The Limitations of Dental Insurance

When I began my dental career over 34 years ago, the maximum benefit for a dental insurance policy was at $1000 per year. The fee at that time for a dental crown was $225. This means an individual could get two professional examinations and cleanings per year, covered at 100%, and still have the remaining benefits to cover 6 dental crowns covered at 50% if you needed.

In the beginning of 2014, the fee for a crown was over $1100. The amazing fact is that the average insurance maximum benefit is still only $1000! If a patient receives their two examinations and cleanings, their remaining benefit would cover only one crown, if covered at 50%.

Any amount that is covered is a definitely a huge benefit, and it means that much less has to come directly out of your pocket. However, it is clear that dental insurance has become much more limited. While we work hard to maximize your benefits if treatment is needed, our goal is to recommend and provide the best available treatment for each patient independent of any insurance limitations.

If you ever have any questions about what the benefits or limitations of your own insurance may be, or you would like some help in choosing a new type of insurance, please feel free to call us with any questions. We will do our best to help you find the coverage which best suits yours and families needs.