How To: Save Money by Utilizing Your Dental Insurance Benefits

Do you have dental insurance? If so, do you know how to utilize your benefits to the fullest? If not, don’t worry – the unfamiliar jargon and lengthy pages of fine print lead to many patients being unfamiliar with their coverage. Sadly, this can result in leaving valuable dollars on the table year after year. To prevent that from happening, here are five tips for maximizing your dental insurance benefits.

#1. Visit an In-Network Dentist

Even if you only recently got dental insurance, you’ve probably heard of the terms “in-network” and “out-of-network.” In short, in-network dentists have pre-negotiated rates with certain dental insurance providers, meaning you won’t be billed for the difference in price. As a result, visiting an in-network dentist can help you save on essential preventive and restorative care.

#2. Get Your Next Dental Checkup & Cleaning on the Calendar

While dental plans aren’t the same across the board, they often have one thing in common: an emphasis on preventive care. As such, most patients can enjoy two exams, two cleanings, and annual X-rays at no cost. However, if you skip one of your six-month checkups and cleanings, you don’t get a “make-up” one the following year. So, to avoid wasting money, prioritize each of your biannual visits.

#3. Don’t Postpone Any Necessary Restorative Care

With cavities and gum disease at an all-time high, your dentist may find a dental problem during your routine dental exam. If you think putting off necessary restorative treatment will save you money, think again! Many plans cover between 50% and 80% of services like fillings, root canals, and dental crowns. Again, the remaining benefits don’t carry over into the next year. So, if you have them, use them!

#4. Schedule Your Dental Appointments Before the New Year

In addition to an emphasis on preventive care, another commonality among dental plans is that they reset on January 1^st. As a result, you may only have a few weeks left to utilize your remaining coverage. So, if you have already met your deductible but still have available benefits, now is the time to get in touch with your dental team! In addition to providing you with any preventive or restorative care, they can answer any questions you have about dental insurance and help you maximize your coverage!

About the Author

Dr. David S. Rosenfeld’s journey to becoming the exceptional dentist he is today began at the Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery in New York City. Since then, he has completed numerous advanced trainings in everything from cosmetic dentistry to oral implantology. In fact, he has even been awarded a Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantology and voted “NJ’s Favorite Kids’ Docs” by New Jersey Family Magazine. So, if you are looking for a trusted dentist near you, he’s the one! To learn more about utilizing your available benefits or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 908-668-7838.