You need to attend regular dental visits in order to have optimal oral health, and dental insurance is a great way for you to receive more affordable care. However, if you have dental insurance, you probably know that it can be difficult to fully comprehend since it works so much different from your health insurance plan. There is no better time than now to fully maximize dental insurance benefits before the end of the year. Continue reading to learn a few tips from your dentist that can help you do that.
Get Preventive Dental Care
When you go in for regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist, you are better able to prevent oral health issues by having them treated before they become serious. For example, if your dentist discovers that you have a cavity early enough, you will be able to have it treated before you require a root canal or tooth extraction. Not only will this save you time and inconvenience, but you will also have a more affordable dental experience. Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care that includes cleanings, exams, and routine x-rays. You will be left with little to know cost.
Prevent General Health Issues
Your oral health is related to your overall health more than you may think. Patients who are suffering from gum disease are more likely to suffer from other conditions like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory issues, and many more problems. In fact, dental visits can lead to the early detection of more than 120 different health problems. When you take advantage of your routine visits, you can prevent health issues from occurring that will cost you a lot of time and money in the future.
See an In-Network Dentist
When you have a PPO insurance plan, you can choose to see any provider that you’d like. However, you will generally end up saving the most money by choosing a provider who is in-network. You may still get some coverage from an out-of-network provider, but you will usually end up with more out-of-pocket costs.
Use Remaining Flexible Spending Dollars
If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) through your employer, it would be best to use your remaining dollars before the end of the year. Most of the time, dental expenses are eligible FSA healthcare expenses. FSAs reduce your taxable income by putting money aside for healthcare. In the end, when you are using tax-free dollars to pay for your dental needs, you will have more money in your wallet.
Review Your Benefits
Now that the year is coming to a close, you should review your dental benefits again. This way, you will know exactly what is covered under your plan and when your benefits will start over. For most people, this happens at the end of the calendar year. On Jan 1, you will likely be responsible for paying your deductible again and your benefits will not carry over.
If you haven’t been to the dentist in over six months, now would be a great time to schedule an appointment. This way, you can work towards maximizing your dental insurance benefits.
About the Author
Dr. Bobby J. Carmen earned his DDS from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and has completed thousands of hours of continuing education since then. He is currently a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and has achieved Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information on dental insurance or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Carmen at his office in Norman, visit his website or call (405) 364-2200.