Taking the time to organize dental insurance may not be the most fun activity; however, it’s important to take advantage of your coverage.
Now that a new year of dental coverage has arrived, it’s time to get a head start on your benefits game plan. Set aside 10 minutes of your day to organize your dental insurance and ensure good oral health for the rest of the year.
How to organize dental insurance
The hardest part about organizing is getting started. We’ve laid out simple steps that make it easy to get your dental insurance organized.
Make a checklist
Start with the basics — make a list of preventive services you need. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you visit the dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups; however, the number may change based on your needs.
If you know you’ll need additional dental work, like fillings or crowns, pencil those procedures in too. If you have pain, that’s a pretty good indicator that you’ll need more than just preventive treatment.
Find a dentist
The next step in organizing dental insurance is to find a dentist who accepts your Delta Dental of Virginia benefits plan.
The Find a Provider tool on our website can help you find a dentist that meets your specific needs, such as a convenient location near your work or your child’s school, has evening and weekend hours, or specializes in treating kids.
Talk to your family, friends and neighbors for recommendations of good dentists near you. You can also search for online ratings and reviews to help you decide.
Study your coverage
Once you know what procedures you may need and have a dentist in mind, it’s time to familiarize yourself with your dental insurance plan.
Take some time to understand the details of your plan, including your deductible, annual maximum, copayments and more. Review your benefits contract, so you know what’s covered!
Questions? Reach out to our award-winning customer service team for answers.
Construct a timeline
You will have a better idea of additional services or treatments you will need after your first dental appointment of the year. Write down any procedures that must be done this year. If you have treatments that may be expensive, consider spreading them out accordingly to accommodate your budget and plan coverage if you’re able to.
Note: Always listen to the advice of your dentist when it comes to timelines for procedures.
Write it down
A lot can happen in a year! The number one way to organize dental insurance is to keep track of upcoming appointments in a calendar or on your smart device. It’s also a good idea to keep track of any insurance victories or speed bumps. This will keep your mind fresh if you want to adjust your plan during the next open enrollment season.
Need more information about dental insurance? Check out “How to Get Dental Insurance in Virginia.”
*Updated January 2024