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9 Tips for Choosing the Right Dental Insurance Plan

  • rianna09
  • Oct 22
  • 3 min read

Updated: Oct 23

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Are you shopping for dental insurance?

Choosing the right coverage can be confusing—and it’s not just about the monthly premium. There are several important factors that can impact both your care and your out-of-pocket costs. Here are nine key things to consider before you enroll in a dental plan.


1. Coverage Categories

Most plans define three coverage categories:


  • Preventive (cleanings, exams, and X-rays)

  • Basic (fillings, extractions)

  • Major (crowns, bridges, dentures, etc.)


Be sure to ask if all three categories are covered, and at what percentage. Understanding this breakdown helps you predict future costs and avoid surprises when more extensive treatment is needed.


2. Co-Insurance

Co-insurance is the percentage you pay for a particular service after your deductible. For example, with a 20% co-insurance on a $100 basic service, you pay $20 and the plan pays $80 to your dentist. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in your total costs.


3. Deductibles

Most dental plans include a deductible you must pay before the insurance begins covering basic or major services. Typically, deductibles don’t apply to preventive care, but make sure to confirm this before you choose a plan.


4. Waiting Periods

Some plans require you to wait several months before coverage for certain procedures—such as crowns, implants, or orthodontics—begins. If you expect to need major dental work soon, look for a plan with no waiting period or shorter delays for those services.


5. Co-Pays

Certain plans require you to pay a set co-pay for every visit, regardless of the type of service you receive.


6. Is Your Preferred Dentist In-Network?

If you already have a dentist you love, check to see if they’re listed as in-network with your potential plan. Most insurance company websites list participating providers.


💡 Tip: Just because a dentist isn’t listed as “in-network” doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t use your insurance there. Many dentists, including ours, accept patients with out-of-network coverage—it may just involve a slightly higher out-of-pocket cost.

7. Annual Maximums

Most dental plans limit how much they’ll pay each year. If you need major work like crowns or implants, you can reach this limit quickly. Annual maximums commonly range between $1,000 and $1,500—so plan ahead if you expect extensive treatment.


8. Lifetime Limits (Orthodontics, Implants, etc.)

If you or your child might need orthodontic work or implants, check whether your plan includes these—and if so, at what co-insurance percentage. Many plans have lifetime limits for these services, meaning once you’ve reached the cap, the plan won’t pay any more.


9. Cost vs. Benefit

Premiums can vary widely. Some low-cost plans provide only preventive coverage, while more comprehensive options come with higher monthly costs. Balance what you’re paying each month against what you’re likely to use. Sometimes, a slightly higher premium means better coverage and less out-of-pocket expense long term.


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🤝 An Alternative to Traditional Insurance: Dental Membership Plans


Many practices—including ours—offer in-house dental membership or savings plans as a simpler, more transparent alternative to traditional insurance. These programs aren’t insurance but operate on a subscription model with a flat monthly or annual fee.


How Membership Plans Work

  • You pay a flat fee directly to the dental office.

  • Preventive care (cleanings, exams, and routine X-rays) is included at no additional cost.

  • You receive discounted rates on other treatments, such as fillings or crowns.


Benefits of Membership Plans

  • Simplified billing — no insurance claims or waiting for approval.

  • Transparent pricing — you know exactly what’s covered and what discounts apply.

  • No annual maximums or waiting periods — coverage begins immediately.

  • Ideal for the self-employed or uninsured — flexible and affordable care.


Note for Colorado residents: You can only subscribe to a dental membership plan if you do not currently have dental insurance. Membership plans can’t be combined with insurance, and benefits apply only at the participating dental office.

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Need Help Comparing Options?


While we can’t recommend specific insurance companies or plans, we’re happy to help you understand your options. Our team can answer questions about coverage, benefits, and our own in-office membership plans—so you can make the choice that’s right for you and your family.


📞 Call or text: (303) 322-1177

📍 Visit: 1756 Vine St, Denver, CO 80206

🌐 Send us a message: Visit our Contact Page

💳 Ask us about our in-office Membership Plans!

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