Dental care can be extremely expensive, depending on what you need. An exam cost may be negligible until you add X-rays and treatment for any problems the dentist may find. Suddenly, you're facing bills for hundreds or thousands of dollars. Dental insurance can shield you from the worst of these oral health costs.
Definition
Insurance is a way to protect yourself from unforeseen expenses. For example, homeowner's insurance pays for certain damages if your house is damaged by a fire, storm or in some other way. Car insurance compensates you for vehicle-related damages. Medical insurance pays doctor bills and hospital expenses. Dental insurance, as its name implies, covers various dental expenses. It may pay the entire bill, or you may be liable for part of it, depending on your policy terms.
Purpose
Dental insurance is intended to protect you from high dental expenses. Many policies also cover you for routine cleanings and exams, which often prevent larger expenses from untreated problems. Coverage levels vary, but many policies pay in full for preventive care or only require a small co-pay from you. More complicated services, such as filling cavities, crowning a tooth or performing a root canal, are only partially covered, according to Dentalplans.com, and you must pay the remaining amount. There may also be a deductible, which is an amount you must pay before the insurance benefits kick in. Most plans have an annual benefits cap. If you exceed it, you have to pay the full cost of any additional bills.
Benefits
Dental insurance encourages you to take good care of your teeth by letting you get the recommended twice-yearly exam at little or no direct cost. It makes it easier for you to afford prompt treatment of problems. This keeps something small, such as a chip or crack in a tooth, from developing into a serious problem that destroys the tooth because you could not pay to have it fixed while it was still minor.
Availability
Many employers offer dental insurance as part of their employee benefits packages. The company may cover the entire premium, or you may have to pay part of it yourself. You can purchase dental insurance on your own if it's not available through your company, but it will cost a lot more than a group policy, and coverage will likely be very limited. Plans start around $30 per month for basic individual coverage, according to Dentalplans.com.
Alternatives
You do not have to neglect your oral health if you can't afford a dental insurance policy. Dental Fear Central advises having your exams and dental work done at a dental college if you have limited financial resources. Colleges offer heavily discounted services to give their students an opportunity for hands-on practice with patients. Your work is supervised by an instructor and subject to a strict quality-control inspection. Your work usually takes longer because of the instructor supervision, Dental Fear Central warns.
