When it comes to dental insurance, one-size-fits-all doesn’t apply. Whether you’re self-employed, switching jobs, or just want to avoid high out-of-pocket costs, choosing the right plan can save you money and headaches. Here are three essential steps to help you find the best dental insurance for your needs.
1. Make Sure You Can See a Good Dentist
Not all insurance plans are accepted by top-rated dentists. Some of the cheapest plans have extremely limited networks, or none at all. Before choosing a plan, ask yourself these questions:
- Is your dentist in-network with the plan? If you already have a dentist you trust, this is one of the easiest ways to narrow down your options.
- Are top-rated dentists near you accepting this plan? Plans that aren’t accepted by many dentists may leave you with fewer choices or lower-quality care.
- What type of network does the plan offer? Some plans rely on large national networks, while others (especially smaller carriers) may use third-party dental vendors. Also, knowing the difference between PPO and HMO networks is also helpful since the latter is less favorable.
Pro Tip: Look for a plan with a strong local network of dentists and specialists, especially if you expect to need more than just preventive care.
2. Understand What’s Covered – and When
A low monthly premium doesn’t always mean lower total costs. Plans vary widely in what they cover and when. Here’s what to look for:
- Annual Maximums: This is the maximum amount the plan will pay each year. Look for plans with higher maximums if you expect to need crowns, root canals, or other major treatments.
- Waiting Periods: Many plans have 6 – 12 month waiting periods before they cover anything beyond cleanings and exams but there are exceptions.
- Coinsurance & Copays: Even after you hit your deductible, you may still be responsible for paying for a portion of your dental treatment out of pocket. HMO plans (which rarely recommend) have copays for almost every procedure, and PPO plans usually have 20-50% coinsurance for non-preventive procedures like fillings, crowns, dentures, and other procedures.
Before enrolling, make sure the plan aligns with your dental needs, not just your budget. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while or suspect you’ll need work done soon, be cautious of plans with long waiting periods or minimal coverage for restorative care.
3. Choose a Plan That Matches Your Lifestyle
Everyone’s dental needs are different. A young healthy adult with stable oral health may only need a plan that covers preventive care, while a gig worker with no coverage history might prefer something more comprehensive.
When comparing plans, consider:
- Preventive Coverage: Most plans cover exams, x-rays, and cleanings, but is there a co-pay/coinsurance attached to this care and how many cleanings per year are included?
- Orthodontics or Cosmetic Needs: If you’re interested in braces or whitening, many standard plans won’t help but there are a few that will pay a portion of the costs for braces and/or cover teeth whitening and porcelain veneers.
- Flexibility: Some dental discount plans or in-house memberships offered by local dentists may offer better value and fewer restrictions than traditional insurance, such as no waiting periods and no annual maximums.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best dental insurance doesn’t mean picking the cheapest plan, it means finding the one that gives you access to the right care at the right time. Make sure the plan you choose is accepted by top dentists in your area, has reasonable coverage terms with minimal waiting and matches your current (and expected) needs. Looking for the best dental insurance in your state? Search ‘DenScore Best Dental Insurance‘ for implants, braces, teeth whitening, annual maximums, waiting periods, or major dental work to find the best plan for your needs!
