How Dental Isurance Works

How Dental Insurance Works

Types of Dental Plans

Benefits of Dental Insurance

Premium: Pay a monthly fee to have coverage

Deductible: This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket for covered services before insurance starts paying.

Coinsurance: After meeting your deductible, you might pay a   percentage of the cost for certain procedures (e.g.,30% coinsurance for a filling).

Waiting Periods: Some dental plans may have waiting periods before covering certain services, such as major dental work.

Network: Many dental plans have a network of dentists, and you may pay less if you see a dentist within that network.


PPO (Preferred Provider Organization--Offers more flexibility in choosing dentists, but you'll typically pay more out- of-pocket for out-of-network visits

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization--Requires you to choose a primary dentist within their network, and may require referrals for specialists.

Indemnity Plans--Pay a fixed amount for each procedure regardless of the actual cost, and you may be responsible for the difference.

Discount/Savings Plans:Offer discounts on dental services, but typically don't involve claims processing like traditional insurance.

Cost Savings: Dental insurance can make dental care more affordable, especially for preventive services like check-ups and cleanings

How Dental

Insurance Works

  • Premium: Pay a monthly fee to have coverage
  • Deductible: This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket for covered services before insurance starts paying.
  • Coinsurance: After meeting your deductible, you might pay a   percentage of the cost for certain procedures (e.g.,30% coinsurance for a filling).
  • Waiting Periods: Some dental plans may have waiting periods before covering certain services, such as major dental work.
  • Network: Many dental plans have a network of dentists, and you may pay less if you see a dentist within that network.


Types of Dental Plans

  • PPO (Preferred Provider Organization--Offers more flexibility in choosing dentists, but you'll typically pay more out- of-pocket for out-of-network visits
  • HMO (Health Maintenance Organization--Requires you to choose a primary dentist within their network, and may require referrals for specialists.
  • Indemnity Plans--Pay a fixed amount for each procedure regardless of the actual cost, and you may be responsible for the difference.
  • Discount/Savings Plans:Offer discounts on dental services, but typically don't involve claims processing like traditional insurance.

Benefits of Dental Insurance

Cost Savings: Dental insurance can make dental care more affordable, especially for preventive services like check-ups and cleanings