Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is a subset of health insurance. It is insurance that covers dental care only.

In the United States, dental insurance is most commonly offered as a benefit by employers to employees.

Dental Insurance versus Dental Plans

Dental plans are different than dental insurance. Dental plans are usually purchased by people who do not have dental insurance. A dental plan usually pays/covers a fixed number or procedures, or, offers discounts for procedures performed by participating dentists.

Typical Dental Plan Characteristics

  • No annual limits.
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  • Plans are usually activated very quickly (in a few weeks or less).
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  • Less paperwork required for approval.
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  • Some plans may include discounts on cosmetic dentistry.
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  • “Membership Fees” are usually paid versus “Monthly Premiums”.
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  • You pay dental expenses out-of-pocket, at the time care is rendered, usually at a discount.
 

Typical Dental Insurance Characteristics

  • You pay part of the total cost of services (co-pay and deductable) at the time services are rendered. Your dentist collects the remaining portion from your dental insurance company.
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  • There is normally an annual cap to benefits.
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  • There is normally a waiting period before benefits are paid (sometimes a year or more).
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  • There may be limitations or exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
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  • Cosmetic dentistry is rarely covered.