Dental Insurance
What Dental Insurance Typically Covers
Most dental plans follow a 100-80-50 coverage structure:
|
Service Type
|
Coverage
|
|---|---|
|
Preventive Care (cleanings, exams, x-rays)
|
Covered at
100%
|
|
Basic Services (fillings, extractions)
|
Covered at
~80%
|
|
Major Services (crowns, root canals,
dentures)
|
Covered at
~50%
|
Benefits of Dental Insurance
Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs
Routine cleanings and exams are often fully covered.
Prevention-Focused
Regular check-ups catch issues early, preventing costly treatments later.
Network Savings
In-network providers often charge less than out-of-network dentists.
Optional Add-ons
Many plans let you add coverage for orthodontics, periodontics, or dental implants.
Types of Dental Insurance Plans
Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO)
a. Requires choosing a primary dentist in-network
b. Lower premiums, no deductibles, but less flexibilityPreferred Provider Organization (PPO)
a. More provider flexibility; you can go out-of-network (at higher cost)
b. Deductibles and annual maximums applyIndemnity (Fee-for-Service) Plans
a. Visit any dentist; you pay upfront and get reimbursed
b. Less common, typically higher costDiscount Dental Plans (Not Insurance)
a. Pay a membership fee for access to discounted rates
b. No reimbursements or coverage limits, but reduced rates at certain dentists
Things to Consider When Choosing a Plan
• Monthly premium vs. expected usage
• Annual maximum benefit
• Waiting periods for major procedures
• Network of available providers
• Coverage for dependents
Would you like help comparing dental plans in your area or calculating whether coverage is
worth it based on your dental needs?
Call 844-735-5098 to speak to a Licensed Agent