Dental benefits might not be at the top of your holiday wish list, but there are plenty of reasons your plan should be!

For starters, teeth are about more than a pretty smile. According to a recent study, Americans lose an estimated 320.8 million hours of work or school annually to dental care.

Also, oral health is closely linked to overall health, and dental health affects some of the body’s most essential functions, including speaking, chewing, and swallowing.

Finally, prevention costs less than treatment. Most dental insurance plans emphasize prevention and early detection by covering the majority of preventative services. As people with dental insurance tend to visit their dentists more often, they’re more likely to avoid painful and expensive oral health problems by catching them quickly.

With that in mind, it’s easy to see why dental benefits are important for protecting you and your family for a lifetime. So, how do you decide what plan is right for your family? What should you consider?

Assess your needs

Dental care needs and dental benefit plan coverages vary. Think about your current care needs, preventative coverage questions, and any potential issues that may arise in the future. Not sure? Consider these oral health conditions as a starting point.

Once you have a better idea of what type of dental care you need, you’re ready to explore your options.

Ask for recommendations

Do you already have a dentist you love? Ask them which carriers they accept. If you don’t have a dentist, consider asking family and friends for recommendations. Their advice is worth more than a stranger’s.

Compare Coverage

Next, you’ll want to consider which plan works for you. Look at:

• Annual maximum
• Deductible
• What’s covered and to what extent

Need additional guidance? Click here for more on picking the right dental plan for your needs. 

*Updated January 2022