HOW DOES DENTAL INSURANCE WORK?

Dental insurance works in much the same way that medical insurance works. For a specific monthly rate (or "premium"), you are entitled to certain dental benefits, usually including regular checkups, cleanings, x-rays, and certain services required to promote general dental health. Some plans will provide broader coverage than others and some will require a greater financial contribution on your part when services are rendered. Some plans may also provide coverage for certain types of oral surgery, dental implants, or orthodontia.

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WHAT IS THE BEST DENTAL PLAN FOR ME?

Although there is no one "best" dental insurance plan, some plans may work better for you and your family than others. Plans differ primarily in how much you'll have to pay monthly for your coverage and how much you'll have to pay when dental services are rendered. Some plans will require that you pay a certain co-payment for services, or meet a specific deductible before the dental insurance company begins payment. Other plans may limit coverage to a specific dollar-amount maximum per year.

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When reviewing your dental insurance options, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• How much will it cost me on a monthly basis?

• Will I be required to meet a deductible? Once the deductible is met, how much will the dental insurance provider pay for my services?

• What dentists participate in the plan's network? Are these dentists that my family and I would like to see?

• If I used a dentist outside the plan's network, how much will I have to pay?

• Are there waiting periods for certain procedures?

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VISION PLANS

Vision Insurance is generally a supplemental insurance to other types of medical insurance policies. It will help offset the cost of routine checkups as well as help pay for glasses and contacts.