| It
is highly unlikely that there is anyone on earth who
actually "enjoys" going to a dentist office--unless
it is a dentist, of course. Government statistics
show that many people actually hate and fear dental
visits and avoid them at all cost. Sadly, it is precisely
because we avoid the dentist, that makes going to
the dentist so uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and
quite expensive. By the time we go, minor problems
have usually flared into major and serious conditions
requiring extensive procedures.
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When
it comes to dental care, the old adage, "A ounce of prevention
is worth a pound of cure," is profoundly true. It really
does pay to go to the dentist regularly, to obtain the preventive
treatments that will reduce exorbitant dental bills later.
In recent decades, dental insurance plans have been one of
the fastest-growing items on the employee benefits scene,
yet dental professionals estimate that nearly 50 percent of
Americans are without dental insurance. Many people never
had it, while others have had their coverages dropped recently
by their employers to deal with the rapidly rising medical
insurance costs.
As
you are probably aware, a hole in your tooth can put a larger
hole in your bank account. And a major dental procedure
like wisdom teeth removal or braces for your children can
be a major financial set back. One important way to reduce
dental costs is to get dental insurance. Whether it is an
employee benefit or you buy it yourself, it is a good investment--especially
when you have young children. You want to give them a healthy
and attractive smile, along with durable, straight teeth.
As
with any insurance purchase, when it comes to purchasing
dental protection, things can get pretty tricky. Basically,
there are four primary options when it comes to dental plans:
indemnity, dental health maintenance organizations (DHMOs),
preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and lastly, dental
discount plans.
Each
of the four types have certain advantages and disadvantages,
and since each individual and family is unique, there is
no single dental plan that is "perfect" for everybody.
You would be wise to research the various plans available
and comparison shop for the best prices for your particular
situation.
Indemnity
insurance is the traditional type of insurance. You pay
monthly or yearly premiums and you can use the dentist of
your choice. There is usually an annual benefits cap--for
example, $2,500, and the insurance pays a different percentage
for different procedures, from 20 to 80 percent. The most
significant advantage of this insurance is your personal
choice of dentists--a very important feature for many people.
DHMOs
are similar to medical HMOs and operate in much the same
way. Dentists are paid a flat rate to provide dental care
for a certain number of patients. Patients pay an annual
premium and are usually required to make co-payments for
office visits and procedures. Patients do NOT get to choose
their own dentist, but they are less expensive than indemnity
plans.
PPOs
are insurance plans where groups of dentists have agreed
to provide discounted services to insured members. Members
pay annual premiums and may get preventive care free and
pay a certain percentage on other types of procedures. Patients
can choose their own dentist, but will have to pay more
money to do so.
Dental
discount plans have grown remarkably in the past few years.
Not really insurance, dental discount plans have a network
of dentists who have agreed to provide deeply discounted
services to group members. Members can routinely save 50
percent on most dental services. The drawback to these plans
are that they are somewhat limited in number and may be
difficult to find in your area.
Whichever
plan you choose, there are many reasons to maintain good
dental health. Beyond having a healthy smile to improve
your appearance, proper oral hygiene can reduce more serious
health problems, including heart disease. You don't want
to sacrifice your health for a few pennies a month--it is
simply not worth it. There are many plans available for
as little as $100 a year, and THAT is a wise investment.
About
the Author
Larry
Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years
at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently V.P.
of Elfin Enterprises, Inc., an Internet business providing
valuable information on a variety of timely topics. For
a dentist office full of advice and resources about dental
insurance, visit http://www.DentalInsuranceDesk.com |
