171 East 1st Ave. (Science World)
Vancouver, BC, V6A 0E8

604-449-7762

Understanding your dental benefits

If you are studying or working full time, you likely have dental insurance. This means that your insurance company provides you with a certain amount of dental benefits each year. There are many different insurance plans out there, and each are a little different, so it’s best to do a little research into yours before making assumptions.

Most dental plans will have a deductible,  which refers to a minimum amount that must be paid out of pocket before the insurance policy pays for anything. The amount of the deductible will vary, so it’s best to ask your insurance provider how much it is before planning your dental work. Most of the time essential and preventative dental services such as cavity fillings and cleanings will be covered 100%, but some dental plans only cover a portion of the treatment (ei. 80%). At time of treatment, you will be responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance plan.amounts not covered by your insurance plans are ultimately your responsibility.

At our office we accept cash, debit, visa or MasterCard payment which is expected at time of treatment. For larger procedures we can establish payment plans which may be arranged with our office manager.

If you’ve just started a new job or post – secondary school there could be waiting period before your insurance “kicks in”. Again, the length of the waiting period will vary from plan to plan so it’s best to ask your school or employer. If you have dental issues such as deep cavities or gum disease that require immediate attention it is best to just get it done; by the time your benefits become active the problem may have worsened, requiring more costly and invasive treatment.

Knowledge is power when it comes to insurance plans. Navigating all the fine print can understandably be a challenge, but our friendly office staff here at Emerald Dental can work with your insurance provider to make sure you get the most out of your coverage.

Dental insurance benefits can be thought of as  a tool to help keep you in good oral health. It’s a good idea to find out how much coverage you have in order to maximize your benefits.

With the new year quickly approaching, it’s a good idea to find out if you have any unused benefits. Your benefit plan will likely expire at the end of December so if you’re due for a cleaning or have a cavity that you’ve been meaning to get filled it’s best to do get it done now. If you have remaining benefits and are due for a cleaning and exam, give us a call at 604-449-7762 to book an appointment.