Dental Insurance 101

You brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and rinse with mouthwash because that’s what you were told to do. But this routine is better for far more than just minty fresh breath. Did you know that oral hygiene ties in with other aspects of your health? For instance, a person with poor oral health is at a higher risk for heart disease. Yikes! It’s a good thing you’ve been dutifully brushing. But you can do even more by taking advantage of what a dental insurance policy can offer.

A good dental plan provides coverage for a variety of dental treatments (coverage varies between policy options), such as:

• Routine teeth cleanings
• Emergency dental care and procedures
• Fillings and crowns
• Orthodontics
• Accidental dental injuries
• Reconstructive or plastic surgery following an injury or oral cancer

Dental insurance is very different than medical insurance for two main reasons:

1. The low cost makes dental plans affordable for individuals, families, and companies that offer dental as part of a benefit package.
2. A dental plan encourages and often pays for routine checkups.

What does this mean for you? Unlike some types of insurance products, people with a dental plan start to benefit immediately. It’s a good rule of thumb to visit your dentist for a teeth cleaning every six months. When these visits are covered and the pressure is off your wallet, it’s easier to stick to a regular dental care schedule. Maintaining good oral health can be expensive on your own, but with a reasonable monthly premium you can prevent those bills from sneaking up on you.

There are several dental policies available, including, but not limited to:

• PPO Plans: With this plan, customers are presented with a group of dentists who provide dental care to patients within the group at a discounted rate.
• Direct Reimbursement: Also known as Self-Insurance, this is a choice option for businesses because it’s likely to save them money in the case of employees not taking advantage of their benefits. With this plan, employees are invited to visit their preferred dentist for services. The patient pays the dentist and is then reimbursed by their employer.
• Indemnity Programs: With this plan, you are free to choose your own dentist. A patients pays the dentist and then his or her insurance company pays a set portion of the total fees.

If you’re shopping for a dental policy, our agents can assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Visit us at our website today for a free quote on Tampa dental insurance.