Ask the Dentist!
The Cost of Dentistry
Back in the early 1970’s dental insurance would cover the cost of 3-4 crowns per year. Today, you’re fortunate to have one crown covered.
As the cost of dentistry has increased, the benefit limits covered by insurance companies have not. The maximum benefit limit today is the same as it was 40+ years ago. Premiums have increased while benefits have remained stagnant putting more of the burden onto the patient to make up the difference.
With inflation and the increasing cost of dental care, today’s $1,500 maximum dental benefit should be over $5,000, but, unfortunately, that is not the case. That $1,500 benefit is the same as it was in the early 1970’s.
So why is it that most patients I talk to are so dependent on allowing their insurance company to decide what dental treatment they can and cannot do? My thought is that dental insurance should be looked at the same way we see medical insurance. I think most people would agree that it would feel odd going to the doctor without medical insurance and just paying out of pocket. Insurance companies have convinced people into thinking everyone has to have insurance in order to have treatment done. Look at the recent mandate in the “Affordable Care” act. Anyone who does not have insurance must pay a penalty when they file their tax return.
When I talk with a patient about dental treatment they will often ask, “what does my insurance cover?” At this point, we are now allowing the insurance company to make healthcare decisions for us. Because they do have our best interests in mind, right? Hardly.
What do you do if you don’t have insurance or insurance is not worth the cost of having? Speaking from the dental side of things, there are options to help make dental treatment a bit more attainable.
Care Credit
Care Credit is essentially a credit card that is used to pay for dental work. You fill out an application and if approved you are allowed a maximum limit as to how much you can charge. In most cases, if the balance is paid off in a certain period of time the interest is waved. This is a great option to make up the difference not covered by dental insurance.
Office Discounts
For a very large treatment plan, the dental office may offer a small discount if paid in full or agree to accept payment in installments. It never hurts to ask.
In-Office Dental Plans
Many offices, including mine, offer a membership plan where a yearly membership fee is paid giving patients discounts to not only preventive treatment, (cleanings, exams, x-rays, etc.), but also major dental work. Because these memberships are customized for each office, no two are the same.
I must stress these are not insurance plans. When compared to dental insurance plans, it is much more cost effective to invest in a yearly membership than to pay premiums to an insurance company. These memberships are best for patients who have lost their insurance through their employer or do not have dental insurance. In my office we have a Loyalty Membership Plan that offers benefits that I feel are superior to those offered by dental insurance.
If you are interested in learning more go here. We are always accepting new patients so drop us and email or give us a call.