Individual Dental Plans - Review

Everyone wants to look their best and stay healthy, and this includes providing adequate care for your teeth and gums. Unfortunately, in many cases, the cost of proper oral care is not covered by regular medical insurance. Like any other health care, dental care can be quite expensive, making it important to consider the possibility of obtaining an individual dental plan. Many employers provide dental plans along with medical insurance for their employees. If your employer does not provide dental coverage, or if you are self-employed, there are other options for dental plans. Regardless of where you obtain your dental plan, though, there are several factors you should consider while making your decision.

As with many medical plans, an individual dental plan might specify which dentists you can see and still have your dental care covered. Out of network dentists are often covered at a reduced rate, so your pocketbook must be a consideration if your dentist is not included in the plan. In addition, some dentists will limit the number of appointments available for patients covered by certain dental plans--another important consideration, especially if the dentist's available appointments do not fit your schedule.

Individual Dental Plans - Type of Care Covered

In most cases, individual dental plans will cover regular preventative dental care, including two cleanings per year, yearly fluoride treatments and regular X-rays. Other care, however, is typically partially covered. For example, a large number of dental plans will only pay about half the cost of a filling or crown. In addition, they also often will only cover the least expensive type of crown, or will only pay at a rate considered to be an appropriate charge. So if you wish to have a more expensive procedure, such as a porcelain crown, and your dentist charges more than the insurance company feels is appropriate, you might find yourself facing a larger bill than you initially expected.

Individual Dental Plan - Weighing Your Options

In the end, your choice of individual dental plans must be made based on your personal needs. If your teeth are in good health overall, you might not need coverage for extensive dental work, in which case a basic plan that covers preventative care might be sufficient. However, if you have a past history of frequent decay or gingivitis, you might choose a plan that will cover the type of work you are likely to need in the long term. Regardless of the type of plan you are considering, always remember that cheapest is not always the best. You must take into consideration your personal history, your finances, and the policies of your dentist of choice before making the decision that will be right for you.

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Last Modified: November 1, 2010