Plan Basics

• Most dental plans cover cleanings and exams twice a year. This usually includes one set of X-rays each year, though the plan may vary. After that, you are responsible to pay a portion of the repair work along with your dental insurance. Dental plans often offer a two-tiered system with minor repair work being covered at a higher rate than major repair work. For example, a basic filling is covered at 80 percent, while a crown is only covered at 50 percent. You are responsible for the remainder of the cost.
  
  

Finding a Plan

• You may be eligible to enroll in a dental insurance program through your employer. These programs often have discounted rates, since it is group insurance. Another option is to look for an independent plan online or with an insurance agent. Pay attention to the maximum out-of-pocket costs, and the amount of your annual premium. In some cases, excessively high premiums mean it may not be worth getting the insurance.
  
  

Using Dental Insurance

• Dentist offices deal with insurance differently. Some file your claim for you. If this is the case, you treat your visit nearly the same way as you would when you go to the doctor. Other dentists require you to make an upfront payment, and then you file the insurance claim yourself. The insurance company has forms the dentist fills out and you provide receipts proving you have paid for the services. The company issues you a check to reimburse the cost of the visit.
  
  

Alternatives to Dental Insurance

• There are alternatives to dental insurance if you decide that available plans are not worth the money. Dental discount cards offer discounts on dental services if you purchase the card. Generally, you save enough in just one checkup to pay for the cost of the card. You need to make sure your dentist accepts the card, or find a dentist who does.