Dental insurance plans differ by:
- the services they cover
- the amount they pay for dental procedures
- whether or not you can decide which dentist to see in order to get the most appropriate care for your child and in the most efficient manner
Some dental plans may limit your right to choose a dentist for your child, your right to choose a pediatric dentist without first being referred by a general dentist or your right to choose a pediatric dentist under any circumstances.
Your child will receive the most appropriate dental care when you make informed decisions with the dentist of your choice.
Pediatric dentists are primary care providers as recognized by the American Dental Association. Plans that require referral to a pediatric dentist only after an unsuccessful visit to a general dentist may not be in your child's best interest.
When offered a choice of dental plans, know what services the plan does and doesn't cover before you enroll. Make sure you can select a pediatric dentist as your child's primary care provider.
When you are unhappy with your dental plan, you have options. Sometimes the dentist that is right for parents, brothers and sisters may not be the best choice for another child. When necessary, you can select a pediatric dentist outside your plan even though you may have to pay out-of-pocket expenses. The cost of this care is worthwhile in the long run.
You can find out if your employer offers less restrictive plans. Know your choices during your re-enrollment period. If you are not satisfied with your dental plan, you should consider voicing your concern with your employer. When parents decide to change their child's dental provider for any reason, we will be there to assist you in the transfer of records to make the transition as smooth as possible. AND, if you switch to a more restrictive plan and are not satisfied, you are always welcome to return to our office.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry