{"id":74,"date":"2026-05-21T14:37:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T14:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.penndentalarts.com\/blog\/?p=74"},"modified":"2026-06-02T14:40:14","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T14:40:14","slug":"4-facts-about-buying-dental-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.penndentalarts.com\/blog\/4-facts-about-buying-dental-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Things You Should Know Before Buying Dental Insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Purchasing dental insurance<\/a> is an excellent way to ensure that having a healthy, beautiful smile doesn\u2019t break the bank. Unfortunately, however, when picking a plan, it can be easy to get confused by the details. Here\u2019s a closer look at four important things to keep in mind when selecting your coverage, so you can make the most of your money while protecting your smile!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s Designed to be Preventive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dental insurance works a little differently than other types of insurance. Instead of correcting an issue after it\u2019s already occurred, it is designed to prevent painful problems that could end up costing more later. That\u2019s why your regular checkups and dental X-rays are typically covered at a higher rate than things like fillings and root canals. The idea is that by visiting the dentist regularly you can avoid those more expensive issues later, saving you and your provider money. Of course, many plans still will cover emergency and restorative care, but they are generally paid at a lower percentage (known as coinsurance), and you\u2019ll likely be charged more out of pocket for them if you need them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Benefits Won\u2019t Roll Over<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most dental insurance benefits will not roll over from year to year if you don\u2019t use them. In most cases, plans run from January 1 to December 31, but this is not always the case. Thus, it is important to review the details of your plan, and to ensure that you\u2019re getting the most from your coverage, be sure to visit your dentist for preventive care as often as it allows you to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There May Be a Waiting Period<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ll be getting your new dental insurance through an employer, it is important to be aware that your coverage may not take effect for 30 to 90 days. Additionally, some plans may have a waiting period once they become active. While you can generally use your coverage immediately for preventive care like exams and X-rays, you might need to wait for up to 3 months before it will cover more costly emergency or restorative procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always Read the Fine Print<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before selecting your plan, be sure to familiarize yourself with the coverage and make sure it works for you. Unfortunately, most plans are very difficult to cancel during the year, and you may have to wait until open enrollment to change it. Here are a few important things to make note of prior to making your decision:<\/p>\n\n\n\n