Health insurance is more commonly used than dental insurance, so many people have trouble differentiating the two of them. This can easily lead to confusion when it comes to this monthly investment. There are plenty of similarities, but also many differences. Fortunately, your dentist has some tips that can help you better navigate your dental insurance so you can maximize your benefits. Read on to learn what those are.

Understand Your Plan

Pretty much all dental plans are different from one another, so it is important that you understand your own so you can have the freedom to seek the treatments you need and want without worrying about the cost. Your dental insurance company will pay a certain percentage that is based off the price levels that are set for each treatment. You need to know what this allowable amount is before you commit to any procedures or treatments so you know exactly how much you will be responsible for. No one wants to be surprised with a huge bill at the end of a dental treatment.

Know the Meaning of an “Out-of-Network” Dentist

When a provider is out-of-network, this doesn’t always mean that your treatment will not be covered at al. While this is sometimes the case, a lot of the times this just means that the amount of the cost that your insurance covers is lower but is not completely absent. Your dentist’s administrative team can help you determine this if you are seeing a dentist who is not in-network.

Choose Your Own Provider

If you have a preferred provider organization (PPO) dental insurance plan, this means that your dental insurance company cannot dictate which dental insurance provider you go to for your oral healthcare. This is all up to you. However, you will want to do your research. If you notice that there is a difference between two different providers, you should weigh the pros and cons to determine if this difference is worth it for the dental care you will receive.

You Are the Customer!

You are the customer of your dental insurance company, not your dental provider. Because of this, your insurance company will be much quicker to reimburse you than they will the dentist’s office. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you have to pay your provider in full, your insurance company will reimburse you in a matter of weeks. Your dental team can help you figure this out, but it is great if you can verify your benefits on your own so that you know what to expect.

Dental insurance can be frustrating to deal with, but it is a great tool to invest in so you can receive more affordable dental care. Use the tips above so you can grasp a better understanding and maximize your benefits.