Boise Dentist Blog
The professional blog of Doctors Dan Bruce, Steve Bruce, Rosa Pothier and Rob Ririe
Dental Insurance Incentive Programs
As a doctor, I try to not get too involved in dental insurance issues. But yesterday I learned about a dental incentive program that is becoming increasingly popular. It seems that the program rewards both preventative treatment and longevity with an insurance company. For example, for fillings the plan may cover 70% the first year, 80% the next, then 90% and %100 after that. The same principles apply for other work. Many of these plans have the qualification that the insured member must visit the dentist at least yearly. Since insurance companies must be profitable to stay in business, this tells me a couple of things. First, and most obvious, insurance companies do better with long-term members. It cuts down the variables they have when setting policy prices, etc. Second, it must cost less money for members to seek preventative treatment. This is the reason that cleanings are typically paid at 100% or close to 100%. This is also the reason for the stipulation that the insured member must visit the dentist yearly.
Regular dental visits provide not only a chance to catch problems while they are small, but also to reinforce proper hygiene and remove decay-causing plaque and calculus. I have a few patients who don't want to get their teeth cleaned or have an examination because they are afraid we might "find something." Of course this sounds silly, but be assured that even if we find something our job is to let you know it is there and let you decide on a course of action (if any).
Check and see if you dental insurance plan is an incentive plan. Then, make sure you come in for regular cleanings, radiographs and exams, no matter what your insurance coverage is!