Dental Insurance Evaluation

These ten steps will help you evaluate your dental insurance plan.

1. Does Your Plan Let You Choose Your Own Dentist?

Begin with a plan rating of "10" ____

Deduct two points if you must choose a dentist from a list of approved dentists ____

Deduct an additional point if your current dentist is not on the list ____

Deduct an additional point if a referral is required to see a specialist ____

Deduct another point if specialist must be approved by plan ____

* My choice of dentist score____ 2.

What services are covered under my plan?

Begin with a plan rating of "10" ____

Deduct one point if dental implants are not covered ____

Deduct one point if orthodontic procedures are not covered____

Deduct one point if temporomandibular joint problems (TMD) are not covered ____

Deduct one point if posterior root canals are not covered____

Deduct one point if removal of impacted teeth is not covered ____

* My covered services score____

3. How much does my plan pay?

Begin with a plan rating of "10" ____

Subtract two points if it pays a portion of the fee, depending on service provided ____

Subtract two points if the actual plan reimbursement is often less than promised____

* My dental fees score____

4. Are there limits on my benefits?

Begin with a plan rating of "10"____

Add a point if your plan's annual maximum benefits increased in the last five years____

Subtract one point if your plan has lifetime benefit limits____

Deduct one point if annual maximum benefits have not changed in the past five years____

Deduct two points if annual maximum benefits were reduced in the past five years ____

Deduct one point for each $500 in annual benefit limits below $2,500____

* My benefits score____

** Total Score____

Now let's total the score:

If your overall score is 33 or higher, thank your employer for providing you with a dental plan that will help you maintain good oral health.

If your dental plan scores between 27 and 32, a little "touching up" of benefits may result in a better plan.

If your dental plan scores below 27, it has a few cavities. You might want to ask your employer about filling those holes.

For more detailed information about understanding your dental plan, please visit www.ada.org/public/faq/insurance.html