Getting the Most Out of Your Dental Benefits

So, you’re enrolled in a dental benefit plan – now what? Explore these tips and recommendations to ensure you get the most out of your dental benefit.

Find the Right Dentist

Some dentists might be the right fit for others but not for you – and that’s OK! Find a dentist that you like and trust. 

The following questions can help you decide if a dentist is right for you:

• Do you feel comfortable asking questions or voicing concerns at your appointment?
• Does the dental office offer appointment times that work well for your schedule?
• Does the dentist and dental staff do a good job of explaining any recommended treatment?

If you’re still not sure, you can consider/ask your dentist these questions:

• Does the dentist offer a guarantee or warranty on their work?
• Is the dentist available after hours for emergencies? If so, what is the protocol?
• Does the office have updated/current technology?

While none of these questions are the be-all and end-all, they can be important questions to consider when deciding if your dentist is a good fit for you.

Have Regular Dental Check-Ups

Going to the dentist at least every six months is extremely important for your overall dental health. Dental check-ups allow your care team to clean and polish your teeth, leaving you with a brighter, whiter smile. Regular cleanings also provide preventive care to help protect your mouth from gum disease and detect any signs of dental problems early.

If your dentist recommends further treatment after a dental check-up, make an appointment that day and don’t postpone it. Even if the tooth isn’t bothering you at that time, it’s better to have it treated before it becomes a bigger problem.

“If you catch a cavity when it is small, it’s easier to treat and results in a smaller filling and less trauma. If you put off recommended dental treatment, you’re going to end up going through a lot more and spending a lot more in the long run,” shares Terry Norris, DMD, the lead consulting dentist for HRI Dental & Vision.

On the other hand, if you are experiencing tooth pain, don’t wait until your next regular check-up. Make an appointment to have the tooth looked at as soon as possible. While it may take time to get into the dentist for a regular cleaning, they leave spots in their schedules to see patients experiencing issues or pain.

Have Proper Oral Hygiene at Home

Practicing good oral hygiene at home is just as important as going to the dentist. Brush and floss regularly, use mouthwash and drink water to keep your mouth and teeth healthy.

“If a tooth is sensitive, try a sensitive toothpaste for two weeks. If the sensitivity lingers, make an appointment to see your dentist,” Dr. Norris shares.

Ask Questions About Your Treatment

While talking during a dental cleaning may be difficult, your dentist or dental hygienist is always happy to answer any questions you may have about what they are doing or any recommended treatments.

Determine How Often X-Rays Are Needed

Dental X-rays may only be covered every so often by your health insurance. To save money, it’s important to only have them done as frequently as you need them.

Dr. Norris recommends asking your dentist to perform a caries risk assessment at your next visit. “This assessment determines your risk level of developing dental caries (cavities),” Dr. Norris shares. This assessment involves your dentist asking you questions about your dental health.

They may ask you about your exposure to fluoride and sugary foods or drinks, eligibility for government programs such as WIC or Medicaid, family history of dental caries and information about any health conditions. All of these items may increase or decrease your risk of developing cavities. “Based on this assessment, your dentist can determine how often you need full mouth and bitewing radiographs,” Dr. Norris shares.

“Also ask your dentist if they follow the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recommendations for radiographic frequency,” Dr. Norris recommends. The FDA has set guidelines on how often dental X-rays are recommended based on factors such as your age and history of cavities.

Determine Least Invasive Treatment Options

Depending on the issue, you may have multiple treatment options available. Ask your dentist to walk you through your options, and the benefits and disadvantages of each.

“Ask your dentist what they would want to have done in their mouth or for a family member if they were in the same situation,” Dr. Norris shares.

Sometimes the less invasive option will work just as well as a more involved treatment option. For example, you could ask your dentist if a small to medium-size filling would do the job of a crown, and avoid the additional treatment, time and money spent.

Your dentist should be willing to work with you to find a treatment option that will keep your mouth and wallet happy.

Educate Yourself on Your Plan Coverage

Knowing what your plan does and doesn’t cover is important to getting the most out of your dental benefits. Every plan is different, so you’ll need to spend some time looking at your specific coverage and plan offerings.

Here are a few terms to familiarize yourself with so you can have a better understanding of your coverage:

• Deductible: A deductible is the amount of money you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance plan begins to pay.
• Annual Maximum: An annual maximum is the maximum dollar amount that your insurance will pay toward the cost of dental services or treatment in a benefit plan year.
• Coinsurance: Coinsurance is the percentage of costs that you will pay toward the cost of a covered dental expense after you have met your deductible.

“If your annual maximum is running out, it may be OK to postpone elective treatment until the start of a new benefit year,” Dr. Norris shares. This will save you money. Always check with your dentist to ensure that postponing treatment will not cause more harm than good.

Dr. Norris also recommends pediatric and adult fluoride varnish even if it’s not covered by insurance. “It’s a great preventive treatment that can prevent cavities and save money in the long run.”

Also, check if your plan offers any coverage options for teledentistry visits. Teledentistry can be a great option for receiving initial care and medications if you can’t get into your dentist right away.

If you’re paying for dental coverage, you might as well use it! Make sure you’re getting the most out of your dental plan this year.