Dental health in decay?

Is just trying to pay for the dentist like pulling teeth??

What's the most common health condition? Heart disease? Cancer? Few people realize it's actually tooth decay, closely followed by edentulism (loss of all teeth) at number three, and advanced periodontal (gum) disease at number five. We're facing a crisis in oral health, with millions of people unable to access a dentist for even basic care. So they must compete for the very limited public services on offer. By the time an appointment comes around, some have waited up to five years for the privilege.
By then, decay is often so entrenched, removal of affected teeth is the only option.

The Truth about Dental Plans

Dental insurance plays a role in helping people obtain dental treatment.
Here are some myths and facts about dental insurance:

Myth #1 Dental insurance is meant to be a PAY-ALL.
Fact Dental insurance is meant to be an aid.
   
Myth #2 Plans pay up to 80% or 100%.
Fact In spite of what you're told, most plans cover about 40% to 50% of an average fee. Some plans pay more, some pay less. The amount your plan pays is determined by how much your employer paid for the plan. The less they paid for insurance, the less insurance you'll receive.
   
Myth #3 The insurance company will pay the fees that the dentist charges.
Fact It has been the experience of many dentists that some insurance companies tell their customers that "fees are above the usual and customary fees" rather than saying to them that "our benefits are low". Remember you get back only what your employer puts in less the profits of the insurance company.
   
Myth #4 All services are covered by insurance.
Fact Many routine dental services are NOT covered by carriers.
   
Myth #5 Insurance over the years has kept up with inflation.
Fact

 

 When dental insurance first came on the scene in the 1960's there was an average yearly maximum coverage of $1,000 per year. Now 40 years later, the average yearly maximum is still $1,000. Using the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) for just the past 27 years – the yearly maximum should be over $5,000 now in 2006 !
 

 

 

 

Don't Fall through the Cracks!

Register early! Service is normally provided on a first come, first serve basis. Be prepared to wait. If you don't keep you appointments on time or step out for a breather, you could give up your chances of getting help at a clinic.

The bigger the problem or worse the infection, the better chances you have at being seen faster.Get to know the staff. A little patience and friendly attitude goes a long way in determining care.