Protecting the health and condition of your teeth is as important as taking care of any other part of your body. Most of us have overall health/medical insurance, either through an employer or individually. So the question may be, what’s the right dental plan for my needs?

Dental Insurance Cost vs. Coverage Limits

It’s all about the numbers. That means the actuarial tables that insurers use, and the budget you can afford to cover premiums, co-pays, deductibles and over-limit charges. It may sound complicated. But, with some care and forethought, you’ll be able to determine what’s right for your individual situation. Be sure you understand the specific details of any plan you’re considering.

General health insurance premiums are based to some degree on the relatively low odds of a given individual encountering a severe and highly expensive medical situation. So these kinds of plans can offer high limits on out-of-pocket and lifetime costs. But typical annual limits for dental plans can be just $1,000 or $2,000 since relatively expensive procedures can be more common.

As with routine doctor visits and annual physicals covered under health insurance plans as preventive care, the same goes for things like routine cleanings, checkups, fillings and x-rays under a dental plan. However, dental insurance may have higher copays and tighter caps for more expensive procedures like root canals, crowns, braces and dentures. Other procedures like veneers and implants may not be covered at all.

Also, there may be a waiting period for certain procedures. Assuming that you can purchase coverage for a procedure coming up soon may be a mistake.

Am I Eligible for Group Coverage?

Again, just as with a general health insurance plan, group plans for available for dental coverage. The first place to start is your employer, if they offer one. Due the employer’s buying power, it’s likely to offer the best value. One caveat is to make sure the deductible for the dental portion is separate from the main deductible.

If an employer plan is not available, there are several other sources including associations, ACA plans and online marketplaces that offer some of the purchasing power similar to an employer group. These are good places to look if you need to find a plan for yourself or your family on your own.

Who Will My Dentist Be?

Dental plans work through networks of providers just like health insurance. If you already use a dentist you’re happy with, ask them what plans they accept. If you’re considering an employer-offered plan, hopefully your current dentist will be included.

If you’re going the individual route, you’ll need to check the list of dentists included for each of the plans you’re considering. And, if you’re seeking a new dentist, ask friends, family and trusted associates for a referral.

Bottom Line

Overall, taking a look at your past and anticipated dental needs (individual or family) can help determine whether the costs of dental insurance pan out. For example, depending on your age, you may decide on coverage for just yourself, but not your children or adding them at a later date. At the same time, common treatments for young children may include fluoride and sealants which insurance could help cover.

One way to address potentially larger expenses is through a dental health savings account where you can sock away pre-tax funds ahead of time.

Also, keep in mind that the choice between a dental PPO or HMO plan is very similar to general health insurance in terms of cost, flexibility, choice of provider, etc.

Keep Your Teeth in Good Shape

Regardless of your insurance situation, taking good care of your teeth should be part of your daily health regimen. And it can have a major impact on our dental expenses over time. Brushing and flossing, using an electric toothbrush, going in for cleanings every six months and choosing a dentist who provides high-quality work are among the best ways to maintain appearance and comfort, while saving money in the long run.

If you're in need of a plan outside your employer, check out the available dental plans through KeenanDirect starting at $8 per month.