How to Choose a Dental Plan

Dental plans come in an array of prices because they come in an array of qualities. To find a quality dental plan at a reasonable price, you will have to do your research, contrast and compare. With the guidance of a Usual, Customary and Reasonable fee guide, you can gauge whether the price of each dental plan is worth its price.

Things You'll Need

• Usual, Reasonable and Customary price guide

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Instructions

• 1

  Ensure each dental plan you're considering covers the three major types of care: preventive and diagnostic, basic procedures and emergency treatment. Quality dental plans will pay for these types of procedures with little or no co-pay. At the very least, your plan should cover two routine cleanings a year.

• 2

  List your favorite dentists or offices that you have visited or heard about by word of mouth. Some insurance plans will only cover certain dentists and dental offices. Check the plans you are considering to see if your doctors are part of their network.

• 3

  Compare the expanse of the coverage. Some dental plans will only cover the cheapest treatment for the problem, while others let the dentist and patient choose from several treatment options.

• 4

  Compare how different insurance plans split the cost of dental treatment. A quality dental plan will split the cost of treatment in half between the insurance company and the patient. The cheaper the plan, the less the insurance company covers. Use a Usual, Customary and Reasonable, or UCR, price guide to compare what you would pay with the plan and what you would pay without a plan. Each insurance company should have a UCR guide to give you.

• 5

  Check each plan's yearly maximum, which is typically around $1,000. This is the maximum amount your insurance will cover in a year. Unused funds do not roll over to the next year.

• 6

  Attempt to insure yourself through your place of employment. Better deals are offered to large groups than to individuals.