If you’ve got dental insurance, you probably want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your plan. After all, your monthly premium payments shouldn’t go to waste! But how can you maximize the benefits you get from dental insurance?
- GET TWO TEETH CLEANINGS AND ORAL EXAMS EACH YEAR
Not only does getting two cleanings and exams per year help you keep your mouth healthy, but it also helps you maximize your benefits. Almost all dental plans cover twice-yearly preventive care at no out-of-pocket cost.
- WORK WITH AN IN-NETWORK DENTIST
Dentists within your dental plan’s network will provide coverage at a lower cost compared to out of network dentists. At Williamson Dental, we are in-network with Delta Dental Premier, MetLife PPO, and Cigna PPO. Give us a call at (636) 937-9241 to discuss your insurance options in more detail.
- UNDERSTAND THE COMMONLY-USED 100-80-50 COINSURANCE STRUCTURE
Dental insurance works a bit differently than health insurance. Almost all treatments besides preventive care require a certain amount of coinsurance, meaning your plan only covers part of the cost. Most plans use the 100-80-50 structure.
- 100% of the cost of preventive care is covered. This includes teeth cleanings, oral exams, annual x-rays, etc.
- 80% of the cost of basic care is covered. This includes fillings, root canals, and some other procedures.
- 50% of the cost of major care is covered. This includes crowns and bridges, dentures, and most medically-necessary oral surgery.
- CONSIDER YOUR ANNUAL MAXIMUM BENEFIT & DEDUCTIBLE
Most dental plans have a yearly deductible of between $25 and $250. You must meet this spending threshold before your plan begins to pay out.
However, most plans also have a yearly limit on payouts, typically between $1,000 and $2,000. If you exceed this “annual maximum benefit,” you will pay for the remainder of your care out-of-pocket.
We can sometimes plan around this, since both your deductible and maximum benefit usually reset on January 1st of each year. Get in touch for more information.
- KNOW YOUR OPTIONS IF YOU’RE NOT INSURED
If you don’t have dental insurance, Williamson Dental is here to help. We offer a $150 New Patient Special for new uninsured patients, which includes a teeth cleaning, oral exam, and x-rays.
We also offer financing through CareCredit, and a Dental Savings Plan. Our Dental Savings Plan is a yearly membership that costs $350, and it includes:
- 2 exams and dental cleanings per year
- 1 set of 4 bitewing x-rays per year
- 2 fluoride treatments
- A full mouth x-ray
- 20% off on all restorative dental work.
We even offer a Perio Savings Plan for patients with gum disease. So if you don’t have insurance, you can still get the treatment you need for less with Williamson Dental.
GET THE CARE YOU NEED FROM WILLIAMSON DENTAL
Williamson Dental is always here to help you get informative and cost-effective dental care. Whether you’ve got insurance or you’re currently uninsured, Dr. Williamson is here to help. Contact our Columbia dental office online to schedule an appointment and get the treatment you need.
