The Best Dental Plans

The best dental plans should ensure that you and your family receive quality dental care when you need it. You should not have to worry about costs, because the plan you select should provide a fee schedule, listing the dental procedure and its associated fee. And when looking to save on costs, do not simply choose a dental plan with the lowest premium, else you'll find yourself without sufficient coverage when you need it. This may leave you paying higher out of pocket expenses for treatments and procedures excluded under the plan. Some of the best dental plans should include the following features:

• Flexible Treatment Options: Does the dental plan allow for you and your dental provider to choose the best treatment plan option? Are you limited to choosing the Least Expensive Alternative Treatment (LEAT) and paying higher out of pocket expenses for you and family members?


• Freedom in Choosing a Dentist: Are you allowed to freely choose a dentist or is the plan considered a closed panel plan? Closed panel plans often have a limited number of contracted dentists available to treat patients. This type of plan basically contracts with a small percentage of dentists within a particular geographic area.


• High Number of Services Covered: Does the plan cover diagnostic, preventive and emergency services? Is it adequate for you and your family's current and future dental needs? Think about long term dental goals. Are orthodontic braces or dentures in your future? If you need more than a basic service dental plan, consider paying a little more to get additional discounts for the procedures you will need.


• Routine Procedure Coverage - Some examples of routine care include dental fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, tooth extractions, drainage of minor oral infections (dental abscesses), periodontal scaling, fixed or removable partial dentures and fixed bridges.


• Dental Specialists - Does the plan offer discounts for for cosmetic or other types of specialized procedures (e.g., implants, dental braces) if you should need it? Are there enough dental specialists participating in the plan?

As you can see, there are some important factors to consider when reviewing dental plans. With so many to choose from, you want your choice to be a truly reflection of your needs. The wonderful thing about any dental plan is the fact that even if you already have dental insurance, you can combine it with a dental plan and further maximize your savings. Not only will the fees the dentist charges be less, but your out-of-pocket expenses will also decrease. Getting the most and making the best of your dental coverage is a power that is completely within your control. Find plans and dentists in your area: >>