Dental insurance can often be a simple and effective way to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for everything from routine preventive care to more complex procedures. However, many patients are unaware that their policy might include certain restrictions, such as a waiting period, that can affect how they use their benefits.
It’s natural to have questions about this criterion and why it’s included in your plan. Continue reading to learn more about dental insurance waiting periods and why they’re sometimes necessary!
How Does Dental Insurance Work?
Most of these plans are designed to encourage routine maintenance to prevent potential issues before they occur, which helps avoid the need for more expensive repairs. As a result, your insurance is likely to cover up to 100% of basic services, such as annual exams, X-rays, and cleanings.
Then, they often cover 50% to 80% of more complex treatments needed to protect and preserve your dental health, including root canal therapy, extractions, and dental crowns. However, every policy is unique, and there are no guarantees, so it’s worth checking your information to verify what’s part of your plan before your next visit.
What Are Dental Insurance Waiting Periods?
Many dental insurance providers include a waiting period, which is a designated amount of time that must pass before benefits kick in. This can range from 30 days to 1 year, though a 6-month requirement is incredibly common.
Sometimes, this restriction only applies to certain services, such as dental restorations, but not to standard procedures, like filling cavities. Not only that, but some policies don’t include a waiting period at all. That means if you’re concerned that you have developed an oral issue during this time and need to visit the dentist, you may still have applicable benefits to help reduce the cost of your appointment.
Why Are Waiting Periods Required?
Are you wondering why a waiting period is included in your dental insurance to begin with? It’s intended to be a protective measure to help reduce expenses for the patient, the dentist, and the insurance provider. It helps ensure that individuals don’t purchase a dental policy just long enough to undergo a complex procedure and then drop their plan after their treatment, which can raise the costs for everyone involved.
If you’re unsure whether your dental insurance has a waiting period or need help finding the information, you can ask your dental office for assistance. They are familiar with the process and can help you maximize your available benefits.
About the Practice
Patients at McElroy Smiles by Design of Encinitas benefit from a team of providers eager to help them build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Gregory McElroy and his son, Dr. Tyler McElroy, collaborate with Dr. Haught to provide a comprehensive menu of services conveniently under one roof. Their compassionate approach is combined with advanced technology to help you feel comfortable while they deliver accurate treatment results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (760) 621-8700.
