Dental Insurance: What You May Not Know

When a patient checks out after an appointment, there is often some confusion regarding dental insurance. Many of our patients have a good handle on what their medical benefits are, but most mistakes arise when they think their dental benefits work in a similar way. Unfortunately, that’s not the case! Here are some key differences.

Don’t have dental insurance? We offer membership plans that are made to be affordable and useful!

1. You are often still able to see an out-of-network dental provider, and most dental insurances will cover around 80 to 90 percent of your visit.
2. Most dental plans have lower deductibles than medical plans, often only $50-100 per year.
3. The maximum your dental insurance will pay each year is much lower than your medical coverage. The average plan covers around $1,000-$1,500 per year.
4. Your dental insurance may not cover all services at 100%, even after your deductible is met. They have an allowed percentage per procedure and the difference can end up your responsibility.
5. It is common for dental plans to have frequency limitations on all procedures, including crowns and fillings. This means they will only cover replacements after a period of time that your insurance deems long enough.

Although dental insurance can be a great tool to aid in your oral health, it is important to know what your benefits include and what they don’t. If you have questions about your current coverage and procedures, make sure to contact your insurance provider directly. At Sala Family Dentistry we will do everything we can to ensure you get every benefit allotted in your insurance contract with as little confusion and trouble as possible. Contact us for an appointment today!