OVERVIEW OF DENTAL PLANS

Generally, there are three types of Individual Dental Plans;

1. Dental HMO Plans - These Plans are also called 'DMO Plans'. The Dental HMO is a great plan for people who want immediate dental services with no waiting periods and who want affordable rates. All Dental HMOs have No Deductibles, No Claim Forms, No Waiting Periods with the most affordable rates. All Dental HMO Plans require that you use one of the Plan's participating dental offices for all services. Dental HMO Plans may be purchased by individuals, families or employer groups. $16.00 is a common rate for an individual on a Dental HMO Plan.

2. PPO Dental - Dental PPO allows you to use a contracting dentist or any dentist. Benefits are paid at the highest level when you use a contracting dentist from the Directory. There is a $50 annual Deductible per member and $1,000 annual maximum in expenses per member. Also, notice the waiting period for Basic Services, such as Fillings and a waiting period for Major Services, such as Root Canals and Crowns. Approximately $30 is the rate for an individual on a Dental PPO Plan.

3. Indemnity Dental - Indemnity Dental Plans allow you to use any licensed dentist. The average rate for an Indemenity Dental Plan for an individual may range between $35 to $40 per month. Following are a couple summaries of Indemnity Dental Plans. (a) Multiflex Dental Plan - This Plan lets you choose your Annual Maximum - $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000, which is a real plus. Rates are based on where you live. Look up your zip code in the green brochure. When you join this plan you will also be joining the National Small Business Association - make out a separate check to NSBA for $10.00. (b) Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company offers Indemnity Dental for Individuals and Small Groups. With this Plan, the dental benefits are graduated and improve each year. With this Plan, there is no 'Annual' Deductible - rather a one time $100 Deductible and the Annual Maximum is $1,200 per member. Also, we think the rates are reasonable for this type of plan, even with their Billing Fee of $1.50 and the monthly Association Dues of $3.50. Once you join this Plan you will be enrolled as a member in the National Association of Business Owners (however, you do not need to be a business owner to join).

Whenever you choose a Dental Plan with Waiting Periods, you'll want to keep the Dental Plan for a very long time because waiting periods only have to be satisfied once during the life of the policy.

Click Here for a summary of Group Dental Plans