Why is Dental Insurance Separate from Medical Insurance?

Dental insurance has been separate from medical insurance for decades, and it's not just a matter of convenience. Historically, dental care was seen as a luxury item, and many insurance companies didn't think it was worth covering.

The first dental insurance policies were introduced in the 19th century, but they were not widely available until after World War II. The post-war period saw a significant increase in the demand for dental care, leading to the development of more comprehensive dental insurance policies.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the American Dental Association (ADA) played a crucial role in shaping the dental insurance industry. The ADA advocated for the inclusion of dental care in group health insurance plans, but it ultimately decided to focus on developing its own dental insurance policies.

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Dental insurance is separate from medical insurance because of a historical division between medical and dental practices. This division was established by the medical community, which helped create dentistry as an educated medical practice.

The medical establishment's influence on dentistry led to a different educational path for dentists. This separation was further solidified by the creation of the private health insurance industry, which initially excluded dental benefits.

In fact, dental insurance is a relatively new service compared to medical insurance. It's often treated as an "extra" that employers may or may not offer. Many people who choose to have dental insurance have to pay for their policies without any guidance or assistance from their employers.

Dental insurance companies approach healthcare differently than medical insurance companies. They tend to focus on preventative care and routine services, rather than treatment of dental disease. This is reflected in lower premiums and a lower risk for insurers.

Here are some key differences between medical and dental insurance:

Despite these differences, there are efforts to overcome the separation of medicine and dentistry as healthcare fields. As we learn more about the connection between oral health and overall health, it's possible that dental insurance will become more integrated with medical insurance in the future.

Dental insurance is separate from medical insurance due to a historical divide between medical and dental practices. This divide started to emerge in the mid-1800s when dental work was often included in barber services.

Most medical schools still don't include oral health in their curricula, which played a major role in how insurance was developed to cover these types of care. This lack of integration between the two fields has contributed to the separation of dental insurance from medical insurance.

A different educational path was created for dentists, and the creation of the private health insurance industry was based on an employer-sponsored model that excluded dental benefits at the time. This helped to solidify the separation between medical and dental insurance.

Here are some key factors that contributed to the separation of dental insurance from medical insurance:

Dental insurance is separate from medical insurance due to two main factors: the historical divide between medical and dental care and the different ways in which insurance works for both. This divide began in the mid-1800s when dental work was often included in barber services.

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Until the mid-1800s, dental work was often performed by barbers, who would trim hair and pull teeth. However, as dentistry emerged as a separate profession, medical schools did not include dental health in their studies.

In 1840, dentistry was proposed as a medical specialty to the University of Maryland in Baltimore and rejected. This rejection was a significant factor in the historical divide between medical and dental care.

The creation of the private health insurance industry was based on an employer-sponsored model that excluded dental benefits at the time. This exclusion was a major factor in the separation of dental and medical insurance.

Dental students study anatomy, physiology, and other sciences related to the whole body, then home in on clinical care for mouth and teeth. But many physicians have almost no training in oral health.

A 2009 survey found that 10 percent of medical schools that responded offered no oral health curriculum, and 69 percent offered fewer than five hours on the subject.

The electronic health records used by physicians are incompatible with those used by dentists, making it impossible to share information electronically in most cases.

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The nation's largest insurer, the federal Medicare program, generally does not cover dental services. This lack of coverage is a major barrier to integration between oral and primary health-care centers.

Only 77 percent of US adults ages 19 to 64 have dental coverage, which is typically sold separately from health insurance.

Medical insurance was formalized in 1965 with the creation of Medicare within the Social Security Act to provide health insurance to people aged 65 and older.

This marked a significant shift in how medical insurance was structured, and it didn't include dental coverage as part of its plans.

Medical insurance was designed to cover large, unpredictable expenses, making it seem more necessary than dental insurance.

In contrast, dental insurance was viewed as a luxury rather than a necessity, primarily designed to cover lower-cost and more predictable care.

Insurance carriers have complex systems that make it difficult to combine medical and dental insurance. Each type of insurance requires its own set of systems, policies, and practices.

For example, a health insurance provider has formed relationships with a wide range of medical entities, including hospitals, clinics, and physicians. This is also true for dental insurance providers, which have established relationships with dentists and other oral healthcare specialists.

The insurance company operates medical and dental as two separate divisions, which can be seen in your insurance policies. You may notice that deductibles and copayments are very different between the two types of coverage.

In some cases, the provider is a healthcare management firm that is contracting out to other insurance companies to provide services. This can add another layer of complexity to the system.

Here are some key differences between medical and dental insurance:

Most medical schools still don't include oral health in their curricula, which is a major reason why dental care is treated as a separate entity.

In 1840, dentistry was proposed as a medical specialty to the University of Maryland in Baltimore and rejected, further solidifying the divide.

This historical separation between the medical and dental professions played a significant role in how insurance was developed to cover these types of care.

A different educational path was created for dentists, and the private health insurance industry was based on an employer-sponsored model that excluded dental benefits at the time.

We don't treat teeth like the rest of our bodies, and it's surprising how often we neglect our oral health. In fact, the average person spends more time brushing their hair than their teeth.

The mouth is a gateway to our overall health, but we often don't consider it as such. For example, gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer's.

Most of us don't floss daily, and it's estimated that up to 75% of people don't floss at all. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria, causing serious oral health issues.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing teeth for two minutes, twice a day, but many of us don't follow this simple guideline. This can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and other problems.

Navigating care without insurance can be a challenge, but there are options available. You can visit a dental school or a public dental clinic for affordable care.

Government agencies like Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) may also provide coverage. These options can be a great way to get the care you need without breaking the bank.

If you're looking for a membership-based program, dental savings plans offer discounts on dental services at participating dentists. With a plan like Altogether Dental, you can get 15-50% off all dental procedures, including routine cleanings, fillings, and X-rays.

Here are some options to consider:

Keep in mind that dental savings plans may have limitations and exclusions, so be sure to read the fine print before signing up.

Having a dental care plan as a separate entity from your overall health insurance can be a game-changer.

No exclusions apply, which means you won't have to worry about pre-existing conditions being left out.

The savings plan does not exclude any pre-existing conditions, giving you peace of mind.

This means you can get the dental care you need without being held back by past health issues.

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