Insurance comes in various forms to protect you from minor incidents and major disasters. For example, a good auto insurance policy pays for minor car repairs caused by a fender bender or a new vehicle if a major accident totals the old one. Medical insurance covers preventative care and treatment for severe illnesses. Dental insurance is another type of coverage focused specifically on oral health.
Definition
Dental insurance is an insurance policy focused on tooth and gum care and oral health. Different policies have different provisions, but most offer coverage for preventative care, such as regular teeth cleanings and x-rays, and restorative work, such as fillings and crowns. The coverage level may vary depending on the service. For example, a policy might pay 80 percent or even 100 percent of the cost of a twice-yearly cleaning but only 50 percent of a crown. Benefits often have an annual cap, according to DentalInsuranceHelper.com, so you must pay the difference out of your own pocket if your dental bills exceed the designated amount. The Consumer Guide to Dentistry states insurance rarely covers cosmetic treatments.
Purpose
The main purpose of dental insurance is to protect you from large, unexpected bills for expensive procedures. The Consumer Guide to Dentistry warns that major work can run thousands of dollars. This is why many employers offer it as an employee benefit. Some policies are also designed to encourage good dental health, DentalInsuranceHelper.com explains. That is why they pay more for preventative care than to correct problems like cavities and gum disease.
Benefits
DentalInsuranceHelper.com cites many dental insurance benefits beyond financial protection. It states that people who have easy access to low-cost or free preventative services tend to take better care of their teeth. This prevents severe problems like periodontal disease or severely decayed teeth that eventually require pricey and uncomfortable treatment. People with healthy teeth can also eat more comfortably and easily, which allows them to consume crunchy nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Accessibility
Not everyone has easy access to dental insurance. It is not included in every employer's benefit package. Insurance offered as a benefit might require an employee contribution that you might not be able to afford. You can purchase your own policy, but they are often expensive and have limited benefits. This leaves many Americans without any dental coverage.
If you have insurance, you must find a dentist who accepts that particular policy and is willing to handle the billing process. Otherwise, you must pay up front and apply for reimbursement.
Alternatives
Some people can afford to pay outright for dental treatments or charge them on a credit card. Many dentists work with finance companies specializing in loans for dental treatment.
Discount dental plans are available if you cannot afford an insurance policy but want to save money on dental work. These plans require an annual fee in exchange for set discounts on specific procedures. You visit an affiliated dentist who has agreed to extend the discounts and pay the set fee out of pocket.
