- The three main types of dental plans are Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO), Indemnity and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). DHMO is a type of managed care that pays a dentist a monthly or annual fee per patient, and is geared toward maintenance services. PPO is also managed care and provides patients with deeply discounted services from the plan's "preferred" dental providers. Indemnity is when a patient pays up front for the services and gets reimbursed by the insurance provider, up to a certain amount (rarely 100 percent). This plan allows maximum freedom of choice in dentists, but is the most costly.
- Dental plans are necessary for optimal tooth and gum health. Purchasing a dental plan gives you control over your health. Choosing the right dental plan will save more money than going to a dentist without an insurance plan.
- To get a lower out of pocket cost, combine health insurance with dental coverage. It's always a good idea to shop around for the best price. Many dental insurance companies have websites that allow side by side comparison of what they offer, such as the DHMO and PPO plans. Consider the price difference in buying through an employer compared to buying individually.
- Dental plans provide a considerable discount on most procedures. Many plans include free services, such as cleanings, fluoride treatments and X-rays. Dental plans also compensate for the rising costs of medicine, giving discounted pharmaceutical co-payments to its members.
- Always read the fine print on dental plans before signing in agreement. Some plans institute a waiting period before allowing a member to take advantage of higher cost procedures, such as root canals or extractions. These waiting periods can be anywhere from six months to a year.
