Local Dental Care - Missouri Bcbs Dental Plan

Know About a Dental Plan Before You Buy Insurance Coverage

Everyone seems to want a dental plan, but many dental patients don’t fully understand what it can do for them. The following information is intended to provide an overview of dental insurance, the variations that exist and how to effectively use your dental plan coverage and benefits. Also be sure to ask your employer if they have a discount dental plan.

Dental insurance is most commonly found as an employee benefit that helps the member and his or her family to afford proper dental care services. While dental insurance plans for individuals are sold, they are often quite expensive due to the elective nature of most dental services. Employers and their human resource managers purchase most dental plans for the company’s employees.

Dental plan and medical insurance programs are quite different in their coverage and their philosophy. A dental insurance plan is designed to support preventive care the helps the patient to avoid major dental expenses, while medical insurance programs are designed to provide extensive coverage for major illness and diseases, but little or no coverage for preventive services.

A similar medical insurance plan would have nearly complete coverage for preventive and diagnostic services, but lower coverage for a life-threatening illness that kept the patient in the hospital for an extended period of time.

The coverage levels in a dental plan are generally expressed as a series of three numbers, for instance - 100 / 80 / 50 - which represents the percentages of coverage for Preventive and Diagnostic services, Basic Restorative services (simple fillings) and Major Services (crowns, bridges and dentures). For a significant dental treatment plan, the majority of the cost will be borne by the patient because of the 50% coverage and annual maximum benefits that may be as low as $1500. Be sure to look for affordable discount dental plans.

The method of payment for dental insurance plans is referred to as fee-for-service. That is, the dentist charges a separate fee for each service rendered and the charges are submitted to the insurance company on a claim. Traditionally, those claims were paper claims that were mailed to the insurance company, but today many of the claims are being sent electronically from the dentist’s computer to the insurance company’s computer and then paid electronically back to the dentist.

It is important to remember that dental services are nearly always elective. Most patients do not have any life-threatening dental issues. Despite the fact that dental disease can be painful, the risk of death or serious consequences from a dental problem is very low. While the pain could make the situation very urgent for the patient, once the pain is relieved, the subsequent treatment can be performed quickly or slowly depending upon the expectations of the patient and the availability of the dentist and your dental plan coverage.

by Dr. Fred Sharpe

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Choosing Dental Plans: Why A Dental Health Plan Is a Wise Investment

Most of us think that taking care of our teeth is about having a great smile and avoiding the discomfort of a toothache. Although these are valid and important reasons for maintaining a good oral, physical health program, there are three other equally strong reasons to consider.

First of all, a dental plan is part of your overall health. Second, choosing dental insurance is a wise investment of your time and financial resources. Third, your emotional well-being is influenced by how you think and feel about yourself. Your smile is a big part of your image of yourself. Proper dental insurance will help you maintain the above mentioned points. Let's examine each of these areas more thoroughly.

Your Physical Health - Your Dental Health

How easy it is to forget that our teeth, gums, and mouth are essential parts of our physical body. Periodontal disease, bone and gum loss, and infections all affect the overall picture of our physical health and need to be taken care of through good dental plans. The ability to chew our food well helps digestion and reduces stress on the gastrointestinal system.

Like any physical system, each part of the body plays a role in the overall health of the system; taking care of your teeth and gums is a part of an intentional dental plan for physical health. In collaboration with your dental team and your health and dental insurance, you can create a dental insurance plan that will contribute to your overall health and well-being.

A Wise Investment - Dental Insurance

There are two important resources that you use and allocate in your everyday life: your time and your money. When it comes to your dental care, they are closely related. The time you take everyday to invest in your dental plan is also an investment in your financial health. When treatment is necessary, the new dentistry is also an investment in your financial future.

Proper treatment today prevents more costly complications and uncomfortable problems tomorrow. For those who seek to maintain their dental health for life, it is a wise investment to get the most value from your health and dental insurance plans, as well as, from the knowledge and skills your dentist.

Emotional Well-Being - Dental Insurance Back-Up

How you feel and think about yourself is an important part of your emotional well-being and a pleasant smile plays a big role in this. In addition, when you take an active role in caring for yourself, it also contributes to your overall sense of competence in managing your life and maintaining a positive lifestyle. The habit of dental self-care and regular hygiene examinations reinforces taking positive steps for yourself in other areas of your life.

A dental plan, heath and dental insurance and new dentistry advancements can provide you with innovative and effective ways to create and maintain a pleasant smile that you feel good about. When it comes to feeling good about yourself and your smile, the new dentistry offers many exciting and effective options.

By Brian Des Roches, PhD

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.