Facts You Should Know About Your Dental Insurance

Dental insurance has played a role in helping people obtain better care. Since we strongly feel our patients deserve the best possible treatment we can provide, and in an effort to maintain the highest quality of care, we would like to share some facts about dental insurance with you.

Fact #1 Dental insurance companies do not intend for their plans to cover all expenses. Their plans serve only as an aid toward acquiring better care.

Fact #2 Many dental plans tell their insured that they will be covered “up to 80% or up to 100%.” In spite of what you are told, most dentists find that the majority of plans cover about 30% to 40% of an average fee. Some pay more – some pay less. The amount your plan pays is determined by how much you or your employer paid for the plan. The less that is paid for the insurance, the less you benefit.

Fact #3 Many dental services are covered a specific number of times in a calendar year (for example, recare appointments may be covered only once every six months.)

Fact #4 Some insurance companies tell their clients that “fees are above the usual and customary fees” rather than saying to them “our benefits are too low.” In our office we do not view our patients as “usual and customary,” but as quality people who expect quality dentistry. Remember, your insurance benefit is limited by what you or your employer pays for the plan less the profit of the insurance company.