5 Tips for Maximizing Your Dental Insurance Benefits

A good dental insurance plan makes it easier for your child to get the care they need to maintain a healthy, brilliant smile for life. But when it comes to your benefits, are you getting your money’s worth? To make sure that you aren’t leaving any dental dollars on the table when your plan resets, try following these 5 useful tips that can help you maximize dental insurance benefits.

1. Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

Your child should have a dental checkup and cleaning once every six months. During these visits, their dentist will keep an eye out for dental issues and remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on the teeth; taking care of these problems early can prevent the need for complex treatments later. You can generally expect your dental plan to pay for two preventive visits a year, making these appointments a good way to use your benefits while also protecting your little one’s smile.

2. Be Proactive About Dealing with Dental Problems

Many insurance companies offer about 80% coverage for “minor” dental treatments like fillings but only around 50% coverage for “major” procedures like pulp therapy. As such, you’ll get more out of your benefits by having dental issues treated early on instead of waiting for them to turn into emergencies. As soon as you think your child might have an oral health problem, pick up the phone and call their dentist to schedule a visit.

3. Choose an In-Network Provider

Many practices accept both in-network and out-of-network insurance plans, but you’ll usually save more money with an in-network provider. When you’re choosing a new pediatric dentist, it’s worth checking their website or contacting their office to see if they’re currently in-network with your insurance carrier.

4. Use Your Flexible Spending Account

Do you have a Flexible Spending Account through your employer? If so, you can use it to help pay for your child’s dental care. Most medically necessary treatments (such as regular exams and fillings) are usually eligible for FSA coverage. By combining your FSA with your insurance benefits, you can greatly cut down the amount you spend out of pocket on pediatric dental care.

5. Make Sure Your Child Practices Good Oral Hygiene

Dental insurance usually offers better coverage for preventive care than restorative care. So if you want to get as much mileage as possible out of your plan, you should make sure that your child is brushing and flossing at least two times a day. Excellent oral hygiene can help your little one avoid dental problems that can lead to more costly treatments.

In short, the best strategy for using dental insurance wisely is to be proactive about caring for your child’s teeth. Get in touch with your child’s dentist today to schedule an appointment or to get more information about how you can use your benefits to the fullest.

About the Author

Dr. Amar Singh treats all of his young patients at Happy Teeth of Levittown with compassion and kindness. He completed a pediatric residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and today he is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. His practice is in-network with a wide variety of dental plans. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Singh for your little one, visit our website or call (267) 580-9657.