Dental Insurance

What's Up with Dental Insurance?

Who decided our teeth were separate from the rest of our body? Why do we need separate insurance? As if medical insurance wasn’t confusing enough, now we have to decide whether or not to cover our teeth. Truth be told, your dental health is crucial for overall well-being. Gum disease has been linked to cardiovascular decline and even certain cancers. Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to other organs, and poor oral health can worsen conditions like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and rheumatoid arthritis. Let’s talk about it.

 

I’m Kristen Pollock, a licensed insurance agent with 15 years of experience, and I’ve seen firsthand how frustrating this process can be.

 

The Cost of Dental Work: A Harsh Reality

Just in the past few months, I’ve had numerous clients tell me they've spent $10,000+ on dental work. The reality is, as we age, our dental health can decline—even if you've spent a lifetime flossing, brushing regularly, and keeping up with checkups. And when major dental issues arise, the price tag can easily hit four figures.  That’s why dental insurance exists—but here’s the catch:

 

If it’s affordable, it probably doesn’t cover everything you need.

If it offers great coverage, it’s likely expensive.

 

So, how do you navigate this?

 

Understanding the Different Types of Dental Insurance

There are several types of dental plans, and knowing the difference is crucial:

 

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Offers flexibility in choosing providers but usually comes with higher premiums.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Lower premiums but requires you to see specific in-network dentists.

Discount Plans: Not insurance, but they provide reduced rates for dental services.

Indemnity Plans: Pay a percentage of your costs but may require you to pay upfront and seek reimbursement.

 

And it doesn’t stop there—you also need to consider:
✔ Premiums (monthly costs)
✔ Deductibles (what you pay before insurance kicks in)
✔ Annual Maximums (the max your plan will pay per year)
✔ Waiting Periods (how long before major procedures are covered)
✔ Copays & Coinsurance (your share of costs)

Feeling overwhelmed yet? You're not alone.

 

How Do You Choose the Best Plan?

Well, that’s a personalized and individual decision—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

One thing I’ve noticed? People are incredibly loyal to their dentist. I’ve seen folks switch cardiologists without hesitation, but their dentist? No way! It’s an interesting perspective I encounter every day. Here’s the bottom line:

 

If you’re not willing to change dentists, your options are limited. You’ll need to choose a plan that your current dentist is in-network with and hope that carrier offers good coverage.

If you’re flexible about providers, you’ll have a much wider selection of plans and a better chance of finding one that fits your needs and budget.

 

 

Bottom Line: What’s Right for You?

At the end of the day, you need to assess your own situation:

 

Do you just want basic coverage so your cleanings and exams are free because you’re confident in your dental health?

Or do you anticipate needing major work—maybe even implants? (If so, brace yourself, because those costs will knock your socks off!)

 

If you need help finding a good plan at a reasonable cost that’s accepted by your provider, don’t waste hours digging through confusing insurance jargon. I do this every day—I know the terms, I understand the plans, and I have the experience to make solid recommendations.

 

📩 Shoot me an email, send a quick text, or pick up the phone—we’ll talk it through. My consultations, recommendations, and even the enrollment process are completely free. And the best part? You’ll have a trusted liaison to lean on for help down the road.  Take care—and for the love of your wallet… FLOSS! 🦷 😆