Dental insurance plans are an effective way to save money while safeguarding your smile. They often cover 100 percent of preventative services to avoid common oral issues, such as cavities, gum disease, and injuries. Then, they might also contribute anywhere from 50 to 80 percent of additional procedures and services necessary to fix any problem areas, like root canals and dental crowns.
However, they also often include a waiting period that must pass before benefits kick in. Continue reading to learn why these are sometimes included and how they work!
What is a Dental Insurance Waiting Period?
Many dental insurance providers include a designated length of time you must wait once you purchase your policy before you can take advantage of your coverage. This can be anywhere from one month to a full year from signing up.
That said, not all plans have this stipulation, and others apply a specific timeframe to certain treatments, so it’s worth verifying your details. The necessary information is typically outlined in your plan contract, but if you struggle to find it, you can ask your dental office or call your insurance provider for assistance.
Why Do Dental Policies Include Waiting Periods?
The intent behind waiting periods is to keep insurance costs low in the long run for the patient, the dentist, and the policy provider. Without this control in place, people could join plans to cover costly treatments necessary to address severe problems with their smiles and then drop it once the procedures have been successfully completed.
This could inflate insurance premiums, making it less affordable for those who want to use their policy correctly to prevent problems to begin .
Can I See My Dentist During the Waiting Period?
It’s natural to wonder whether you can schedule a dental appointment during your insurance waiting period, especially if it’s been a while since your last visit. You’re more than welcome to see your provider, but you should educate yourself about the details of your policy so you understand which portions you’ll be financially responsible for.
For example, many waiting periods apply to more involved restorations and repairs, but they allow you to attend routine checkups and cleanings to keep your smile happy and healthy. If your dentist finds any areas of concern that must be addressed during this time and requires treatments that have an associated waiting period, you’ll be responsible for the full cost of this service.
If you haven’t yet purchased insurance and are worried about the condition of your grin, it might be worth finding a policy without any delays!
Meet the Author
Dr. Nelson Howard has decades of experience providing a complete array of world-class services to people of all ages at one convenient location in San Marcos. He earned his dental degree from the UCLA School of Dentistry and is now one of only about 500 dentists worldwide to be an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His practice gladly welcomes most insurance plans and also offers flexible financial packages through CareCredit for uninsured patients. If you need help with claims, paperwork, or applications, you can contact his office on the website or by calling (760) 599-6559.