You know you need dental care, but when it comes to understanding your insurance, it can get confusing—fast. What’s covered? What’s out-of-pocket? And how do you make the most of your benefits? Fortunately, you don’t have to struggle and figure it out alone. We’re committed to helping you understand your coverage, explore financing options, and create a plan that works for you.
At Futch Dental, we believe navigating dental insurance and financing options shouldn’t be overwhelming. With 35 years of experience in dental health and a commitment to personalized care, we work with most insurance providers and offer flexible financing options for those without coverage. Quality dental care should always be accessible, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.
What Dental Insurance Typically Covers
Dental insurance covers many treatments and procedures, completely or partially. However, some carriers work differently than others, and many will only offer coverage after a certain waiting period has passed. The following will give you a rough idea of how most coverage is handled:
- Preventive care: Including your basic exams, cleanings, and X-rays, preventive care is usually covered at 100%. This means you don’t have to wait to visit your dentist for a check-up, especially if you stay consistent with their recommendations.
- Basic procedures: Some common procedures, like fillings and extractions, are covered partially. In some cases, such as when you have reached your deductible, you may pay lower copays for different treatments toward the end of the year.
- Major procedures: Many more extensive procedures, including implants, root canals, crowns, and bridges, are generally covered based on a pre-determined percentage.
- Orthodontics: Not every dental insurance plan covers orthodontic care. For example, some insurance plans will cover orthodontics for children and teens, while adults may not have reduced costs.
- Cosmetic dental: Most cosmetic treatments and procedures are not covered by insurance, though some choices may fall into a gray area.
Dental insurance will vary, not only from provider to provider but also from each individual plan. Plans with different deductibles will have different pros and cons, as different treatment options will be covered. It’s also essential to remember that your coverage will vary depending on your circumstances.
How Dental Insurance Works
How your dental insurance will work depends on the specific plan you have. It’s easier to understand how your insurance works with some basic knowledge and definitions. The following are some helpful definitions that will make your dental insurance easier to understand and navigate:
- Copay: The amount of money you’re responsible for at your dental office visit or the amount that insurance doesn’t cover.
- Insurance deductible: The amount of money you have to pay before your insurance starts paying for covered expenses, which would explain why you might have to pay for preventive care toward the beginning of the year.
- Annual maximum: The ceiling amount your insurance is willing to pay for your care may also be called a maximum benefit or an annual coverage limit.
- Premium: This is the amount you pay for insurance. Premiums are often paid monthly, but you may also pay for yours semi-annually or once a year.
- PPO: This kind of insurance plan is generally more expensive than an HMO, you’ll often have to pay higher premiums. However, you can access a wider network of providers, get care outside your network for a slightly higher cost, and see specialists without a referral.
- HMO: These plans offer a less expensive insurance option when compared to PPO, you often need to get referrals after seeing a primary care provider. You’ll also have a smaller network of providers available to you.
According to the National Association of Dental Plans, only about 5% of individuals enrolled in insurance ever hit their annual maximum for in-network dental coverage. Some patients may find that higher annual maximums are necessary if they need more extensive care than the average individual.
What Insurance Do We Accept at Futch Dental?
At Futch Dental, we accept most insurance. The following are just a few of the providers we accept in our office:
- United Healthcare
- Delta Dental
- Cigna
- MetLife
- BlueCross BlueShield
- Principal
- Financing through CareCredit
We know handling insurance can be overwhelming, so we want to make it easier.
Why Choose Futch Dental for Your Insurance and Financing Needs?
At Futch Dental, we believe navigating dental insurance and financing options should be simple, not stressful. Whether you have insurance or need alternative financing, we offer personalized solutions to fit your unique needs. Don’t let confusion about insurance stand in the way of your oral health—let us help you make the most of your benefits and provide the care you deserve.
We work with various insurance providers and offer financing through CareCredit, making it easier than ever to get the care you need. Call us today at (775) 746-1177 or visit our contact form.
