10 Things to Know About Your Dental Insurance

1. Light Dental Studios is in-network with PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans. Our office accepts PPO insurance plans. If you have a PPO plan, you’ll receive the best pricing and maximize your benefits with us. HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) /DMO (Dental Maintenance Organization) plans typically require you to see a dentist within their specific network. PPO plans offer flexibility in choosing your dentist.

2. Understand what services are covered. Most plans split services into preventive (often covered at 100%), basic (like fillings), and major (like crowns), with different coverage levels for each.

3. Keep track of your annual maximum. Many plans cap what they’ll pay each year — often between $1,000 and $3,000.

4. Don’t forget the deductible. You may need to pay a set amount before coverage kicks in on certain procedures. A typical deductible is between $50-$100.

5. Look out for waiting periods. Some plans require a waiting period before covering basic or major treatments. Most waiting periods are 6 months to 1 year long.

6. Cosmetic procedures usually aren’t covered. Teeth whitening and veneers are typically considered elective.

7. Pay attention to frequency limits. Most plans cover two cleanings per year and limit how often you can get X-rays or crowns.

8. If you have dual coverage, understand the coordination of benefits. One plan pays first, and the second may help with remaining costs, depending on your policy. Other times, your second plan may not pay at all until your primary insurance runs out of it’s own maximum.

9. Use your benefits before they reset. Most dental plans are renewed annually. If you don’t use your benefits, you usually lose them. Don’t wait until the end of the year to get in!

10. We are here to help you! If you’re unsure what type of plan you have, our team is happy to help you review your benefits and get the most out of your PPO coverage.