At Harbor Family Dental, we want our patients to get the most from their dental insurance plans. So here are a few tips and suggestions on how you can learn more about your plan and maximize your benefits every year.

1. Visit Harbor Family Dental Twice Per Year

Almost all dental plans cover the cost of two teeth cleanings and oral exams per year, as well as a set of x-rays. Kids under the age of 18 also can usually get fluoride treatments and dental sealants at no extra cost, but this may vary between plans.

So to maximize your benefits and protect your oral health, you should see Dr. Wallrich for a dental visit every six months.

2. Know The 100-80-50 Fee Structure For Dental Care

The 100-80-50 fee structure is very common in dental plans. While your own plan may vary, most insurance policies cover care in the following way:

100% of preventive care, including two yearly checkups and an annual set of x-rays in most cases

80% of basic care, like root canals, fillings, and other relatively simple procedure
50% of major care, like dental crowns and bridges or dentures.

This is yet another reason why good oral health and at-home oral hygiene are important. The sooner you treat dental health issues, the less you’ll pay to fix them.

3. Understand Your Yearly Deductible And Annual Maximum Benefit

Like medical insurance, dental plans usually have a deductible between $25 and $250. Once you exceed this deductible, your plan will cover the remainder of your treatment costs for the year until you reach your annual maximum benefit.

Your annual maximum benefit is usually between $1,000 and $2,000, and is the maximum amount your insurer will pay toward your dental care. If you exceed it, you’ll have to pay for the remaining costs out-of-pocket.

4. Choose An In-Network Dentist

Most dental insurance uses a PPO model, which means you’ll pay less for in-network care compared to out-of-network care. At Harbor Family Dental, we accept almost all PPO plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna and more.

5. Get Care With Our In-Office Savings Plan If You’re Not Insured

If you don’t have insurance, our in-house dental plan is a great alternative. For as little as $300 per year, you’ll get:

1 initial comprehensive exam
1 annual periodic exam
1 emergency exam
2 yearly teeth cleanings
2 oral cancer screenings
2 fluoride treatments
Any necessary x-rays

You will also get a flat 25% discount on all other dental treatments like fillings, crowns, root canals and more.
This makes our plan a great alternative to traditional dental insurance. Note that this agreement is not an insurance policy, and cannot be used if you have a dental plan.

Get Dental Care At Harbor Dental Today

At Harbor Family Dental, we accept most major insurance policies, and with flexible payments through Denefits® and CareCredit® as well as our in-house dental plan, Dr. Wallrich can provide affordable care for any budget. Contact us online or give us a call at (619) 786-2939 to get started now.

How Can I Get The Most From My Dental Insurance Benefits?