Mary R. Isaacs, D.M.D., P.A.

A Man With A Plan

The first day on a new job can be stressful. So much paperwork to read and sign. Employee handbooks, medical plans to choose, dental plan packets, privacy forms. Phew, the list seems never-ending.

You likely know how a new employee feels. You don't always take the time to thoroughly read every paper placed in front of you for your signature, and this lapse could be costly—literally! One of the most important decisions you will make, besides accepting that wonderful job offer, is deciding which healthcare insurance plans are best for you.

If you have ever purchased a book because the title and book cover were interesting and then discovered you didn't like the story, the same can happen when you don't read insurance plans before signing on the dotted line.

A definite necessity

A person's finances may not be solid for many sound and unsound reasons. No matter the reason, healthcare can be expensive. Healthcare professionals spend many years in college to obtain their degrees; they lay out great expenditures to purchase equipment and supplies for their offices, hire personnel, and pay overhead costs. Their bills add up, too. They’re not in the business to cause patients financial hardship. With current economics as they are, everyone feels the pinch. Imagine not having a dental plan and needing an extensive—and expensive—procedure. You are not Fort Knox.

Having a dental benefit plan helps you to afford to have good dental care—when you need it, not when it fits your pocketbook.

Under the covers

It is wise to look closely at your dental benefit plan to understand what it does and does not cover. plan Plans vary, and there are generally five areas of coverage they have in common:

Cleanings: Some dental benefit plans cover two cleanings each year. A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar that you miss with your toothbrush. The oral exam can uncover many early dental conditions such as periodontal disease and oral cancer.

Restorations: Fillings and crowns are often only partially covered by most plans. Not having that filling or crown can make a bad situation worse, causing more pain or a more serious condition and greater expense if postponed. Hopefully, this encourages you to establish good oral health care: Brush and floss regularly, and make better diet choices. It costs you less to pay for prevention than restoration!

Accidents and injuries: It's not like you went out one day and decided to fall down just to see what it would be like to have a fractured tooth. Most dental plans realize that accidents happen, and they will help pay for a tooth replacement. A missing tooth can cause a cascade effect of serious dental problems. When teeth shift out of position; you can't properly bite or chew. You can't speak clearly, and you feel ashamed of that big gap in your smile.

X-rays: On the front battle line is the x-ray machine. Many dental conditions can be diagnosed only with the aid of x-rays. An unnoticed condition can wreak havoc with your teeth and overall health. Some dental x-rays can detect blockages in the carotid arteries that lie on each side of your neck and deliver blood to your brain.

Obtaining regular, better dental care is just good sense. By keeping your teeth and gums healthy, you are keeping your entire body healthy. Without a dental benefit plan, people choose to ignore their dental needs, which causes tremendous problems. In an emergency, you would have to pay out-of-pocket money. This could result in a heavy financial hardship.

Jargon and dental-eze

True, the dental profession, just like any other profession or area of expertise, uses "special" language. Think about the computer terms that have become common everyday language! They seemed foreign at first until we caught on. Your dental plan is no different.

One of the terms common to dental plans is Preventative Care: Things that can be done to prevent dental problems like decay and gingivitis. This would include those twice-yearly cleanings, check-ups and x-rays. Preventative care is usually covered by your dental insurance.

Dive into that fine print. Read and ask questions when you don't understand. We will be more than happy to explain those alien terms as well as to help you understand what your plan pays and what your portion of the cost is. We don't want you to have any surprises when you receive your statement. In fact, before your procedure, you may be provided with a statement showing what the estimated total cost your procedure, what your plan generally pays and what you may need to pay.

Read and be in-the-know. The well-being of your teeth and body are counting on you.