Looking for the right dental insurance plan for you and your family can be daunting, with so many options available and different factors to consider, including out-of-pocket costs, in-network dentists, deductibles, and benefits. Our experienced professionals at Smiles For Life understand choosing the best plan for you is not always easy, so we are here to help you make the best decision for your oral health and personal preferences.
From HMOs to PPOs and fee-for-service plans, every kind of dental insurance offers unique benefits and limitations. Our team at Smiles for Life is here to help break down the most common types of dental insurance plans so you can choose the one that meets your needs and ensures you get the care you deserve.
5 Types of Dental Insurance Plans
According to the National Association of Dental Plans, 88% of Americans enrolled in dental benefits in 2022, making it a common choice for individuals and families.
You can get dental insurance through your employer, as part of a medical insurance plan, as a separate policy, or through a private broker. While every plan has unique features, the most popular types of dental insurance include the following:
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
PPO insurance plans are one of the most common types in the U.S. market. This plan gives members access to a network of dentists who accept reduced fees for services the plan covers. This means members will pay a lower out-of-pocket cost when getting treatment from an in-network dentist and higher costs when working with an out-of-network dentist.
If you have this plan, the out-of-pocket costs you pay are a percentage of the reduced fee, often called a copay or coinsurance. Your plan pays the rest of the cost based on your deductible and maximum, which differ across insurance companies.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
While PPO plans allow members to use dentists out of network with higher out-of-pocket fees, HMO plans require members to use in-network dentists to receive coverage. These plans provide comprehensive, preventive dental care for a fixed monthly premium. While the network of dentists for these plans is smaller, the cost tends to be lower due to this limitation.
Dental Discount or Savings Plan
Dental discounts or savings plans are not technically insurance plans. Instead, the company selling the contract works with a network of dentists who offer discounted fees for their services. These plans typically have a lower premium than other types of dental insurance plans, with members paying an annual fee in exchange for the discounted services.
With these plans, there is typically no reimbursement paperwork or copay. The patient pays the discounted fee directly to the dentist when they receive treatment. At Smiles For Life, we offer our own dental savings plan for all patients with no yearly maximum, deductible, waiting periods, or pre-existing limitations. This plan is available for individuals, couples, and families.
Managed Fee-for-Service Plan
Like a PPO plan, a managed fee-for-service plan involves members paying a certain percentage of the services they receive while the plan pays the rest, depending on their deductible and maximum. However, managed fee-for-service plans offer a larger network of dentists, which means the out-of-pocket costs tend to be higher with this type of plan.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)
An EPO is a dental insurance plan that combines a PPO and HMO by offering a large network of providers but requiring members to only use in-network dentists for coverage. Members who use out-of-network dentists with an EPO will have to pay the full cost of their treatment.
What to Consider When Choosing a Dental Insurance Plan
Whether your employer offers dental insurance or you are shopping for your own plan, we can help you determine the best plan based on your oral health history and which plans we are in-network for. When comparing plans, considering the following factors can help you make an informed decision that works best for you:
- Whether your dentist and other specialists are in your network
- Total costs for the plan each year, including coinsurance, deductibles, and premiums
- The annual maximum your plan will cover for your dental care
- Pre-existing condition limitations
- Emergency treatment coverage
- What treatments and care are covered
- Waiting period requirements
With dental insurance, there is no one-size-fits-all plan. With a better understanding of the plans available and guidance from our trusted dentists at Smiles For Life, you can make the right choice for your needs.
Contact the Knowledgeable Team at Smiles For Life to Learn More About Dental Insurance Plans
Choosing the right dental insurance plan can be complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Smiles For Life, our experienced team is here to help you understand the different types of plans so you can make an informed choice that meets both your health needs and budget.
Ready to find the best plan for you and your family? Call us today at (702) 795-2273 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward affordable, high-quality dental care with the peace of mind of knowing you’re fully covered.
