What My Most Satisfied Dental Insurance Clients Have in Common

After helping people enroll in dental insurance for years, I've noticed that my most satisfied clients tend to do the same few things before they buy a plan. None of these take very long, but they can help you avoid common mistakes and make better use of your coverage.

1. They Check the Network Before They Buy

You can have the best policy on paper, but it won't do you much good if the dentist you want to see doesn't accept it or if you can't find participating dentists nearby.

Even large, nationally recognized carriers can have stronger provider networks in some areas than others. Choosing a PPO network with plenty of participating dentists can also result in reduced in-network rates for covered services.

They also call the dental office to confirm participation before enrolling in a plan or scheduling an appointment because provider networks can change over time.

After  enrolling, they create a member portal or save the provider search tool I send them so it's easy to access whenever they need it.

2. They Review Both the Quote and the Brochure

Whether we review the quote together over the phone or they go through it on their own, they make sure they understand how services are covered.

They review which services the plan covers, such as fillings and extractions, what percentage those services are covered at, and whether waiting periods apply.

Most importantly, they read the brochure. Two dental insurance plans may look similar at first glance, but one may cover services such as implants while another does not. It's better to know that before you purchase a plan.

3. They Buy Coverage Before They Need It

Many dental insurance plans, including the ones I represent, cover preventive care with no waiting period. Other services may have waiting periods or be covered at a lower percentage during that waiting period.

Insurance companies include waiting periods partly because otherwise people could wait until they needed treatment, purchase a plan, use it immediately, and then cancel it afterward.

Many dental plans can become effective as soon as the next day, but that doesn't mean your application will be processed and your information will appear in the insurance company's system in time for an appointment scheduled a day away.

4. They Use Their Preventive Benefits

It is common for dental insurance, including the PPO plans I work with, to cover routine cleanings and exams with no deductible or copay.

If you're paying for the coverage each month, it makes sense to use those benefits. Regular preventive care can also help catch small problems before they become larger and more expensive.

5. They Talk to an Experienced Agent Instead of Using a Lead Mill

One complaint I hear regularly is that many websites require your contact information before they'll even let you see a quote.

In many cases, that information is sold to multiple agencies, and your phone starts ringing almost immediately.

Because agencies often pay for those leads, the conversation can become more focused on making a sale than helping you choose the right plan.

That's one of the reasons I built My Dental Compass differently. You can review plans first, then decide whether you want my help.