Dental benefits go hand in hand with good oral and overall health. However, 46% of adults aged 30 years or older in the United States show signs of gum disease.¹

Finding the right dental plan and understanding how to get the most from your benefits can help you care for your oral health while staying true to your budget. Learn how you can take advantage of the benefits of preventive care, schedule treatments at the right time and save money.

Comparing Dental Coverage Options

Choosing dental coverage that’s right for you and your family starts with looking at your needs. One way to do that is to review how you used your dental coverage in previous years –– including trips to the dentist and completed procedures –– and evaluate your current health conditions. Compare the dental coverage options based on the type of services you need.

There are three common types of dental services that align with dental plans:

• Preventive dental services typically include routine exams, cleanings and sealants. These services are meant to help individuals maintain a basic level of oral health. Fortunately, preventive care treatments are more affordable and are fully covered with most TruAssure plans.
• Basic dental services usually range from fillings to tooth extractions. These are procedures most individuals will need at some point in their lives. If your family would like more extensive coverage at a lower premium, plans with coverage for these procedures may be best for you.
• Major dental services often involve bridges, gum disease and crown treatments and more costly, time-intensive procedures. If you expect any major treatments and would like lower out-of-pocket costs at the dentist office, keep these coverages in mind when reviewing plans.

Taking Advantage of Preventive Care

TruAssure plans focus on prevention with exams, cleanings, fluoride and sealants covered at 100% in-network. Use the preventive care available with your dental plan to save you and your family money on more costly treatments in the future. Early detection starts with dental visits. During a routine exam, dentists can detect symptoms of more than 120 diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Scheduling Dental Treatments

While some major dental treatments may not be covered by all plans, it’s important to note that dental plan benefits start over every calendar year or plan year. That means your annual maximum will reset, better helping you schedule a more costly procedure. Remember to check with your dental carrier to see what is covered by your dental plan before undergoing any major dental work. This will help you avoid surprise expenses.

Saving Money with a Network Dentist

Seeing a network dentist is one of the best ways to save money on dental care. TruAssure members have access to an extensive nationwide dental network. They are also free to see any licensed dentist, but members save between 20 to 40% when visiting a network dentist.

Make full use of your dental plan benefits this year. Start by scheduling a dental visit, so you can maintain a healthy smile and overall well-being. And remember, taking advantage of preventive dental care can help you prevent and treat certain oral health issues.

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¹ Eke P, Thornton-Evans G, Wei L, Borgnakke W, Dye B, Genco R. Periodontitis in US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2014. JADA. 2018;149(7):576-586.