Does your child have dental insurance? Most importantly, do you know how to utilize their coverage in a way that benefits their oral health? Don’t worry – even if the answer is “no” right now, there are still a few weeks left to change that. After all, you want your valuable dollars to go toward keeping your kid’s smile healthy, right? If so, then keep reading to learn how to utilize your child’s dental insurance coverage in a way that benefits their smile!
#1. Schedule Two Checkups and Cleanings Annually
Although dental insurance is often different between children and adults and can vary from patient to patient, many plans have one important thing in common: a focus on prevention. For this reason, the majority of plans cover two checkups and cleanings annually. Of course, if your child skips one, they don’t get a “makeup” one the following year, which is why it’s so important to make sure they visit their dentist every six months.
#2. Don’t Postpone Essential Restorative Care
If your child’s dentist finds a cavity or another oral health concern during their examination, they’ll share with you how they recommend restoring their smile. While you might naturally think to postpone their treatment until after the holidays, don’t! There are a few reasons for this. First, although it may seem like a short amount of time, the decay or infection can progress significantly within a matter of weeks. Second, dental insurance benefits often cover a portion of the cost of restorative dentistry. So, you’ll want to utilize that coverage to restore your child’s smile sooner rather than later.
#3. Check Their Orthodontic Benefits
Since more than 50% of children need braces to address misaligned teeth and uneven bites, there is a good chance your little one will need to undergo orthodontic treatment. The good news is that some plans cover a portion of the cost. That’s why it’s important to review the fine print on your policy – it could help lower your out-of-pocket expenses significantly!
Remember, Many Dental Plans Reset on January 1st!
As previously mentioned, dental plans often vary. However, many reset on January 1st. That means that there are only a few weeks left to utilize your child’s dental insurance coverage to the fullest! That could start with something as simple as scheduling their second checkup and cleaning of 2022. Or, it could mean making an appointment for the restorative care they need. If you’re unsure of the next steps, don’t hesitate to talk to their dental team directly.
About the Practice
Since completing her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Oklahoma School of Dentistry, Dr. Jamie Guthrie has helped countless children and adults achieve healthy smiles. She’s also proud to be in-network with several popular providers (including HealthChoice and Delta Premier) and happily accepts all dental insurance plans. Plus, if your child doesn’t have coverage, there are other solutions, like flexible financing! If you want to learn more about children’s dentistry, then don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (580) 224-9600.