Dr. Vance has been a practicing dentist for more than 35 years and is currently a dental associate at a private practice in Plymouth, Mich. He graduated from the University of Detroit’s School of Dentistry and is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, Detroit District Dental Society and the American Association of Dental Consultants. Dr. Vance has been a dental consultant for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for the past 15 years and is the newest blogger for A Healthier Michigan.
What does a dental plan typically cover?
2 min read
When most people think about health insurance, they typically think about covering the cost of illnesses or medical procedures. How familiar are you with another type of insurance just as important for your health: dental insurance.
While medical insurance is typically designed to cover the cost of diagnosing and treating illnesses, dental insurance works a bit differently. Dental insurance is designed to provide patients with preventive treatment, rather than curative, because most oral diseases can be avoided with proper care. Choosing to ignore routine dental care can have a serious cost to both your mouth and wallet, making proper oral maintenance important for your teeth in the long-run.
So what does a typical dental plan look like? In general, most dental plans offer three levels of coverage: preventive, basic and major.
Preventive
Almost all dental plans cover basic preventive and diagnostic dental care meant to keep you healthy and prevent future problems, diseases or major procedures. This typically includes cleanings once or twice a year, exams and x-rays – enough to help you maintain proper oral health.
Basic
At the next level, some dental plans also cover basic care. While these procedures are routine, they typically go beyond preventive care. This may include fillings, extractions and even root canals.
Major
The cost of major dental care can be steep. This can include dental surgery, dentures, crowns and bridges, and even in some cases, implants.
Everyone’s dental needs are different, and therefore it’s important to look at you and your family’s oral health and select a plan that best fits your needs. Remember, dental diseases are preventable. Scheduling routine visits to your dentist for you and your child starting when they are one-year-old can go a long way in maintaining good oral health and avoiding future complications.
