A Smile Worth A Million Bucks
Dental insurance isn’t like medical insurance. You don’t need dental insurance to make dental care affordable, says dentist Josie Dovidio.
“While medical illness is unpredictable and can be financially catastrophic, dental disease is preventable and predictable,” Josie explains.
But some employers now offer dental coverage as a benefit. And it’s often confusing for the average consumer.
Josie offers a list of questions that help buyers make an informed choice about dental insurance:
- Can you choose your own dentist? (Seeing a trusted dentist is the best way to ensure you control the quality and quantity of treatment.)
- If you must pick from a list of dentists, is the dentist you want to see on the list?
- Does the plan cover diagnostic, preventative, and emergency services? How much does it cover?
- What routine corrective treatment is covered? What share of costs do you pay as a patient?
- What major dental care is covered?
- Dose the plan allow referrals to specialists?
- What is the maximum amount of money your insurance will pay in one year?
- What is the deductible? (Sometimes deductibles equal the cost of two cleanings per year. if this is the case, it will be less expensive to pay for those cleanings, rather than pay a deductible and premium.)
Before you visit your dentist, make sure you understand what services and treatments are covered.
“Some plans will pay for the lease expensive way to treat a dental problem. A dentist might recommend a treatment that is not covered. It doesn’t mean it’s an unnecessary treatment, it just means the insurance won’t cover it– even if you need it,” Josie says.
The best way to decide on dental insurance is to ask questions, Josie recommends.
“Believe me, your dentist is aware that insurance is complex. Ask questions about your insurance during your next appointment. The best decision you can make is an educated one.”
