Do I need a Dental Insurance Company to save money?

As a practicing dentist for over 30 years, I often am asked if you need a Dental Insurance Company to save money.  The answer to this question is yes and no.  The following article will give you some examples to determine if a dental insurance company will save you money.  Hopefully, one of these examples will describe your situation and help answer some of the questions you may have.

Example 1:  Do I need a Dental Insurance Company to save money?

You are 25 years old and have dental insurance through your employer.  You need two cleanings each year and have four cavities.  In this case, your dental insurance company will save you money because you are allowed two free cleanings with X-rays each year and you will receive your fillings at a discount.

Example 2:  Do I need a Dental Insurance Company to save money?

You are 45 years old and have dental insurance through your employer.  You need 2 crowns and a root canal.  Your annual maximum is $2,000.00.  In this case, your dental insurance company will save you money because you will be able to receive your dental care at a discount as well as your two free cleanings with X-rays each year.

Example 3:  Do I need a Dental Insurance Company to save money?

You are 55 years old and have dental insurance through your employer.  You want 8 veneers because you want to beautify your smile.  In this case, your dental insurance company will save you money only on your cleanings with X-rays.  Your veneers are considered a cosmetic treatment and are not covered by most dental insurance companies. 

Example 4:  Do I need a Dental Insurance Company to save money?

You are 25 years old and own a lawn mowing company.  You have no dental insurance.  You take great care of your teeth and have never had a cavity.  In this case, a dental insurance company, will probably not save you money.  It is probably better for you to pay out of pocket for a dental cleaning with X-rays.  If you have a cavity or two, it is better to find out what the total fee for those services are, and then plan to have those procedures performed without fussing around with dental insurance.  In other words, if you have a low level of dental need, it is better to pay out of pocket rather than trying to find a Dental insurance Company.

Example 5:  Do I need a Dental Insurance Company to save money?

You are retiring in 6 years and have dental insurance through your employer.  You have $12,000 worth of dental care that is needed.  Your annual maximum is $2000.00.  In this instance, it is probably best to utilize the maximum benefits that you can each year, prior to retirement, so you can complete your care before you retire.  In this case, your Dental Insurance Company would be a benefit to you.

Example 6:  Do I need a Dental Insurance Company to save money?

You are 35 years old and self-employed with no dental insurance.  You have $10,000 worth of needed dental care.  In this situation, it may be to your advantage to look for a dental insurance company that has a high annual maximum with little or no waiting periods.  You will have to do the math to figure out if the monthly premium is worth the benefit.  Remember, most plans offer dental care at a reduced fee as well as pay for part of your premium.  In this case, your dental insurance company could save you money.

As you can see, it is nice to have a dental insurance company, but not mandatory.  If your employer provides dental insurance, you are lucky.  If you are retired or self-employed, then your need for a dental insurance company really depends on how much dental care you or your family require.  If you need a lot of care, it is beneficial to have it.  If you only need an occasional filling and a couple of checkups each year, it is probably better to pay out of pocket.

Everyone’s situation is different.  This article answers most of the main questions we receive at our three convenient locations on a day to day basis.  I hope this article answered any questions you have regarding your dental insurance company; if not, please feel free to contact us if you have specific questions regarding your individual situation.  We look forward to welcoming you and your family at Thomas L. Anderson and Associates.