Understanding Your Dental Insurance


You have dental insurance, what now? Dental insurance can be confusing, and getting the right answers is not always that easy. If you have never had dental insurance or never used it and you have questions about copays, deductibles, etc. we are here to help.

Dental insurance works differently than health insurance plans; Here are a few key things to help you better understand your dental insurance:

  1. Most dental insurances alongside dentists stress the importance of preventive oral health. On average, a dental plan will cover two cleanings and two dental exams per year at a very low cost or no cost to the patient.

  2. The majority of plans will have a Deductible. It is the amount you will need to pay before your dental insurance can start paying for any dental treatments. (Some plans waive deductibles for preventive visits like exams.)

  3. Your dental plan will only pay a certain amount each year. This is called an Annual Maximum.

  4. Every plan has some kind of limitation or exclusion. For example, a common limitation that plans have is the amount of cleanings your insurance will cover annually. The majority of plans will limit the dental cleanings they will pay for to twice a year. Not all plans are the same, therefore it is always best to speak to your plan administrator if you have questions about certain plan limitations or exclusions.

For a more in-depth look into your dental plan, we recommend getting in touch with your dental insurance. They can answer more detailed questions about what kind of plan you have and what dental benefits are available for you to use.

*Important things to consider: With most plans, benefits expire at the end of your plan year. Any benefits that are not used, go to waste at the end of your plan year. (Unused benefits don’t roll over to the next year.) This is known as the ‘Use it or Lose it’ benefit.

At Smile 24 Dentistry, our team is dedicated to help you get the dental care you deserve. This is why we take the time to get a complimentary benefits check before your first dental appointment. We also submit pre-treatment estimates to your insurance before doing more expensive treatment such as crowns or dentures. We go the extra mile to help you maximize your dental insurance benefits and take the time to explain the cost of treatment to help you make an educated decision.


Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment Today!

Contact our office today at (602) 675-0896. You can also request an appointment by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form!