Prepaid Dental Insurance Plans Explained

Prepaid dental insurance plans are a type of dental coverage that allows you to pay a fixed fee upfront for a set amount of dental care.

These plans are often less expensive than traditional dental insurance, but they may not offer the same level of coverage.

You can expect to pay between $100 to $300 per year for a basic prepaid dental insurance plan.

Prepaid dental insurance plans typically cover routine cleanings, X-rays, and fillings.

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Prepaid dental insurance is a type of dental insurance where your insurance provider pays the dentist a fixed amount every month, regardless of whether you use the insurance or not. This payment is made from your monthly premium.

Dentists participating in prepaid dental plans are paid less than they might otherwise be, but they gain access to potentially more patients. This can be a benefit for them.

Prepaid dental insurance typically covers diagnostic and preventative services like oral evaluations, routine dental cleanings, and x-rays at 100%. This is a significant advantage for those who prioritize regular check-ups and cleanings.

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You can use your prepaid dental insurance within the plan's terms, usually without worrying about deductibles or waiting periods. This flexibility can be a major plus for those who want to stay on top of their dental care.

Some prepaid dental plans even offer discounts on treatments like dental implants and cosmetic services that traditional insurance may not cover.

With a prepaid dental plan, you still pay for dental care, but the "prepaid" term refers to the dentists or practice getting a flat fee per assigned patient per month. You pay a fixed amount for treatments, known as your "copayment".

You won't have to pay for your regular checkups with x-rays and professional cleanings if your plan doesn't require a copayment for basic preventive and diagnostic services. DPPO plans typically use "co-insurance" instead, where you pay a fixed percentage of the actual cost of care.

Plan members can save an average of 50% on their dental care with a dental savings plan, which is a good alternative to both DHMO and DPPO dental insurance. You can use your plan within 72 hours of joining to save on virtually all dental care, from checkups to root canals, crowns, bridges, and dentures.

Here's a comparison of different dental plans:

With a dental savings plan, you can save big time. Plan members report saving an average of 50% on their dental care. This is because you pay a low annual or monthly membership fee and receive discounts between 10% and 60% off the cost of most dental procedures.

Unlike dental insurance, dental savings plans don't have deductibles, annual spending limits, or waiting periods. This means you can use your plan within 72 hours of joining to save on virtually all dental care.

You can save on everything from checkups to root canals, crowns, bridges, and dentures. Many plans even include discounts on treatments like dental implants and cosmetic services.

Here are some estimated savings on common dental procedures:

Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your actual savings will depend on the specific plan you choose and the dentist you visit.

If you have a dental emergency, your DHMO plan will likely cover treatment outside of your plan's service area.

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You should be covered no matter what dentist you see, even if you're on vacation.

Whether you're covered if you need urgent care when your primary dentist is off-duty may be a more complex issue.

Check with your plan provider to understand what you should do in this sort of situation.

DPPO plans typically have a waiting period, but DHMO plans usually don't.

With a new DPPO plan, you'll usually have to wait six months for basic restorative services or up to a year for major restorative services.

Some DPPOs may waive the waiting period if you had dental insurance prior to joining the new plan.

You're covered for any treatment the plan covers as soon as your prepaid DHMO plan is active.

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If you appreciate the flexibility of being able to see any dentist you want, a dental PPO may be best.

Prepaid dental plans are a cost-effective option, designed to keep your costs as low as possible.

A prepaid dental plan may be in your best interest if you're looking to save money on dental care.

A PPO, or dental preferred provider organization, is a type of dental insurance plan that offers more flexibility than a prepaid dental plan.

With a PPO, you'll typically pay a higher monthly premium, but you'll have access to a larger network of dentists and won't need a referral to see a specialist.

You'll also have the freedom to see any dentist you want, even if they're out of network, and your insurance company will still pay a portion of the expenses.

However, you'll save the most money if you see a dentist who is part of your plan's network.

With a PPO, the amount you owe after a dental visit is known as coinsurance, which can range from 20% to 50% of the cost, depending on the type of service.

