Are you searching for the right dental insurance? What should you look for when choosing a dental plan? Here are a few tips to consider when choosing dental insurance.

“You’ve heard time and again that dental insurance can protect you and your family from dental and financial catastrophe. Even cheap insurance with minimal coverage will most likely save you big bucks over the course of your lifetime. A quick Web search will show that insurance is big business, and your options are becoming more expansive – and complicated – by the day. Not sure where to begin? Here are five things to consider when selecting family dental plans or an individual dental insurance plan that works for you!

1. Shop around! Finding a plan that works can be quite a feat. Even when employers offer dental insurance benefits to their employees and their families, it often isn’t enough. This means you’ll need to shop high and low until you find the best plan for your budget and lifestyle. The Internet has made all of this much easier – you have access to informational materials on a multitude of companies right at your finger tips. Be sure to read all the fine print; when it comes to your health, surprises are rarely a good thing.

2. Know your limits. All insurance plans have maximums – some good, others bad. A low maximum on your total benefits is never a good thing. That means if something major (and expensive) comes up, you may have to delve into your own pockets. A second maximum applies to your yearly deductible, which is the most amount of money you’d be expected to pay for your own care. A low maximum on your deductible is a great thing, so be sure to do the math when comparing policies.

3. Maintain control over your health. A dental insurance company may or may not have your best interests at heart, but, either way, they’re somewhat removed from the situation. It’s important that you have a say in your dental health. For starters, shouldn’t you be able to choose your dentist, or at least have a plethora of options should one provider not work out? It’s also important that you and your dentist have a lot of pull when it comes to making important decisions – an insurance company should never put unreasonable restrictions on the type of care you can receive.

4. Look for the 3 R’s (sort of): PRevention, Restoration and EmeRgency Care. Having access to these three types of dental care is critical for lifelong oral health. Preventive care reduces the likelihood that you’ll develop a dental condition that could have been avoided. Restorative care ensures that things that do go wrong, such as damaged or decayed teeth, will be fixed. Finally, emergency care you’ll receive the proper care when you need it immediately, such as if your tooth is knocked out. Some family dental plans cover other specialty care, like orthodontics, so consider your needs and go from there.

5. The waiting game. Some insurance companies make you wait a certain period of time before they will cover certain procedures. If you need immediate attention, find a policy that supports it. If everything’s in order, however, a minor wait may not be a major issue for you.

A carefully selected family or individual dental insurance plan could not only save you in a pinch, but ensure good oral health for life. It’s critical, however, to do your research and read the fine print. Don’t let your dental insurance company take you for a ride!”

Now, that you have all the right tools to find an insurance plan that's best for you. Want the best dentist in Reno? Dr. McElhinney is the one! To learn more about Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice visit renolaserdentistry.com.

Do you have dental insurance? Are you always paying out-of-pocket dental cost? Want to learn the benefits of dental insurance?

According to an article at health-blog.net, “The Advantages of Dental Insurance”

"The advantages of dental insurance are many. With increasing health care costs, it is a wise move to opt for dental coverage. The write-up will highlight some of the benefits offered by dental insurance which makes it a much sought after insurance option and the factors that you should take into consideration while buying dental coverage. Check them out.

1. It helps you to maintain better dental care

If you have dental insurance, it can help you to avail the regular checkups you require so that you can maintain dental health. It pays for surgeries, treatments that you require from time to time.

2. Improves or takes care of oral health

If you know that your dental insurance will pay for your regular checkups, treatments and surgeries, you will not neglect your oral health since you do not have to pay from your pocket. Regular checkups will ensure that your dental health is good. On the other hand, if an individual doesn’t have dental coverage, he will hesitate to visit a dentist frequently since he has to pay on his own.

3. It doesn’t erode your savings as you pay regular visits to your dentist and if you have a dental coverage, you don’t have to pay money from your pocket. So, you don’t have to erode your savings to treat your gums and teeth. Studies reveal that individuals insured are more likely to visit dentists as compared to people who don’t have dental insurance.

4. Keeps you in good health

If you are able to maintain good dental health, it will impact your overall health in a positive manner.

What are the factors you need to take into account while buying dental insurance?

Your dental insurance should give you optimum coverage even if that means paying a little extra. Remember the money you are spending is worth it. There are several aspects that you need to consider before buying dental insurance. They are as follows –

The plan should give you the liberty to choose your dentist

Your dentist and you should be allowed to take decisions about your treatment and not your dental plan.

Find out to what extent your dental coverage pays for emergency, diagnostic and preventive expenses

In case of major dental care what percentage of the costs has to be borne by you?

