What Are the Advantages of Dental Insurance?
What is the overall value of dental insurance? Recent statistics show that 85 percent of Americans say oral health is “very important” or “extremely important” to their general health, and 78 percent have dental coverage. Considering the many health and cost benefits of dental insurance, the numbers are easy to understand.
The primary purpose of dental insurance is prevention. Services such as a twice-yearly preventive check-up and teeth cleaning are usually covered at 100 percent. Dental insurance also helps reduce what you pay for oral health procedures because the cost is shared between you and your insurance provider. If you had no dental insurance plan, you would be responsible for the full cost of treatment.
Principal has a nationwide network of more than 136,000 dentists, so it is likely you will find an in-network provider close to home. With Principal, you save even more money when you choose an in-network provider because lower fees are pre-negotiated. Dental services can typically be covered by an out-of-network provider, but your cost will be higher.
Avoid Future Dental Problems
Unfortunately, people without dental insurance are more likely to skip necessary treatment due to cost. When you keep a regular schedule for preventive checkups, you gain the following important health benefits:
- Your dentist can detect problems early.
- You are more likely to seek the care you need.
- You can avoid more complex procedures and costly issues in the future, such as crowns, root canals, and gingivitis (gum disease).
According to the American Dental Association, untreated oral diseases result in more than 2.1 million emergency room visits nationwide each year. Many seek treatment for dental issues that can be prevented. Dental insurance could help with the problem because having coverage generally means reduced cost for basic preventive services.
What Does Dental Insurance Cover?
Principal dental insurance typically covers the following services:
- Preventive care, such as twice-yearly exams, cleaning, and x-rays (usually once per year), is covered at 100 percent of cost.
- Basic procedures like cavities or extractions are covered at 80 percent of the cost.
- Major procedures, including crowns, bridges, and dentures, are covered at 50 percent of the cost.
You are responsible for paying any deductible and remaining balance, depending on your policy. With Principal, you can see a specialist without a referral. Additionally, four oral health programs—periodontal, cancer treatment oral health, second opinion, and general anesthesia—give you the option to receive extra care or get a second opinion. Dental coverage with Principal includes all four.
Protect Your Overall Health
Research shows that oral care is good for your teeth, gums, and mouth, and it has a positive effect on your overall health. During an oral exam, your dentist can potentially detect signs of more than 120 diseases. According to the National Academy of Medicine, poor oral health can be connected to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and many other serious health conditions.
Additionally, left untreated, oral diseases can cause problems with eating, speaking, learning, and productivity in both children and adults.
Dental insurance makes it much easier for you and your covered family members to have good oral health and good health in general. Principal pays the cost, or part of the cost, and you pay any remaining balance, depending on how your plan is set up. Of course, saving money is important, but most important is getting the care you need.
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