected from financial risks:
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Unprecedented dental emergencies can get pricey. However, with dental insurance, you can better protect yourself from having to pay an unexpected dental bill.
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Dental health can affect your overall health:
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Not only can dental issues become painful, but they can also affect your overall health. Poor dental health can lead to harmful bacteria in the mouth, which studies have shown can increase risks associated with diabetes and heart disease if the bacteria enters your bloodstream.
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Regular dental exams can protect you from critical problems:
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By visiting your dentist on a regular basis, your dentist in McAllen will be able to identify problems before they get too serious. By treating tooth decay, you protect yourself from potentially having root canals in the future.
Types of Plans
In regards to dental plans, they are very similar to healthcare plans, but do differ as well. Dental insurance typically involves these options:
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Preferred Provider Organization (PPO):
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A PPO plan comes with a list of dentists that accept your insurance plan. If you choose not to select one of the options listed, you may go outside your network for a higher out-of-pocket cost.
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Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO):
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A DHMO plan provides you with a network of dentists that will accept your insurance for a set co-pay, or will not charge you any fee at all. However, if you decide to see a dentist that is not included in your network, you are unable to do so.
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Discount or referral dental plan:
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This plan gives you a discount on dental services from an arranged list of dentists. Despite that, the discount or referral plan does not help pay for any of the fees that the dentist may charge at a discounted price.
Which Plan Is Right for Me?
The best choice when obtaining dental insurance is to get it through your employer. If that is not an option, we can help you figure out which plan is most suitable for your needs.
When comparing plans it is important to consider the following:
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- If your dentist is in your network.
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- The total cost for insurance each year including co-pays and deductibles.
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- Annual maximum.
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- Limitations on pre-existing conditions.
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- Whether braces are covered if needed.
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- How emergency treatment is covered as well as treatment if you are away from your home dental office.
Keep Your Oral Health Strong with WhiteWing Dental
It is never too late to start practicing good oral hygiene. Getting access to dental insurance is the first step to beginning that journey.