Dental insurance, like most insurance, can be multifaceted and complicated, but we wanted to explain to our patients and prospective patients why we believe that it is a good investment. While it will not cover 100% of everyone's dental care, a good dental insurance policy can save you thousands for a family of four. In this article, we will attempt to explain some myths and some truths about dental insurance.

What Does It Cover?

Your dental plan is unique to your geographical location, your existing dental health, and your budget. Dental insurance plans typically come in tiers that offer different benefits to suit your particular needs. You can have an individual or a whole family plan, and the rates vary depending on the insurer and what (if any) your employer kicks into the plan on your behalf. Since insurance companies make more money when you make fewer claims, they tend to reward good behavior. At Bendel Family Dentistry, we have found that most first visits are covered by your insurance, as they benefit from your overall oral health. First visits include an initial evaluation (exam), X-rays to determine if you have any cavities, and a cleaning. This can cost upwards of $300 without insurance, so it is one of the biggest positives of carrying dental insurance.

At our office, the median savings we see for patients who carry dental insurance is 50% for crown work and up to 80% for fillings, depending on your tier. Dina Dental is the insurance carrier for the Lafayette Parish School System and Lafayette Consolidated Government, and they provide policy holders with several tiers of service. For instance, if you are in the FCL tier (LPSS), 50-80% of root canals are covered by insurance.

What Won't It Cover?

Conversely, cosmetic dentistry is defined as dentistry that is concerned only about the way the tooth looks. Two examples of cosmetic dentistry would be micro abrasion (filing down of small imperfections) and whitening. Cosmetic procedures are not deemed medically necessary, and therefore are not covered by dental insurance plans.  

In Network Provider

Some of the insurance companies Bendel Family Dentistry is in network with are Always Care, Cigna Radius Plan, Delta Premier Plan, Guardian, Humana, DINA. We ask, however, that you still put in a call to our office and allow us to provide you with a free benefits check, as we can still find ways to save you money in most situations. We will also take the time to answer your questions and help you gain knowledge and empowerment when making decisions about your oral hygiene and care.

Make sure to look at the terms and conditions of your particular insurance policy because some insurances require a minimum waiting period before you can begin using the insurance. Pre-existing dental conditions like missing teeth are not always covered. All in all, insurance is designed to save you money. The best way to save money is to focus on preventative care such as annual cleanings and x-rays.