With the rising cost of dental fees these days, many people are starting to wonder if purchasing a dental plan would be such a good idea or not. Either you’re planning to purchase a dental insurance through your employer or independently, always investigate and compare different several different plans and ask about these guidelines we have listed below.

Affordability and Yearly Maximum

The yearly maximum is the amount that the dental insurance plan is offering to pay for you dental fees in on year. It automatically renews the next year but if you have unused credits, you can no longer be carried over.

In/Out of Network Dentists

Independent dental plans at most, only cover dental services of their participating dentists. Try to see if your dental insurance plan requires you to see an affiliate dentist or has an option of choosing your own, or if they do, ask for a list of contracted dentists in your area you might consider seeing.

UCR (Usual Customary and Reasonable)

Common among dental insurance companies use a Usual, Customary and Reasonable (UCR) fee guide. This lists the prices (often based on their own decision rather than on what the dentist charges) they are willing to allow for every dental procedure they will be covering.

Oftentimes the company and the contracted dentist have an agreement to write off the differences between the dentist’s regular prices, the reason why you shouldn’t be charged extra for the excess. In case you prefer your own dentist, you may have to pay the difference out of your own, but always check the insurance company’s UCR fee guide.

Dental Insurance Coverage Types

There are three categories most dental insurance companies categorize their coverage into:

1. Preventative

Routine cleaning and examinations, but sometimes X-rays, sealants and fluoride belong to the preventive dental care but can also be considered as basic depending on the specific insurance carrier.

2. Basic or Restorative

Fillings, root canals and simple extractions are grouped as basic or restorative dental treatment, but root canals are sometimes considered as basic or major, although the majority of dental plans list root canals as basic.

3. Major

Most dental insurance companies classify bridges, dentures, crowns, partials, surgical extractions and dental implants as a major procedure.

It is very important to clarify which dental procedures fall under which specific category. Some insurance plans don’t cover major procedures and others have waiting periods for certain procedures. If you know that you will need a major dental work that is not covered by a given plan, you should try to find another that best fits your needs.

Dental Insurance Waiting Periods

Waiting periods are periods at which insurance companies make you wait after you are covered before they will pay for certain procedures.

Missing Tooth Clause and Replacement Period

Most dental insurance policies carry a “missing tooth clause” or a “replacement clause.” A missing tooth clause means that the company won’t pay for the replacement of a tooth that was missing before the policy has taken effect. A replacement is somewhat similar with the exception that the company wont pay the replacement procedures until the specified time limit has passed.

Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Insurance

Cosmetic dentistry which encompasses teeth whitening, veneers, lumineers and other procedures are done for vanity purposes only. While the effects are gorgeous, keep in mind that almost all dental insurance companies doesn’t cover cosmetic dentistry.

Comprehensive Coverage

Talk with your dentist about the full extent of the dental plan before deciding to purchase one. Remember that a dental insurance is designed only to simply cover the basic dental care per year and does not provide comprehensive coverage like that of medical insurance plan.

Dental Insurance Wrap-up

Many dental offices are now offering zero-interest plans to help you with your finances on covering for your dental health because they know that dental insurances only cover small portion.