Dental Insurance Options

Unlike many medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans encourage preventive measures which generally encourage regular dental visits and provide basic preventive dental care with the hope that more serious and expensive dental problems may be prevented. Their premise is that preventive dental care results in both cost savings for the plan's provider and improves dental health for patients.
Dental plans vary widely in their approaches to dentist selection, payment options, out-of-pocket costs, and overall benefits. The coverage you receive and the costs you incur will largely depend on choices made by you and your company.  Many employers let their employees choose between two or more plans; differences between plans can be significant.
Remember, any plan is likely to have both benefits and drawbacks. Your employer will likely provide you with the information you need to compare the dental insurance plans.
If a choice of plans is available to you, there are a number of important questions to consider before deciding which one is best for you and your family.

CONSIDER THESE  ISSUES

Your answers to the questions may help clarify which plan will provide you with the best possible care. 

• Are there fixed dollar limits on coverage?
• Are any forms of treatment excluded from coverage?
• Are there participating dentists within a reasonable distance of your home or office?
• What co-payments are required?
• Does the plan cover adequate preventive care such as cleanings?
• Does the plan cover emergency care?
• Does the plan cover emergency care when away from the home or office?
• How important is it for you to choose your own dentist? 
• Will the plan cover all of your family members?
  

The business associates at your dental office should be familiar with most dental insurance plans. Call your dental office to determine if they can help you decide which plan to choose.