Did you know that children can have dental insurance? When you think about it, it makes sense to have a system in place for reducing the cost of pediatric care, but there’s a good chance the idea simply didn’t cross your mind.
Deciphering your own dental insurance plan can be hard enough, so maybe this information has got your heart racing. Don’t worry! This post will tell you what you should know.
Baby’s First Dental Insurance Policy
Firstly, know that it’s generally more cost effective to have an active dental insurance policy for your child when they’re about one year old. This is the age dentists recommend that you start scheduling them regular dental appointments to keep an eye on their teeth’s development. Dental insurance plans typically cover 90% – 100% of these types of checkups, so having an active policy will help you save money from the get-go!
Keep An Eye on Their Benefits Over Time
Something to keep in mind is that your child’s dental needs will shift as they age. Professional cleanings, X-rays, and sealants might not be necessary at first, but they’ll be gradually added to your child’s preventative care appointments. Basically, your best move is to make sure they continue to receive 90% – 100% coverage for checkups.
Another change to think about is your child’s increasing activity levels and independence. It might be a good idea to invest more in dental emergency benefits in case they damage a tooth or develop cavities!
How Do I Get Dental Insurance for My Child?
You’re in luck! This is probably the easiest part of understanding pediatric dental insurance. First, double-check your health insurance and dental insurance policies. Some plans include children’s dental care or have provisions for them that you can activate. If this isn’t the case for you, you can simply set up a separate dental insurance plan for your kid, and the process is quite similar to setting up your own.
What Will it Cover?
Each dental insurance plan is different, so it’s difficult to say exactly what your child’s might cover. However, most plans include:
- 90% – 100% coverage for preventative care – ie. biannual exams, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants.
- 80% coverage for basic care – which can include fillings and simple extractions.
- 50% coverage for major care – such as dental crowns or bridges.
As you shop for pediatric dental insurance, remember that these figures are simply averages.
Your Dentist Can Help!
If you have a hard time finding or setting up your child’s dental insurance, don’t hesitate to contact your dental team. After all, they deal with dental insurance every day! They can help you decipher the details of your plan so you can focus more on taking care of your child.
About the Practice
At Washington Dental Associates, we’re proud to have several dentists on staff, each with their own specialties and unique experiences. This allows us to provide truly comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages, saving your family time and money on outside referrals. If you have any questions about your child’s dental insurance, be sure to let us know so we can help you receive coverage for their treatment! To contact our office, call 201-453-4863.