Dental Insurance South Pasadena, CA
Dental insurance covers a portion of preventive, minor, and major dental care costs. People should understand the different options available before choosing a dental insurance plan. Dental insurance can help people effectively budget for the cost of maintaining a great smile.
If you need dental work, dental insurance can help you pay less out-of-pocket costs. Huntington Dental Excellence in South Pasadena and the surrounding area can provide you with information about our accepted dental insurance plans. Call us at (626) 657-6335 to learn more about our policies and services.
How Dental Insurance Works
According to Investopedia, patients should choose a dental insurance plan based on two factors: the network of dentists they want to access and the amount they can afford to pay. Patients can also see dentists who are out of network, but this tends to be a significantly more expensive option. Monthly premiums will vary depending on the patient's insurance company, location, and plan.
There is also a waiting period for most dental insurance policies – usually, around six to 12 months before the patient can have any standard work done. Major work may require longer waiting periods up to two years long. When it comes to dental insurance, there are typically three categories of coverage: preventative, basic, and major. Most plans cover 100% of preventative care, 80% of basic procedures, and 50% of major procedures.
“…patients should choose a dental insurance plan based on two factors: the network of dentists they want to access and the amount they can afford to pay.”
Choosing the Right Dental Plan for You
Choosing the right dental plan can be an intimidating process. There are many different types of dental plans. For instance, group insurance, individual and family plans, indemnity dental plans, preferred provider organization (PPO) plans, and health maintenance organization (HMO) plans are all possible choices.
Indemnity dental plans are also known as "fee-for-service plans." They are not as common in the Marketplace, and insurers cap the amount of money they will pay for certain procedures in this type of plan. Patients will have to pay out-of-pocket if a dentist charges higher than this set amount. A preferred provider organization (PPO) plan is much more common. Patients who choose to use out-of-network providers with a PPO plan will have to pay more out of pocket. With a health maintenance organization (HMO) plan, patients must pay monthly or annual premiums but can only see providers within their network.
“Choosing the right dental plan can be an intimidating process.”
Dental Coverage
No matter what dental plan a patient chooses, it is essential to double-check what services are included. Some of the most common dental services patients want are routine preventative care and orthodontic services. Though most dental plans cover routine services, they may also require a copay or a fixed amount a patient pays for a health service after meeting their deductible.
However, not all dental plans include coverage for orthodontic services and other specialized services. Therefore, it is imperative to read the details of each plan carefully. Patients who are unsure of the details of their plan should call their insurer to clarify any questions they may have so they are prepared for all scenarios.
“…not all dental plans include coverage for orthodontic services and other specialized services.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Insurance in South Pasadena, CA
Affordable Care Online Enrollment
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a comprehensive healthcare reform intended to extend health insurance coverage to millions of uninsured Americans by legally requiring them to buy health insurance. It does not cover dental coverage for adults, but it does mandate that dental insurance is available to families with children. Adults do not have to buy coverage for themselves.
People can get dental coverage either as part of a health plan or by themselves through a separate, stand-alone dental plan. People interested in enrolling should create an account and apply for a plan during open enrollment. They can also browse plans on healthcare.gov to determine whether you qualify for a special enrollment period.
“People can get dental coverage either as part of a health plan or by themselves through a separate, stand-alone dental plan.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How can I get affordable dental care online?
Q. How can I find out if my employer's plan covers dental treatments?
Q. How does dental insurance work?
Q. What are the different kinds of dental plans?
Q. How can I tell what is included in my dental coverage?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the pros and cons of an HSA?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. How can I find an affordable dental insurance plan for my family and me?
Dental Insurance Through Employers
Most dental insurance plans follow the 100-80-50 coverage structure. That means the plan covers preventative care at 100%, basic procedures at 80%, and major procedures at 50%. Sometimes major procedures have a larger copayment. Some dental plans do not cover some procedures, so people must check with their insurance provider for more information.
Employer-sponsored health insurance is the primary source of coverage for people in the United States. People should carefully read the details of an employer's dental insurance plan to determine whether the care they require is covered and at what percentage. Call the insurance provider directly with any questions or concerns.
“If your employer provides dental insurance, carefully read the details of your plan to determine if the care you require comes covered by the plan, and at what percentage.”
Dental Insurance Fees
Like health insurance plans in the United States, dental insurance plans come with costs, such as deductibles and copays. A deductible is a minimum amount that a person must pay before the insurance policy pays for anything. The deductible will vary depending on the type of dental insurance. Once the patient pays the deductible, their insurance plan will pay for the remaining costs.
Patients may also have to pay a preset amount, called a co-pay, before receiving a service or treatment covered by your insurance provider. The co-pay is usually due to the dentist at the time of the service. People will have to pay it even after they reach their deductible.
“Similar to health insurance plans in the United States, dental insurance plans come with costs.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is dental health really that important?
A. Yes. Many people mistakenly underestimate the importance of oral health. However, it is intrinsically linked to overall health. Neglecting one's oral health may have disastrous effects overall.
Q. Do I actually need a dental insurance plan?
A. Yes. Dental healthcare can be costly without insurance, especially if you are keeping up with your routine checkups and cleanings. Choosing the right dental insurance plan can help patients afford preventative dental care.
Q. What questions should I ask while looking for the right dental insurance plan for me?
A. There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for dental insurance plans. For example, if you anticipate needing a procedure in the future, make sure to ask whether it will be covered under your insurance. You should also ask if you can see any dentist of your choosing or if you must select one within the provider network, whether you can change dentists once you are enrolled, and how many people the plan will cover. Other pertinent information includes the deductible and copay costs and whether the plan is rated highly by an independent rating firm.
Q. What is a discount dental plan (DDP)?
A. A discount dental plan (DDP) is an untraditional insurance plan where the patient pays the cost of treatment at the contracted rate as determined by the plan. This type of plan does not involve any claim forms. However, patients must make monthly or annual payments to receive care from providers within the dental network at discounted prices and on a set fee schedule.
Q. Who should I talk to about my dental insurance plan's benefits or a claim?
A. Contact your insurance carrier for any questions and concerns you may have about your benefits or claims. They can access your account to review your benefits, claims activity, and eligibility.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Dental insurance can help you offset the cost of dental care. Huntington Dental Excellence can help you learn more about what your plan covers. Call us today at 626-657-6335 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business, license, and website security
- Huntington Dental Excellence was established in 1987.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: South Pasadena, Pasadena, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Highland Park, San Gabriel, San Marino, Rosemead, Altadena, Temple City and Los Angeles
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