Separate from health insurance, dental Insurance is a type of medical insurance that covers procedures and services for teeth and gums. Understanding what a dental insurance plan is and how it works is essential. Doing so will help you be well-informed about what is best for you and your family.
What is Dental Insurance, and How Does It Work?
Dental insurance helps you pay for specific procedures. This could include cleanings, exams, and X-rays. Depending on your plan, you may be able to have more expensive procedures, such as root canals or endodontics, covered. Most of the time, individuals receive their dental insurance through their employer. However, in instances of unemployment or where an employer does not support dental insurance, you can buy individual or family dental insurance plans directly from insurance companies.
While health coverage and dental coverage may seem similar, key differences exist. Usually, dental insurance plans are not paired with health insurance plans.
Premiums
Typically, you will pay a monthly premium to your dental insurance company. This will be determined by the company’s dental insurance policy structure. Depending on your employer, there may not be a premium, or the monthly premium may be deducted from your paycheck. It is important to make sure that your premium is affordable. If you miss a payment, you may suffer a lapse in coverage.
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Deductibles, Coinsurance, and Copays
A deductible is the money you pay for covered dental services and procedures. You must reach the deductible before your insurance company will begin to cover services.
A copay is a fixed amount you must pay your dentist for services.
Alternatively, coinsurance is the percentage split between you and your insurance provider. This occurs after you meet your deductible. The rate is determined through dental insurance policies. Most plans split is 20/80. You will pay for 20% of your procedure, and your insurance company will cover the remaining 80%.
Annual Maximum Benefit
Annual coverage maximums are the total amount your insurance provider will pay for services. Usually, this is within a calendar year. Once annual coverage maximums are exceeded, you must pay in full for dental benefits. After a new term begins, annual coverage maximums will reset.
What Expenses Does Dental Insurance Pay For?
Typically, dental insurance plans cover three different types of services: preventive, basic, and major services. Each service has a different coverage percentage.
The percentages listed below are based on what is most common. The numbers may vary depending on your coverage plan.
Preventive | Basic | Major |
100% Covered | 80-100% Covered | 50-80% Covered |
This is a Class I procedure. These are routine services such as cleanings, checkups, and annual X-rays. | This is a Class II procedure. These are non-surgical restorative procedures like root canals, fillings, and extractions. | This is a Class III procedure. These are more expensive restorative services, including dentures, bridges, crowns, and inlays/onlays. |
What Dental Procedures Are Not Covered by Insurance?
Most often, dental insurance plans will not cover cosmetic procedures. This is determined by the company’s dental insurance policies. For example, teeth whitening, veneers, and tooth shaping are not covered, even if done by in-network dentists. You must pay the entire cost since these are not considered medically necessary.
Orthodontics (braces) may be covered in dental plans, but this is not common.
What Do In-Network and Out-of-Network Mean?
In-network refers to the providers your dental insurance company has a contract with. Usually, network dentists will be more affordable. Out-of-network means that your insurance company has no contract with them, and services will be more expensive. Network dentists may be required depending on dental insurance policies and available dental plans. Unlike health insurance, there is no large variance in fees. However, there still is a difference, and it’s worth noting that it is a means of keeping dental insurance affordable.
Networks, PPOs, and HMOs Explained
A network is the group of dentists your insurance company has a contract with.
PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. If you like visiting your primary care dentist, PPO dental insurance plans may suit you. In this scenario, you can see whether your preferred dentist is in-network.
HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization. HMO dental insurance plans might be best if you are not partial to a specific primary care dentist. With this option, you typically have lower costs but a smaller selection of network dentists.
How Do I Get Dental Insurance If I Don’t Get It Through My Employer?
In some instances, your employer may not provide dental insurance. While unfortunate, there are still ways to purchase dental benefits. You can buy coverage from dental plans through the health benefits exchange. Every state has this program with the goal of helping families with varying income levels.
There are also individual dental insurance plans, which can be purchased directly from insurance companies. It is important to research their dental insurance policies so you can understand the different plans they provide. As always, the support of a licensed insurance professional will make all the difference when choosing the right dental plans.
Does Medicare Include Dental Coverage?
No, Medicare does not typically include dental benefits. You will have to pay fully for non-covered services and procedures. However, Medicare Advantage can provide certain oral healthcare through a selection of network dentists. There are also singular dental plans designed for senior citizens.
Is There Dental Coverage for Veterans?
Yes, there is dental coverage for veterans. This is done through VADIP or the VA Dental Insurance Program. This provides affordable dental insurance plans for Veterans and their family members.
To be eligible for VADIP, you must meet one of three requirements.
You are a veteran enrolled in VA Health Care.
2. You are a current or surviving spouse of a Veteran.
3. You are a dependent child of a Veteran.
For numbers 2 and 3, you must be enrolled in CHAMPVA or the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA.
What About Dental Coverage For Children?
Recently, dental coverage for children has dramatically improved. The ACA (Affordable Care Act) states that pediatric dental care is an essential health benefit, and each state must offer dental benefits for children.
Are Braces Covered by Dental Plans?
If your child needs braces, it is important to research dental plans that add orthodontic benefits. All dental plans are different and will have unique dental insurance policies. Therefore, it would be wise to clarify what discount and coverage you will be receiving.
How Important is Dental Care?
Dental care and proper oral health are essential to your well-being. Poor oral health and hygiene can lead to serious illnesses and issues later in life like diabetes and heart disease. Unfortunately, many Americans avoid going to the dentist. Having proper dental coverage with dental benefits should encourage people to visit their primary care dentist regularly.
Review of How Dental Insurance Works
Dental benefits are vital to your overall health and well-being. All dental plans cover preventive procedures and basic/major restorative procedures. However, cosmetic services are not covered. Network dentists are less expensive.
Annual coverage maximums limit the amount of money your dental plan will pay for services within a term. In addition, you will have to pay deductibles, coinsurance, and copay. This should be factored into your budget, as your dental coverage should be affordable.
Dental Insurance FAQs
How do I decide whether or not to buy dental coverage?
Dental insurance plans and oral healthcare are important. Therefore, receiving dental benefits is worth paying for. When deciding on a plan, consider your financial circumstances and dental health history.
Can I get dental insurance even if I don’t have health insurance?
Yes, dental plans are separate from health insurance plans. You can purchase coverage from a variety of stand-alone dental insurance plans.
Will dental insurance cover preventive care?
Yes, dental plans will cover preventive care. This is a standard of all dental insurance policies. They will primarily cover up to 100% of the costs for these services.
I have medical coverage - does it include dental insurance?
You may also receive dental benefits if you receive medical insurance through your employer.
However, if you do not receive medical coverage from your employer, you must purchase a dental plan from a dental insurance company. Most health plans do not offer dental benefits. Unfortunately, it is not deemed an essential health benefit for individuals 18 and older.
Will there be a waiting period before my dental coverage begins?
This will depend greatly on your dental plan. Group plans typically don’t have a waiting period. However, even if you visit network dentists, individual dental insurance plans do. This can be anywhere from 6 to 12 months. In addition, major restorative procedures may have a waiting period of up to 2 years.
Want to Learn More? Contact Us
We understand that your and your family's health is one of your utmost priorities. If you would like to learn more about dental plans, give us a call at 800-797-0327. Or, request a free quote and hear from one of our licensed professionals today. We look forward to helping you.