Every month, you put aside money for oral healthcare. With the help of your dental insurance plan, you are able to receive more affordable care. But are you getting the most out of your monthly investment? Dental insurance can be difficult to navigate at first, as it is much different than the medical insurance that you’re used to. Here are some easy steps to take that can help to ensure that you are truly maximizing your dental benefits.
Utilize Your Preventive Coverage
If you haven’t been going to the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups recently, you aren’t even coming close to maximizing your insurance benefits. When you attend these appointments, you can prevent dental problems from developing and worsening in the future. In addition to having your teeth cleaned by a hygienist, your dentist will be examining your mouth for existing issues. This way, they can be treated before becoming serious. Most insurance plans cover preventive care, and you will be much more likely to avoid the discomfort and costs of a dental emergency later on.
Seeing your dentist isn’t only about your smile. Your oral health and general health go hand in hand. Your dentist is able to tell a lot about your health just by examining your smile. Dentist can detect over a hundred different ailments during routine cleanings and checkups, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. By heading to the dentist every six month, you can prevent other issues in the body that can run up a bill in the long run.
Choose an In-Network Dentist
If you have a preferred provider organization (PPO) dental insurance plan, you can see any dentist you want for care. However, if they are not in-network, you could end up with higher out-of-pocket costs. By weighing the pros and cons of different providers, you can decide if the cost difference is worth it to you.
Use Your Flexible Spending Dollars
Use the money in your flexible spending account (FSA) before the year comes to an end. Most of the time, dental expenses are eligible FSA healthcare expenses. FSAs reduce your taxable income by putting aside additional money for healthcare. If you use tax-free dollars for your dental care, you will end up saving money.
Review Your Dental Benefits
This is an excellent time for you to look over your dental benefits. This way, you will know exactly what is covered and when your benefits will reset. For most people, they reset at the end of the calendar year. At this time, you will be responsible for paying your deductible again. Your remaining benefits will not be carried over.
Your dental insurance holds value, so make the most of it. There is no better time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. You don’t want to miss out when it comes to your 2021 benefits!
About the Author
Dr. Tyler Aten earned his doctorate from the University of Connecticut and completed a General Practice Residency at St. Francis Hospital. Currently, he is a SPEAR Study Club Leader and has completed an extensive amount of advanced training. For more information on dental insurance or to schedule an appointment at his office in St. Albans City before the end of the year, visit his website or call (802) 524-4844.