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Save Your Smile and Your
Wallet--A Guide to Dental Insurance
It is highly unlikely that there is anyone on earth who actually
"enjoys" going to a dentist office--unless it is a dentist, of
course. Government statistics show that many people actually
hate and fear dental visits and avoid them at all cost. Sadly,
it is precisely because we avoid the dentist, that makes going
to the dentist so uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and quite
expensive. By the time we go, minor problems have usually flared
into major and serious conditions requiring extensive
procedures.
When it comes to dental care, the old adage, "A ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure," is profoundly true. It
really does pay to go to the dentist regularly, to obtain the
preventive treatments that will reduce exorbitant dental bills
later. In recent decades, dental insurance plans have been one
of the fastest-growing items on the employee benefits scene, yet
dental professionals estimate that nearly 50 percent of
Americans are without dental insurance. Many people never had
it, while others have had their coverages dropped recently by
their employers to deal with the rapidly rising medical
insurance costs.
As you are probably aware, a hole in your tooth can put a larger
hole in your bank account. And a major dental procedure like
wisdom teeth removal or braces for your children can be a major
financial set back. One important way to reduce dental costs is
to get dental insurance. Whether it is an employee benefit or
you buy it yourself, it is a good investment--especially when
you have young children. You want to give them a healthy and
attractive smile, along with durable, straight teeth.
As with any insurance purchase, when it comes to purchasing
dental protection, things can get pretty tricky. Basically,
there are four primary options when it comes to dental plans:
indemnity, dental health maintenance organizations (DHMOs),
preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and lastly, dental
discount plans.
Each of the four types have certain advantages and
disadvantages, and since each individual and family is unique,
there is no single dental plan that is "perfect" for everybody.
You would be wise to research the various plans available and
comparison shop for the best prices for your particular
situation.
Indemnity insurance is the traditional type of insurance. You
pay monthly or yearly premiums and you can use the dentist of
your choice. There is usually an annual benefits cap--for
example, $2,500, and the insurance pays a different percentage
for different procedures, from 20 to 80 percent. The most
significant advantage of this insurance is your personal choice
of dentists--a very important feature for many people.
DHMOs are similar to medical HMOs and operate in much the same
way. Dentists are paid a flat rate to provide dental care for a
certain number of patients. Patients pay an annual premium and
are usually required to make co-payments for office visits and
procedures. Patients do NOT get to choose their own dentist, but
they are less expensive than indemnity plans.
PPOs are insurance plans where groups of dentists have agreed to
provide discounted services to insured members. Members pay
annual premiums and may get preventive care free and pay a
certain percentage on other types of procedures. Patients can
choose their own dentist, but will have to pay more money to do
so.
Dental discount plans have grown remarkably in the past few
years. Not really insurance, dental discount plans have a
network of dentists who have agreed to provide deeply discounted
services to group members. Members can routinely save 50 percent
on most dental services. The drawback to these plans are that
they are somewhat limited in number and may be difficult to find
in your area.
Whichever plan you choose, there are many reasons to maintain
good dental health. Beyond having a healthy smile to improve
your appearance, proper oral hygiene can reduce more serious
health problems, including heart disease. You don't want to
sacrifice your health for a few pennies a month--it is simply
not worth it. There are many plans available for as little as
$100 a year, and THAT is a wise investment.
Larry Denton
is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years at Hobson
High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently V.P. of Elfin
Enterprises, Inc., an Internet business providing valuable
information on a variety of timely topics. For a dentist office
full of advice and resources about dental insurance, visit
http://www.DentalInsuranceDesk.com
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