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Choosing Family Dental Insurance For Your Child

I'm sure you've noticed that you and your child are two distinct people with entirely different needs, including dental health needs. When employers label children as dependents, however, they often see them as extensions of their parents. That means when it comes to awarding family dental benefits, you must be on the same policy. It's important to be sure you select a dental plan that works for both of you. Here are some things to consider when choosing your dental insurance carrier:

• Your child has the right to see a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to address the unique dental needs of young children, such as early preventive care and alleviating dental anxiety. If your family dental insurance plan only allows your child to see a pediatric dental specialist after an unsuccessful visit to a general dentist, consider making a change.
• What is the extent of your preventive care coverage? Children's teeth are in a critical stage of development. Any potential problems should be identified and resolved as early as possible. It's also crucial to establish positive dental care habits right from the start. This means dental exams early and often. If your dental plan puts unreasonable restrictions on a child's early dental care, look for dental coverage elsewhere.
• What other procedures are covered? As mentioned, your child's teeth are only just developing. If they do not grow properly, your child can experience pain or misshapen facial structure. Special care, such as orthodontics, is often required to correct the problem, and is often medically necessary. If your family dental insurance plan considers this specialized care to be cosmetic, and therefore not covered, look for something better.
• What is the extent of your emergency care coverage? Kids have accidents - it's a fact of life. Not only are they generally more active than many adults, playing sports and climbing trees, but many have not yet developed refined coordination. That means plenty of falls or balls to the mouth. If your child loses a tooth or experiences some other sort of dental trauma, be sure your plan allows you to seek immediate emergency care without anybody's permission.
• It's important for you to have a reasonable amount of control over your child's dental care. If your dental insurance company makes it difficult to choose or change dentists when you feel it's necessary, or allows you very little say in whatever treatment is performed, shop around.

Insurance may seem like a costly investment, but a family dental plan that truly fits you and your children's needs is well worth it. The preventive and emergency care you'll receive will ensure all of you will enjoy good oral health for a lifetime.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

What Are the Best Dental Insurance Plans for Me?

Although there is no one "best" dental insurance plan, some plans will be better dental coverage than others for you and your family's dental needs.

Dental plans will primarily differ in how much you have to pay.

Although no plan will pay for all the costs associated with your dental care, some plans will cover more than others.

With any dental insurance plan you will pay a basic premium, usually monthly, to buy the dental coverage.

In addition, there are often other payments you must make. These payments will vary by dental insurance plans but essentially are deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance.

Here's a list of key questions to consider in selecting from a group of dental insurance plans that best meets your coverage needs:

• How much will it cost me on a monthly basis?
• Are there deductibles I must pay before the insurance begins to help cover my costs?
• After I have met the deductible, what part of my costs are paid by the plan?
• What dentists are part of the dental insurance plan?
• Are there enough of the kinds of dentists I want to see?
• Where will I go for care?
• Are these places near where I work or live?
• If I use dentists outside a plan's network, how much more will I pay to get care?
• Will my dental coverage be extended?
• Are there any limits to how much I must pay in case of major illness?

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.