How to Make Dental Healthcare More Accessible in Green Hills

With the election coming up this year, access to healthcare will be put under a microscope. How much do you know about this hot topic? Although not typically discussed when candidates are vying for your vote, available dental care is an important health issue to be aware of.

Did you know that about 74 million Americans don’t have any dental coverage at all? That number equates to approximately 23% of the population or twice the number of people who don’t have medical insurance. These people include self-employed workers, small business owners, retired senior citizens, and many adults on Medicaid.

Regardless of which side of the aisle you stand, there’s no denying that getting proper oral care is critical to maintaining overall well-being. Studies repeatedly point to a direct link between the condition of the mouth and other systems in the body. In fact, one study showed that patients with gum disease are significantly more likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure and be a higher risk of a heart attack or stroke. Other conditions, such as diabetes, also have a strong connection with oral health. By taking care of your smile, you put yourself in a better position to enjoy good overall health.

How Dental Insurance Works

Many consumers don’t realize how dental insurance differs from medical insurance. Although both types include monthly premiums, the similarities generally end there. Why? Unlike when you get a cold, oral problems don’t go away or heal on their own. They require professional intervention, or they will only get worse with time. As a result, it is more cost effective for both patients and insurance companies to avoid problems altogether or catch them as early as possible. That’s why dental insurance plans tend to focus benefits on preventive services like dental cleanings and checkups.

In order to get the most value out of your dental insurance, you shouldn’t treat it as a safety net—i.e., use it only at times when you notice a dental problem. By that point, your smile will likely have already suffered severe, costly damage. Instead, you can utilize your dental insurance coverage to your advantage by regularly attending preventive visits with your dentist in Green Hills.

Pitfalls of Dental Insurance

When used properly, dental insurance can save patients significantly on oral healthcare. However, insurance isn’t perfect. With monthly premiums, claim forms, and annual limits, some insurance plans also have a deductible or minimum amount that you have to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance benefits kick in.

Government programs also have gaps in coverage. Although Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) require regular dental examinations for children, adults on Medicaid and all patients on Medicare throughout Tennessee and many other states are responsible for paying the cost of dental care on their own.

Fairly priced dental insurance and government programs can certainly reduce out-of-pocket costs and enable more people to have dental coverage, but these aren’t the only way to make dental care more affordable. There are dental practices in Nashville and beyond that offer an in-house savings plan of some sort.

Advantages of an In-House Savings Plan

Savings plans are not dental insurance. These programs, or clubs as some practices call them, don’t include many of the headaches that can come with insurance or Medicaid. Specifically, there are no premiums, required deductibles, annual maximums, claims forms, or exceptions in the fine print. The process is simple: for a flat annual membership fee, you receive preventive dental cleanings, X-rays, and exams. If you need any other procedures, restorative or cosmetic, you get a considerable discount on the overall price.

Dental care doesn’t have to be outrageously expensive. Even if dental healthcare isn’t specifically discussed this coming election season, you can use your dental insurance to your advantage, or find a practice that offers an in-house savings club, to ensure your oral (and overall) health in the long term.

About the Author

Dr. James Kirby has been practicing dentistry since 2008 when he graduated from the University of Tennessee in Memphis. At his practice, Green Hills Dental Center, he accepts dental insurance, offers specials on certain services, and has a VIP Club for those without insurance. If you have questions about using your dental insurance, you can contact Dr. Kirby at Green Hills Dental Center.