PPO plans typically cover 100% of preventative and diagnostic services, 80% of basic services, and 50% of major services.

You'll also have a deductible to satisfy before your coinsurance kicks in, which can be a drawback for some people.

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Additionally, most PPO plans have an annual maximum spending limit, usually between $1200 and $1500, after which you'll have to pay out of pocket for your dental care.

Some PPO plans also impose a waiting period for new members, typically 6-12 months, before coverage kicks in for more expensive treatments like root canals and crowns.

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Prepaid plans can cover specialist care, but you'll need to be referred by your primary care dentist and get pre-approval from your insurer.

Many prepaid plans cover specialist care, but you'll need to take these extra steps.

DPPO plans may also require pre-approvals for some types of treatment, so this isn't unique to prepaid plans.

If you know you'll need specialist care, check how many in-network specialists are available in your area for your plan.

Having a large network of dentists can make it easier to find a specialist, as seen with the Sun Life Preferred Active PPO plan, which has over 1,600 unique dentists in Oklahoma.

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Choose your primary dentist from the DeltaCare USA network, as they will provide most of your treatment and coordinate specialist referrals.

You can change your DeltaCare USA dentist at any time, and the change will be effective immediately if requested between the first and 15th of the month.

Changes received on or after the 16th of the month will be effective on the first of the next month.

You and your covered dependents don't have to select the same network dentist.

HealthChoice Dental offers a convenient and easy-to-use full-service dental plan that covers preventive services at 100%.

Members can use any dentist of their choice, but will see a greater benefit by using a network provider.

HealthChoice covers basic services such as fillings, extractions, and oral surgery at 85%, while major services like implants, partials, and dentures are covered at 60%.

HealthChoice offers a full-service dental plan that's convenient and easy to use. Members can choose any dentist they like, but will get the most benefit by using a network provider.

Preventive services like routine oral exams and cleanings are covered at 100%. This means you won't have to pay anything out of pocket for these services.

Basic services like fillings, extractions, and oral surgery are covered at 85%. This is a great benefit, especially if you need regular dental work.

Major services like implants, partials, and dentures are covered at 60%. This means you can get the care you need without breaking the bank.

The yearly maximum benefit for these services is $2,500 per person. This is a great safety net in case you need more extensive dental work.

Orthodontia is available for children under 19 who have been on the HealthChoice plan for 12 consecutive months. This is a wonderful benefit for families with kids who need orthodontic care.

These services are covered at 50% with no lifetime maximum benefit. This means you can get the care you need without worrying about running out of benefits.

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Delta Dental is a top choice for dental insurance, with a 99% member satisfaction rating. They offer two quality dental benefit plans to state employees.

Delta Dental PPO covers preventive care at 100% and provides access to both the Delta Dental PPO and the Delta Dental Premier networks. This plan gives you flexibility to choose your dentist, but you'll save money by visiting a Delta Dental PPO participating dentist.

Delta Dental PPO – Choice is a low-cost program that gives eligible members access to the Delta Dental PPO network. This plan uses a set fee table to determine costs, making it easier to budget for your dental care.

You can use your Delta Dental plan to save on virtually all dental care, from checkups to root canals, crowns, bridges, and dentures. Some plans even include discounts on treatments like dental implants and cosmetic services that insurance rarely pays for.

A dental savings plan is another affordable option to consider, offering an average of 50%* savings on dental care. With a savings plan, you don't have to worry about deductibles, annual spending limits, or waiting periods to qualify for reduced rates.

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Choosing a prepaid dental insurance plan can be a bit overwhelming, but it's essential to find one that fits your needs. A prepaid dental plan may be in your best interest if you're looking to keep your costs as low as possible.

Your dental needs are unique, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Take some time to identify what's most important to you when choosing a prepaid dental insurance plan.

If you appreciate flexibility, a prepaid dental plan may not be the best option for you. A dental PPO may be more suitable if you require specialized dental care or want to see any dentist you want.

Ultimately, the right prepaid dental insurance plan for you depends on your individual circumstances and priorities.

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