Shopping for Dental Insurance

When choosing dental insurance, many people want the insurance plan to include their current dentist. Most providers have websites with a directory of dentists within their network.

One can visit their dental insurance carrier's website to search for their dentist's in-network status. If their dentist is not within the network, patients can shop around for a different dental insurance provider. Alternatively, they can select a dentist in-network that accepts their insurance.

“When choosing dental insurance, many people want the insurance plan to include their current dentist.”

Coverage for Dental Procedures: Types of Coverage Available

Plenty of options exist for dental insurance. This can be good, as plans cater to a wide range of needs. The types of coverage, premiums, and deductibles can vary — which can be confusing.

Consider the following when choosing dental insurance:

Find Out What Plans are Available in Your Area.

Start by narrowing your search to dental plans available in your city and state. Some insurance companies do not offer coverage throughout the United States, so keep things simple by comparing plans available in your area.

Look for a Plan that Has Many Dentists and Dental Practices.

Whether one currently has a preferred dentist or not, it is essential to consider having more than one option. An insurance company that covers many dentists and providers typically remains in good financial standing with a solid reputation — meaning that claims will likely be reimbursed on time.

Consider All Costs.

When searching for a dental insurance provider, patients should first consider the monthly premium and deductible. They should also consider the amount they will have to pay out-of-pocket for dental services (copays) before insurance kicks in.

The maximum annual limit is also essential to note. Most insurance companies put a cap on the amount they will reimburse each year. Once this cap has been reached, all the patient's dental expenses will be out-of-pocket. Patients should pay particular attention if they have extensive dental issues that need to be addressed.

Most routine dental treatments remain covered under dental insurance, but many plans do not cover "extras," such as whitening or sealants. Check with the insurance carrier to learn about covered procedures. Also, be aware that some insurance plans have required waiting periods — leaving patients waiting a long time for coverage on specific procedures — especially the more expensive ones.

“Plenty of options exist for dental insurance. This can be good, as plans cater to a wide range of needs.”

Purchasing Dental Insurance

Purchasing dental is a personal issue and depends on how much dental work the patient needs and how many family members they have. Generally, the more dental work required and the more family members, the more value for the month.

The typical dental insurance plan covers preventive care: checkups and cleanings at 100% (no deductible), basic procedures (e.g., fillings and extractions) at 70%, and major procedures (e.g., crowns, bridges, and root canals) at 50%. Some procedures may be considered basic by one carrier and major by another, so patients must speak with their insurance carrier before getting dental treatments to understand the breakdown of costs and coverage.

Like health insurance plans, dental plans typically have a deductible — the amount one has to pay out of pocket each year before the plan starts to cover its portion of costs. Most plans cap the total amount they will pay for care per plan member per year. Any dental expenses over the plan's cap (or maximum) become the patient's responsibility.

“Purchasing dental is a personal issue and depends on how much dental work the patient needs and how many family members they have.”

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: How Does Dental Insurance Work in Palm Desert, CA

Family & Individual Dental Insurance

Oral health coverage does not come as "one size fits all." Some may need insurance only for themselves, whereas others may be in the market for insurance for the entire family.

Patients can purchase individual dental insurance plans through the marketplace (U.S. government) when selecting their health insurance coverage or directly purchased through the carrier. Premiums for individual plans tend to be lower than family plans as only one individual is covered.

Family dental insurance plans cover the entire family and typically have higher premiums as more people seek coverage. Most family plans have allowances for two exams annually per plan member. Patients should find the right blend of insurance coverage that matches the entire family's oral care needs while still being affordable.

“Oral health coverage does not come as ‘one size fits all.’ Some may need insurance only for themselves, whereas others may be in the market for insurance for the entire family.”

Questions Answered on This Page

Q. How can I know if my dentist accepts my insurance?

Q. What should I look for when choosing dental insurance?

Q. Is dental insurance worth it?

Q. What is the difference between family and individual dental insurance?

Q. How can I find an affordable dental insurance plan for my family and me?

People Also Ask

Q. What is a health savings account?

Q. What is an FSA?

Q. Who is the billing specialist?

Q. Why is preventative care important? How can it save you money?

Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?

Choosing Dental Insurance

Purchasing dental insurance can be an overwhelming experience. Luckily for many people, the plan offered by their employer or professional association is the best possible option. Still, in many cases, it may be useful for patients to talk to their dentists to see what plans they accept.

Many dental offices can recommend affordable plans that cover their patients' needs. Patients should look for a policy with a high spending cap if they know they will need major work done, while patients who require less work done can look for a policy with a lower spending cap.

“Many dental offices can recommend affordable plans that cover their patients’ needs.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I be covered under multiple dental insurance plans?

A. You may, but one plan will probably be considered your primary plan. If this is the case, the primary plan will go toward your dental care first, with the other plan(s) covering the remaining costs. However, the plans cannot cover more than 100% of the treatment cost.

Q. What are the different kinds of dental plans?

A. Like health insurance plans, dental insurance plans are generally categorized either as Indemnity (e.g., HMO) or managed-care (e.g., PPO) plans. These plans mainly differ in the patient's choice of providers, how expenses are paid, and out-of-pocket costs.

Q. Why is dental health important?

A. Many people mistakenly believe that dental health is isolated from overall health. In reality, each system of the body is interrelated. In other words, neglecting your oral health could easily have disastrous effects on your overall health.

Q. Do I really need a dental insurance plan?

A. Yes. It can be costly to keep up with dental health, especially if you are making your routine checkups and cleanings as directed. Choosing the right dental insurance plan can help keep costs low while promoting proper healthcare.

Q. Whom should I talk to about any questions I have about my dental insurance plan's benefits or a claim?

A. It is best to directly contact your insurance carrier for any questions and concerns about your benefits or claims.

Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

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Dental Terminology

Co-pay

A fixed payment made by the insured (patient) coupled with that of the insurance coverage.

Deductible

Part of an insurance policy that indicates a specified amount of money that the insured must pay prior to the coverage amount.

Dental Insurance

Insurance benefits that cover all or part of dental expenses.

Diagnostic Care

Healthcare services intended to diagnose a certain disease, ailment, or condition.

Health Benefits

Health care items that are covered under a health insurance plan.

Monthly Premium

The amount an insured pays monthly for health insurance according to their health plan.

Oral Health

Health conditions that directly relate to the functionality or aesthetics of the mouth, teeth, gums, jaw, or throat.

Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.

Reimbursement

Reimbursement is a policy in which the insurance carrier pays for expenses after the policyholder has paid them directly.

Waiting Period

A waiting period is the amount of time a policyholder must wait before at least part of their coverage kicks in.

Call Us Today

If you have questions about dental insurance options or whether or not a service is covered, call Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa in Palm Desert at 760-565-0234 to learn more.

Helpful Related Links

• American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
• WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025

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