Getting the Most Out of Dental Insurance for Your Child

Just like adults, children need regular dental care in order to protect their smiles from cavities and other oral health threats. Dental insurance can go a long way toward making necessary dental services more affordable, so it’s essential to make sure that you’re getting the most out of the benefits offered by your particular plan. Here’s a brief overview of everything you need to know about dental insurance for children so that you can make the right call for your little one’s smile and your bank account.

When Should Your Child Be Added to Your Dental Insurance?

You should get dental insurance for your child when they first start visiting the dentist. Ideally, you should schedule your child’s first dental appointment when their first teeth appear in the mouth, which usually happens when they’re around six months old. Any child who is old enough to have teeth is old enough to develop cavities, so they should start receiving preventive dental care as early in life as possible. Fortunately, many dental insurance plans cover most or all of the cost of preventive checkups and cleanings.

What Children’s Dental Services Can Dental Insurance Help Cover?

Not all dental insurance plans are exactly alike, so it’s a good idea to double-check to see what services are eligible for coverage. With that being said, you can typically expect your plan to help pay for the following services that can benefit your child’s smile:

• Two dental checkups and cleanings a year.
• Fluoride treatments for strengthening the enamel and making it more resistant to cavities.
• Dental sealants for giving the teeth near the back of the mouth extra protection against decay until your child learns to clean them properly.
• X-rays for monitoring your child’s oral development and identifying any issues that might not be visible to the naked eye.

How Can You Maximize Your Child’s Dental Insurance?

Many dental insurance plans reset at the end of the year; any benefits that are unused at that point will not be carried over, so it’s a good idea to take advantage of them while you still have them. As such, you should make absolutely sure that your child sees the dentist at least twice before January 1st rolls around. Additionally, any advanced treatments that your child might need should be performed as soon as possible while you still have your current benefits to help pay for them.

Do you still have questions or concerns about your child’s dental insurance coverage? The team at your dentist’s office will be more than happy to review your policy with you and help you come up with a strategy for maximizing your child’s benefits.

About the Author

Dr. Jeramiah Paylor studied dentistry at the University of Colorado. At West Arvada Family Dental, he is proud to offer high-quality dental care for patients of all ages. He’s ready to help your child enjoy a lifetime of excellent oral health with regular checkups, cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, and other services. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Paylor at his office in Arvada, visit his website or call (720) 776-4900.