The Value of Dental Insurance vs. Paying Out of Pocket

According to a Delta Dental survey, 86% of Americans agree that oral health is very or extremely important to their overall health. However, an estimated 76.5 million Americans do not have dental insurance. If a majority of Americans can agree on the value of oral health, why do nearly one in four opt out of coverage?

It’s possible that many people refrain from getting insurance because they don’t see the value of dental insurance or understand how much dental benefits are worth. The reason behind this misunderstanding could be due to a variety of things, such as a lack of resources or knowledge on what dental insurance can do or misconceptions that paying out of pocket is simply a more accessible option.

Why Have Dental Insurance?

When you realize all the benefits of having coverage, it’s easy to understand the true value of dental insurance. Several reasons below explain how much dental benefits are worth.

It Helps Control the Costs of Dental Care

Without dental benefits, you agree to pay the full dollar amount of a dental treatment, known as the out-of-pocket cost. Because dentists who participate in Delta Dental’s networks agree to charge discounted rates for their services, members automatically benefit from reduced rates. In addition, dental insurance will usually help cover a portion of the treatment cost, so you don’t have to pay the entire bill yourself. The exact amount that’s covered is dependent on your plan and the type of treatment.

Because dental insurance focuses on prevention, many services such as checkups and cleanings are often covered at 100%. For more major procedures, dental insurance can help reduce the out-of-pocket costs by covering a portion of the bill, depending on your plan.

When looking at how much dental benefits are worth, compare the costs for a family without insurance to those who have it:

**Preventive Coverage may vary.

*Dental service fees are for illustrative purposes only. Premium rates are dependent upon your location and your plan type. See your plan for specific information.

It Helps Prevent the Development of More Severe Issues

Dental insurance focuses on preventive care, which means those with insurance are less likely to have severe dental problems. By visiting the dentist more frequently, the chance is higher that dentists can detect problems early on and treat them before further development into more severe issues like a dental crown or root canal. For every dollar spent on cleanings and check-up services, or even teledentistry visits, it’s estimated that $50 or more is saved on more expensive procedures.

It Helps Save You Time

Visiting the dentist can also be a time-consuming affair. From finding a dentist you know and trust, to getting a quote from their office, there’s a lot to add to your to-do list. Fortunately, many dental insurance companies offer a variety of tools to ease the process as much as possible for their members. Some helpful resources include:

• A “find a dentist” tool
• A dental procedure cost estimator
• An online portal to manage your plan

It Creates a Better Work Environment

If you’re an employer, there’s no doubt that you and your company are constantly looking for ways to better the overall workplace experience for your employees. One way to do that is by offering a comprehensive benefit package that includes dental insurance. Dental benefits are an affordable, flexible option that can be customized based on your company’s goals and needs. This is also a good return on investment for businesses and CEOs, as 67% of Americans agree that good oral health makes them feel more confident.

The value of dental insurance is that it helps protect both you and your family’s oral and overall health by promoting regular visits to the dentist, ensuring quality oral health, and reducing out-of-pocket costs and the likelihood of expensive and perhaps painful issues. Determining exactly how much dental benefits are worth is up to you and how much you use them.

Looking for dental benefits? Find a plan that fits your needs. To learn more about the importance of good oral health, visit our blog.