dental insurance?

7 Comments

1. mbrcatz17 says:

   October 5, 2009 at 3:27 pm

   When I didn’t have dental through my work, it was none. I couldn’t find a plan that made sense – they have so many copays and exclusions and waits, for the premium they take in, it was cheaper to pay out of pocket. Including getting a crown during that period (which cost me $900).

   Oh, that was for me AND A CHILD. So fillings, exams twice a year, xrays, crown, and braces for the child. Out of pocket was cheaper.

   Before you buy a plan, run the numbers.
2. Brick says:

   October 5, 2009 at 3:28 pm

   Thanks for the question. I will also be waiting for a good answer.
3. Zarnev says:

   October 5, 2009 at 3:28 pm

   If you have good teeth and just want the basics you probably don’t need any plan. A yearly cleaning and exam will cost you less without insurance.

   If you need more extensive work done you have four options with dental.

   1. Visit a local dental school. You can get many procedures done for a reduced price if you’re willing to let them practice on you.

   2. Insurance – Depending upon the policy: cost $30-$60 per month. You pay a $50 deductible first, they have an annual maximum that they’ll pay per year of $750 – $1500, they have a waiting period up to 18 months for major work and then you’re paying 50% of the charges. Example – average cost for a root canal in my area is $829. With insurance you pay $414 after paying 18 months of premium (around $800 or $900). Advantage – you can use any dentist with most plans.

   3. Discount plans – Cost – $5-$12 per month. No deductible, no annual maximum and no waiting periods. Also, hardly any dentists will accept the plan and when they do you MIGHT get a 10% discount, which is about the same discount you can get by paying cash. Example – average cost for a root canal in my area is $829. With discount plans you pay around $746. Be very wary of these plans because most are scams. The people that sell these plans have little or no knowledge about health & dental insurance and do not need a license to sell them. The plans are not regulated by the state so you have no recourse when you have problems. Some states are starting to ban these plans from being sold. Here is an informative link http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2006/11/22/74554.htm concerning these plans.

   4. Fee for Service discount plans – Cost $7-$15 per month. No deductible, no annual maximum and no waiting periods. Many dentist will accept the plan (check providers first before signing up with any plan). When you use the plan there is a set fee that the dentist will charge you. Example – average cost for a root canal in my area is $829. With fee for service plans you pay as little as $404.

   I’m an insurance agent and my personal plan is the fee for service plan. I got mine here http://www.dpbrokers.com/default.aspx?locationid=20349 specifically the Aetna Dental Access plan but which one you get depends upon your area and comparing the fee schedule to find the best for what you need covered.
4. iianw says:

   October 5, 2009 at 3:28 pm

   Dental health insurance plans can be bought online or from an insurance agent. There are lots of insurance companies, which insures teeth. You can get a quote online for dental health insurance and pay the insurance premium. Dental caries and periodontal disease are mainly due to bacterial action. The cost of dental diseases is huge. Dental care includes cleaning, filling and applying sealants.
5. Tammy R says:

   October 5, 2009 at 3:28 pm

   Here is a site that offers Dental, Vision, Prescription and Chiropractic benefits for $19.95 mo. with a one time registration fee of $20. This plan covers 1 – 20 people in your household (they do not have to be related to you)

   http://www.helpyousavenow.com

   I have the benefit and it has saved my family so much money!!

   I am an Independent Business Owner with the company, so if you have any questions feel free to ask.

   I hope this helps.

   Tammy
   248-541-4681
6. Gary A says:

   October 5, 2009 at 3:28 pm

   Dental plan coverage for individuals is not commonly offered because dental needs are highly predictable. For example, you would not pay premiums for your dental coverage if the premiums were more expensive than the cost of the dental treatment you need. Since this is the case, insurance companies would stand to lose money (spend more on benefits than they receive in premiums) on every individualdental plan they write.
   There are, however, a few companies that offer a form of dental benefits for individuals. Most of these plans are "referral plans" or "buyers’ clubs." Under these types of plans, an individual pays a monthly fee to a third party in return for access to a list of dentists who have agreed to a reduced fee schedule. Payment for treatment is made from the patient directly to the dentist. The third party acts only in the capacity of matching the individual to the dentist. The dentist receives no payment from the third party other than in the form of referral of patients.

   Average Cost Of Dental Care In
   All US Cities- Average Values
   (Service; Average Fee; Highest Fee)

   Preventative Care:
   Single x-ray $13.00; $20.00
   Bitewing x-rays (4 films) $43.00; $67.00
   Complete Series of x-rays $94.00; $135.00
   Panarex $91.00; $131.00
   Adult cleaning and exam $65.00; $102.00
   Child cleaning and exam $46.00; $76.00
   Child’s topical fluoride treatment $39.00; $52.00
   Sealant per tooth $33.00; $52.00

   Oral Surgery:
   Initial Surgical Consultation $65.00; $131.00
   Simple Extraction (single tooth) $98.00; $176.00
   Simple Extraction (each add. tooth) $102.00; $161.00
   Surgical Extraction $190.00; $268.00
   Soft Tissue Impaction $229.00; $320.00
   Partial Bony Impaction $324.00; $435.00
   Full Bony Impaction $474.00; $599.00
   Complicated Impaction $775.00; $1344.00
   Panarex $82.00; $141.00
   General Anesthesia (per unit)$154.00; $239.00
   Surgical Implant Placement $1868.00; $3964.00
   Abutment Implant Placement $991.00; $2112.00

   These site also have a LOT of helpful information:
   http://www.san-diego-dentist.us
   http://san-diego-dentists.blogspot.com
   http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-diego-dentist-tijuana-dentist.html
   http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/tijuana-dentist.htm
   http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-diego-dental-implants.html
   http://www.medical-research-study-directory.info/san-diego-medical-research-study.htm
   http://www.lasik-surgery-san-diego.info/lasik-eye-surgery-san-diego.htm
   http://www.las-vegas-nevada-lawyer-attorney-legal-injury-defense-directory.com
   http://www.acne-treatment-medicine-1.info
7. Mommyof1 says:

   October 5, 2009 at 3:28 pm

   Check out this site for a discount plan
   http://www.everyonebenefits.com/TBrown714