Right now especially with inflation, every dollar, every cent matters in your paycheck. But have you considered that part of your checks goes toward dental insurance benefits? You may not think much about it, but since you’re paying for dental insurance, you should use it!
How can you enjoy the most value from your insurance dollars? In what ways can you maximize dental insurance benefits? Keep reading to learn just three things you can do to make sure your money is well spent.
Prevent, Prevent, Prevent
When it comes to oral expenses, it costs significantly less to avoid issues like cavities, gum disease, and more in the first place than to pay to treat them later on. In fact, studies have found that for every dollar spent on preventive services, you could save anywhere between $8 and $50 in restorative and emergency care. That calculates to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in potential savings! When you get your teeth professionally cleaned every six months, which is usually completely covered by insurance, you stop plaque and bacteria from wreaking havoc on your smile and your wallet.
Preventing oral problems isn’t just something you do at the dentist’s office. It also includes the daily habits of brushing and flossing your teeth at home. By practicing healthy oral hygiene every day, you can reduce your risk of needing work done beyond covered preventive care at your dentist’s office.
Catch Oral Problems Early
What if you develop a cavity or other issue? Insurance policies often cover part of the cost of treatment, based on the severity. Basically, the less restorative treatment required, the smaller your out-of-pocket expenses. In other words, the sooner you treat the problem, the more insurance will pay toward treatment and the lower your portion of the bill will be. The best part is that your dentist checks for various issues during your checkup appointment every six months, which is paid for by your plan!
Be Aware of How Insurance Works
Dental insurance operates differently from other programs or memberships: your benefits reset every year on January 1. This means that the previous year’s coverage does not carry over. In other words, if you do not take advantage of the benefits before the end of the year, you lose them and waste the money you’ve invested in insurance. By understanding the way insurance works, you can make smarter decisions and make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Ultimately, if you haven’t visited the dentist twice already this year for checkups and cleanings, you have a few months left to schedule an appointment and use the benefits you’re entitled to!
About the Practice
Dr. Venn Peterson and Dr. Spenser Cammack have each been practicing for about two decades so far. Although they are trained in advanced procedures, they prefer to prevent problems from developing in the first place. At Peterson & Cammack Dentistry, they are in-network with many PPO insurance plans, making oral healthcare more affordable for individuals and families in the Lacey area and beyond. To schedule an appointment, you can call the office at 360-459-4420 or click here.