Making sure your children’s teeth and gums are free of decay and disease requires time and money. Apart from keeping their regular dental checkups and cleanings, you must also be willing to pay each month for proper dental coverage. While it’s likely they are a part of your regular plan, it’s important to find ways to maximize your children’s dental insurance coverage each year. Fortunately, a dentist is here to share three ways you can optimize their oral health while getting the most out of their benefits.
Make Sure They See a Dentist Twice a Year
Your child is eligible to receive two dental checkups and cleanings each year. Most dental insurance companies will agree to cover 80-100% of the costs associated with preventive care. This means your little one can receive necessary treatment designed to prevent serious oral health problems, and it will cost you little to nothing out of pocket. If you want to make sure your child’s teeth and gums remain healthy year-round, you do not want to forgo the opportunity to have two visits covered by their dental insurance plan.
Don’t Delay Necessary Procedures
Of course, no matter how well you help your child take care of their smile, there’s always a chance for a problem to arise. Should they require minor or major restorative care, don’t wait until 2022 to start the process. Go ahead and move forward now while you have the time. If you’ve already met your deductible for the year, you can save big should your child need a dental filling, crown, pulp therapy, or even a tooth extraction. Once your deductible is met, your insurance company will agree to pay more for the services your child receives. If you wait until next year, you’ll be required to meet your deductible again before your insurer steps in.
Choose an In-Network Provider
If you have a PPO plan, make sure to find a dentist who is in-network. When you compare the two columns “in-network” and “out-of-network” on your policy, you’ll see you’re expected to pay more when choosing a dental professional who is out of network. However, once you select a dentist that has a contractual agreement with your insurance carrier, you can trust that you’ll pay the lowest possible price for the services your child receives. This is just one of the many great benefits that come with your child visiting an in-network dentist. Not only will they receive exceptional service, but the fees will better align with your budget.
If you want to ensure the health of your child’s smile year-round, don’t delay in using their dental insurance benefits before the end of the year. If you need help to find ways to maximize their plan, ask your dental team for guidance.
About the Author
Dr. Racha W. Kadamani is a trusted dentist in Central San Antonio with years of experience. Providing patients with comprehensive and affordable services, our team enjoys caring for smiles of all ages. Whether it is preventive, restorative, or emergency dentistry that is the reason for your child’s visit, we will work to identify ways to help you save on your little one’s necessary treatment. Contact us at (210) 782-0008 to find out more.