Dental Insurance & What That Means For You

Have you recently started a new job where they offer dental insurance, or do you have a flex spending account? Now that the New Year has rolled around you may be asked if you want to make changes to your dental plan.  But the amount of information that insurance plans throw at you can make it very difficult to navigate your way through. "While each plan is a little different, here are some in’s and out’s of dental insurance," Dr. Denine Rice.

You are usually given an amount of money that you will need to spend out of pocket for certain services. They may also limit the amount of times you can have a particular procedure conducted. For example, routine cleanings are usually done twice a year. If your dentist recommends you come in a third time for a more extensive hygiene, it may not be covered. “Dental plans also typically reimburse your dentist based on a class of service,” says Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice.

For example, Class one is typically your diagnostic and preventative procedures. These cover your hygiene visits and x-rays. While class two services are typically your restorative procedures such as fillings. Class three is more extensive restorative work and usually is crowns, bridges and dentures. Class four is reserved for orthodontics and procedures such as this. It may allow for an amount to be used to cover long-term treatments. This class is not a guarantee on insurance plans, and therefore, when determining which insurance is right for you, this may be something to consider.

Dental insurance companies have an overall amount that they set aside to pay for dental procedures. At the beginning of the year your new insurance amount should be ready for you to use. If you have further questions about your specific dental insurance plan or a procedure that has been recommended by Dr. Rice and her team please contact them for further specific information.