Common Dental Insurance Terms that You Need to Know
Posted on 6/2/2025 by Century Dental
Dental insurance can be confusing. There are all sorts of terms that you may not be familiar with. This guide will explain some of the most common dental insurance terms that you need to know to help you get the most out of your dental benefits.
Dental Insurance Basics
Dental insurance is a type of health insurance that helps pay for the cost of dental care. It can help you save money on preventive care, such as cleanings and checkups, as well as on more complex procedures, such as fillings, crowns, and dentures.
Dental Insurance Terms
Here are some of the most common dental insurance terms that you need to know:
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Annual Maximum: The maximum amount of money that your insurance plan will pay for covered dental services in a year.
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Coinsurance: The percentage of the cost of covered dental services that you are responsible for paying.
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Copay: A fixed amount of money that you pay for a covered dental service.
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Deductible: The amount of money that you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance will start to pay for covered dental services.
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Exclusions: Services that are not covered by your dental insurance plan.
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In-network Provider: A dentist who has contracted with your insurance company to provide services at a discounted rate.
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Out-of-network Provider: A dentist who has not contracted with your insurance company. You will typically pay more for services from an out-of-network provider.
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PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): A type of dental insurance plan that offers a network of in-network providers. You can see an out-of-network provider, but you will pay more for services.
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Premium: The monthly amount you pay for your dental insurance plan.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Dental Insurance
Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your dental insurance:
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Choose a plan that fits your needs. Consider your budget and the type of dental care that you typically need.
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Understand your benefits. Read your plan documents carefully so that you know what is covered and what is not.
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Preventive care is key. Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care, such as cleanings and checkups. Make sure to schedule regular appointments with your dentist to stay on top of your oral health.
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Use in-network providers. You will typically pay less for services from in-network providers.
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Ask questions. If you have any questions about your dental insurance, contact your insurance company or your dentist.
Conclusion
Dental insurance is a valuable tool that can help you save money on dental care. By understanding the common dental insurance terms and following the tips above, you can get the most out of your dental benefits.
Prevention Dentistry
Taking care of your oral health is the best way to avoid complications down the road. Regular dental cleanings and checkups will allow your dentist to spot any potential issues and address them early, preventing more expensive and invasive treatments in the future.
By understanding your dental insurance plan, you can make informed decisions about your dental care and get the most out of your benefits.
Dentist Hillsboro, OR | Dental Blog - Century Dental Hillsboro, OR Jefferson Call, DMD and Dix Densley, DDS believe that the better informed their patients are, the better their decisions about dental care can be. With this blog, they hope to inform and empower our readers in their oral health. - See more Century Dental, 2831 SE Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123 ^ (971) 708-1608 ^ centurydentalllc.com ^ 6/22/2025 ^ Page Phrases: Dentist Hillsboro OR
Dental insurance can be confusing. There are all sorts of terms that you may not be familiar with. This guide will explain some of the most common dental insurance terms that you need to know to help you get the most out of your dental benefits.