What’s the difference between Medical Insurance and Dental Benefits?
Insurance protects you in the case of RARE, CATASTROPHIC events. If your house burns down, your homeowner’s insurance will pay to replace it. If you break both your legs skiing, medical insurance will cover a large portion of your costs. If you fall and break your two front teeth, will dental “insurance” protect you? NOPE!
Dental Benefits pay for REGULAR, ROUTINE events. They typically cover cleanings, exams, and x-rays usually at 80-100%. When Dental Benefit plans were first introduced in the 1960’s they had annual maximums around $1500.00 Fast forward 50 years, and the annual maximum of most plans is still $1500.00. One badly broken tooth will cost more than that.
Are Dental Benefits a good thing? Absolutely! They allow many people to regularly see the dentist and get routine care . Insurance may help out with a few fillings or a single crown. If you need a bridge or an implant you are probably over your yearly maximum. If your employer provides dental benefits, consider yourself lucky, but remember you are not “insured” for anything except routine care.
Your dental team is here to help educate and guide you, and to provide the best care for your teeth and gums. Your insurance company is there to earn a profit for their shareholders. Our recommendation, especially for smaller employers or individuals, is to consider direct reimbursement plans, or dental membership plans like QDP. These plans are simple, tax free, give employees better options, and save money.
If you have any questions regarding direct reimbursement, or QDP, please contact us at our Sedro-Woolley office 360-856-6358 or Bellingham office 360-738-9791