It is always said that prevention is better than cure. So, make optimum utilization of your dental insurance coverage which will not only give you your money’s worth but will also keep you in good health.”

Dr. McElhinney of Reno Laser Dentistry understands that prevention is the key. Need more information on what dental insurance Dr. McElhinney‘s dental practice accepts, click here to contact Dr. McElhinney.

Looking into a more affordable way to cover dental cost? Are you shopping around for better dental insurance? Here are some great tips that will make the process much easier and hassle free.

According to an article at EzineArticles.com, “list tips that you should focus on when you’re comparing dental insurance.”

“Learning how to compare dental plans is crucial in helping you deal with the lofty costs of dental care. A plan will not only provide you with preventive care such as regular cleanings and checkups to detect problems before they become serious, but also make the cost of common dental procedures more affordable. Here are some of the things to focus on when you’re comparing various plans:

1. Premiums vs. Benefits. Of course, you want to find the most affordable dental plan to fit your budget. But you also have to consider what benefits you are getting for your money. How much is the yearly maximum coverage you’ll be getting, and will unused benefits roll over to the following year if you renew your policy? Most plans will not roll over benefits.

2. When you compare dental plans it is also important to consider if you can continue to see your current dentist under the policy or if you will have to use a dentist who is a member of the plan’s network. If you are required to see an in-network dentist, ask for a list of participating dentists in your area to see if there is one you feel comfortable using.

3. How long is the waiting period before you are able to avail of benefits? Many plans make you wait a certain period after buying the plan before you are covered for certain procedures.

4. How does the plan provider classify particular procedures and how much will they charge for them? Generally, providers divide procedures into preventive, restorative and major and set fees based on their own schedules that may be lower than what a dentist normally charges for them, requiring you to make up the difference out-of-pocket. When you compare dental plans, ask to see their usual, customary and reasonable fee schedule so you can compare it against your dentist’s fees.”

Click here to read the article:

Remember as your comparing dental insurance plans make sure that your favorite dentist accepts your provider. Contact Dr. McElhinney located in Reno if you have any problems his staff will provide you with which insurance providers they accept.

Happy Smiles!!!

Dental Insurance an important coverage that we all need, do you have the right plan for yourself or family? Do you really understand what your dental plan covers? What out-of-pocket cost will you have? Looking for the bargain may be wise, but don’t forget to evaluate your needs. Make sure that you have all the facts before making a final decision.

According to the editors at DentalInsurance.com “compiled eight tips to consider when choosing a dental plan.

1. Does the plan give you the freedom to choose?

Your own dentist or are you restricted to a panel of dentists selected by the insurance company? If you have a family dentist with whom you are satisfied, consider the effects changing dentists will have on the quality or quantity of care you receive. Because regular visits to the dentist reduce the likelihood of developing serious dental disease, it’s best to have and maintain an established relationship with a dentist you trust.

2. Who controls treatment decisions?

Many plans require dentists to follow treatment plans that rely on a Least Expensive Alternative Treatment (LEAT) approach. If there are multiple treatment options for a specific condition, the plan will pay for the less expensive treatment option. If you choose a treatment option that may better suit your individual needs and your long-term oral health, you will be responsible for paying the difference in costs. It’s important to know who makes the treatment decisions under your plan. These cost control measures may have an impact on the quality of care you’ll receive.

3. Does the plan cover diagnostic, preventive and emergency services?

If so, to what extent? Most dental plans provide coverage for selected diagnostic services, preventive care and emergency treatment that are basic for maintaining good oral health. But the extent or frequency of the services covered by some plans may be limited. Depending upon your individual oral health needs, you may be required to pay the dentist directly for a portion of this basic care. Find out how much treatment is allowed in any given year without cost to you, and how much you will have to pay for yourself.

Every dental care plan is different. It’s your responsibility to be informed about what your specific plan will cover. As a basis of comparison, the following services should be covered in full, with no deductible or patient co-payment:

• Initial Oral Examination–once per dentist
• Recall Examinations–twice per year
• Complete x-ray survey–once every three years
• Cavity-detecting bite-wing x-rays–once per year
• Prophylaxis or teeth cleaning–twice per year
• Topical Fluoride treatment–twice per year
• Sealants–for those under age 18

Selecting an insurance program wisely isn’t simple. But having the facts to make an informed decision can make a difference. No plan is perfect; each has its advantages and limitations. Read the fine print. And by all means ask questions. The more you know about dental benefits, the better equipped you will be to select the best coverage for your dental health.”

You can read the entire article at http://www.dentalinsurance.com/di/web/articles/selectingPlan.aspx with the full list of tips to consider when choosing a dental plan.

Contact Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice located in Reno with any questions you may have.