An overwhelming 95% of Americans view good oral health as a vital part of their overall well-being. Getting routine checkups and cleaning with a knowledgeable dental professional is the only way to keep your teeth looking their best. Without proper dental insurance, you will have to pay for this preventative care out of your own pocket. In this article we discuss 3 ways to get the most out of your dental insurance policy.

This is why having the best dental insurance plan on the market is so important. Once you have found a policy that works for your dental needs and your budget, getting the most out of this policy is a must. Here are just some of the things you can do to use your existing dental insurance policy effectively.

1. Shop Around When in Need of an Expensive Dental Procedure

Comparing prices is one of the 3 ways to get the most out of your dental insurance policy. Some people have the misconception that the prices of dental procedures are all the same. In reality, this price can vary depending on the region you have the procedure in. Simply settling for the first price you are quoted on a dental procedure, you need to do some shopping around. Calling other dental offices and clinics in your area may be time-consuming, but it is worth the effort.

Most dental offices will have no problem giving you a quote over the phone. With this information, you can figure out which dentist can offer you the best deal. The less money you have to spend with your insurance, the lower the risk will become massive out of pocket expenses arising. Being a deal-savvy consumer can help you get high-quality dental care for low prices.

2. Make Sure You Have the Right Dental Insurance Plan in Place

Right dental insurance plan is one of the 3 ways to get the most out of your dental insurance policy. Dental insurance is something you can buy and then forget about. While you may be loyal to your existing insurance provider, there is no harm in making sure you are getting the best possible deal and coverage. This is why during the open enrollment period, you need to get a few quotes on other policies. When trying to choose a dental policy, you will need to become familiar with two types of policies.

Getting a Policy With a Preferred Provider Organization

A dental insurance policy offered by a  preferred provider organization (PPO) is beneficial for a number of reasons. These plans usually come with free cleanings and other preventative care. However, there is usually a limit on the number of cleanings you and your family can have in a given year.

You need to be aware that in addition to monthly PPO premiums, you will also need to meet a deductible before the actual insurance kicks in. In most cases, these deductibles will be under $100.

Using a Health Maintenance Organization For Dental Insurance

People who opt for dental insurance through a health maintenance organization (HMO) typically want quality care and can afford to spend a bit more. Generally, your premiums on an HMO plan will be far lower than a PPO plan.

The only drawback to an HMO is that they usually have a very small network. This means you may be restricted regarding which dentists you can see. If you don’t already have a regular dentist, an HMO may be a great option.

3. Focus on Timing

Lastly, focusing on timing is one of the 3 ways to get the most out of your dental insurance policy. If you need lots of dental work to get your smile back in good shape, timing these procedures is important. For instance, if you need multiple crowns and fillings, ask your dentist to split them up. This will help you avoid huge out of pocket costs for getting them all at once. Getting familiar with the coverage your dental insurance provides.

Knowing how much of a deductible you have to pay before insurance starts to pay for everything is important. With this knowledge, you can schedule all of the expensive dental work you need for a time when insurance will pick up the complete tab.

Finding The Right Policy Takes Time

As you can see, learning how to use your dental insurance can save you lots of money. The key to getting the best dental policy for you and your family is by working with professionals. An insurance broker will be able to find policies that offer the coverage and the price you are looking for.