Dental insurance can be a simple and effective way to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for everything from routine checkups and cleanings to more complex procedures, like root canals or dental crowns.
However, there are often restrictions you must be aware of before accessing your benefits. For example, many policies include a waiting period that impacts when and how it can be applied. If you’re unsure what this means for you, continue reading to learn more about it!
What are Dental Insurance Waiting Periods?
Dental insurance often covers up to 100% of routine services, like exams, x-rays, and cleanings, and anywhere from 50% to 80% of other required treatments. This is intended to promote proper preventive care to help keep costs low for patients, dentists, and the insurance company.
But many plans include a waiting period, which is the length of time you must wait after purchasing insurance before the benefits kick in. These can range from 30 days to up to 1 year, depending on your policy, so it’s worth verifying your information before scheduling an appointment.
Why Do Insurance Plans Include Waiting Periods?
If you’re like many other curious patients, you may be wondering why so many dental insurance plans include a seemingly arbitrary waiting period. But this timeframe is put into place as a protective measure to help keep costs low for you, your provider, and your policy.
Without this restriction in place, plenty of people would sign up for dental insurance just long enough to complete major procedures that could have been prevented with proper maintenance, then drop their policy after their treatment. This would raise pricing for dental insurance coverage across the board.
Can I Visit the Dentist During the Waiting Period?
Now that you understand more about what a waiting period is, you might be asking yourself whether it’s okay to visit the dentist before the designated time has passed. Thankfully, this restriction often only applies to more complex procedures, like crowns, bridges, or implants.
Many policies still cover routine appointments so that you can protect and preserve your smile, regardless of whether you have met this requirement. However, all plans are different, so it’s worth checking your details.
If you’re unsure whether your insurance has a waiting period, feel free to ask your dental team’s office staff for assistance finding the information. They are often familiar with different policies and can help you make the most of your available benefits.
About the Practice
At Holt Family Dentistry, patients benefit from two dentists dedicated to helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Gordon-Holt and Dr. Shah are each highly accomplished providers and collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs. They also participate with most PPO dental insurance plans, as well as flexible financing to help those without a policy pay for their services. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (704) 542-2325.