Medical vs. Dental Insurance: What Makes Them Different?

There is no denying the high price of healthcare these days. The added expense causes many individuals to avoid visiting their dentist and/or primary care physician. Too often, patients believe they can save more by avoiding regular exams; however, the opposite is true. By using one’s dental or medical insurance, a person can expect greater cost savings when receiving essential care, but what is the difference between the two? If you have fallen victim to the common misconception that dental and medical insurance are the same, keep reading to learn the truth.

Which Should You Use? Dental or Medical Insurance

Before you attempt to use your insurance plan to pay for an upcoming visit, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right one. It might seem as if medical and dental insurance should be combined, especially since the mouth is a part of the body; however, there are several distinctions you should know, which will better explain why these two insurances are separate:

1. Dentistry is Not Part of the Medical Field – Dentists are not considered medical doctors, and vice versa. There are schools devoted solely to dentistry and those that educate aspiring medical professionals. As a result, insurance is also split between the two fields.
2. Insurance Companies Do Not View Both Fields the Same – The services offered as part of each field cannot be compiled into one type of insurance plan. Medical is commonly used to address a problem after it has already occurred, delivering its greatest savings on more complex treatment. However, dental insurance is used to prevent common oral health problems, offering optimal savings when a patient is proactive about their dental care.
3. Insurance Carriers Form Relationships with Different Groups – Medical insurance companies typically work with hospitals and doctors’ offices, while dental insurance companies partner with dentists’ offices.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Insurance?

Having dental insurance is a great way to minimize your expenses if you want to maintain better oral health with preventive care. It’s also helpful should you experience an unexpected injury or situation that requires restorative or complex treatment.

Some of the greatest benefits you can expect when choosing to enroll in a dental insurance plan include:

• The ability to receive anywhere from 80-100% coverage (in most cases) on preventive services, like dental checkups and cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatment, and more.
• Reduced out-of-pocket costs when needing restorative solutions, like dental crowns, root canals, tooth extractions, dental fillings, etc., as the insurance company may cover 50-80% of the total price.
• The assurance that your oral health is being closely monitored by licensed professionals year-round.
• Spending less time in the dentist’s office dealing with infections or damaged teeth caused by preventable dental emergencies.

Investing in dental insurance is smart if you want to keep your smile healthy, happy, and on track with the rest of your body.

About the Author
Dr. Rasheed Zahawi leads the team at Harris Parkway Dental Care. Educated at Temple University and graduating summa cum laude, he achieved his dental degree before extending his studies at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) for an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency. Working closely with patients to deliver accessible and affordable care, he is pleased to partner with various dental insurance companies to keep out-of-pocket costs minimal. If you need help using your plan most effectively, visit our website or call (817) 423-2223 to find out more.