La
Plata
Have you read the fine print of your insurance policy? Do you know what it covers each time you visit your dentist? If not, this can keep you from utilizing all the services you’ve been investing in each month. Most insurance plans expire at the end of the calendar year, which is why you should see your dental professional for your semi-annual checkup and cleaning before it’s too late! Read on to learn what your insurance covers and what’s so special about preventive care.
What Procedures Does Dental Insurance Typically Cover?
Most Americans have dental benefits from their employer, which is why it’s so important to know what exactly they cover. The point of investing in your plan each month is to reduce the risk you’ll need any major procedures, which is why they typically cover a portion or the entire cost of preventive treatments. These typically include two checkups and cleanings throughout the year, fillings, dental crowns, root canals, and some surgeries such as tooth extractions.
Orthodontic treatments aren’t usually included in dental benefits unless they’re added on to the primary policy. However, plans usually cover 100% of preventive care, 80% of basic procedures, and 50% of most major treatments. It’s important to read the fine print though, because depending on your dental plan, they may not cover certain preventive techniques such as sealants.
Why Should You Utilize Your Benefits Before The End Of The Year?
If your policy runs on a calendar year, your dental benefits will expire in January. By using them, not only will your oral health be in tip-top shape, but you can also get the most out of your monthly investment. Here are some reasons to visit your dentist before January 1st:
- Yearly Maximum- each year, your insurance policy will cover a maximum dollar amount of services. If you don’t meet this cap, they won’t roll over into the next year, which is why it’s so important to use them while they’re still active.
- Deductible- If you’ve already met your deductible this year, you might as well take advantage of the services you won’t have to pay for out of your pocket. At the beginning of the year, your deductible will start again.
- Increased Fees- Each year, your dentist may raise their rates due to the increased cost of materials, equipment, and office space. When this happens, your deductible may go up as well, so utilize the cheaper fees and deductibles while you have them.
Why Is Preventive Care Important?
The best reason to use your dental insurance benefits is to tackle small problems before they progress. Visiting your dentist for your routine checkups and cleanings can help catch and treat cavities before they progress into serious decay and need a more invasive treatment such as root canal therapy. When you delay necessary procedures, it’s typically more expensive and time-consuming down the road.
Research what procedures your plan covers to see how you can capitalize on your monthly investment. Keep your oral health on track by scheduling an appointment with your dentist today!
About the Author
Dr. Mark Hochman has been gifting patients with happy and healthy smiles since 1977. He is an active member of five different professional organizations that hold him to a high standard of excellence and inspire him to make trustworthy care his number one priority. He has also completed several advanced cosmetic training courses so he can give his patients the quality treatment they deserve. For questions or to schedule an appointment for a checkup and cleaning, visit La Plata Dental’s website or contact 240-349-2439.