Spirit Dental Resources

Updated June 2023 When it comes to dental insurance, there are several types of plans available to consumers. Two common options are PPO and indemnity plans. Understanding the differences between PPO vs indemnity plans is crucial to making an informed decision about which one is right for you. Many people are confused about their dental insurance options and end up choosing no dental insurance. The common notion is that dental health is expensive, and it is better to pay for dental fees upfront, whenever they need it, rather than pay for something that they feel they won’t be able to make use of. The truth is, it's the other way around. With the right dental insurance plan, you can bring more value to your money and be able to have bigger savings at the same time. In this article, we'll compare and contrast the features of a dental indemnity plan vs PPO and help you make an informed decision about which one is best suited for your dental insurance needs. Whether you're seeking coverage for yourself or your family, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of these plans and comparing dental insurance can help you get the most out of your dental insurance. What is PPO dental insurance? PPO dental insurance is a type of dental insurance plan that operates on a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network. Some of the benefits of a PPO vs indemnity include: Lower out-of-pocket costs: Patients who choose an in-network dentist typically receive a discounted rate on services provided by that dentist, resulting in lower out-of-pocket costs for the patient. Higher level of coverage for preventive care: PPO plans often offer a higher level of coverage for preventive care services like routine cleanings and checkups, making it easier and more affordable for patients to maintain good oral health. No need to submit claims: Patients who choose an in-network dentist typically do not need to submit claims for reimbursement, as the dentist will bill the insurance company directly for covered services. Coverage for a wide range of dental services: PPO plans typically offer coverage for a wide range of dental services, including basic and major restorative services like fillings, root canals, and crowns, as well as orthodontic services. What is a dental indemnity plan? Indemnity plans, on the other hand, do not have network provisions at all. Indemnity plans are known as fee-for-service plans, which means that the policyholder will pay for their dental services upfront and then submit a claim to the insurance company for reimbursement. When you’re comparing an indemnity plan vs. a PPO plan, there are many advantages to an indemnity plan, including: More flexibility in choosing a dentist: With an indemnity plan, patients can see any licensed dentist of their choice, without being restricted to a network of preferred providers. No restrictions on out-of-network care: Patients who choose an indemnity plan are not limited to in-network dentists, and can receive care from any licensed dentist, with the plan covering a percentage of the cost based on a fee-for-service model. No referral requirements: Indemnity plans do not require referrals from a primary care dentist to see a specialist, providing greater freedom of choice and easier access to specialized care. Greater predictability of costs: Indemnity plans often have a fixed fee schedule for covered services, which can make it easier to predict and budget for out-of-pocket expenses. Indemnity plans generally offer greater flexibility, but they may require patients to pay a greater portion of the cost of their dental care upfront and may have higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs than other types of dental insurance plans. Trust Spirit Dental to help you understand PPO vs indemnity and find the right plan for you Understanding what your needs are and comparing indemnity vs PPO dental insurance will help you determine which plan works well for you, and not just for your budget, but for your expectations and requirements overall. If you’re curious about your insurance options and what Spirit Dental & Vision can offer you, contact us and get a dental insurance quote today.

You can locate and benefit from affordable dental insurance no matter who you are. It may be overwhelming to deal with the sheer number of options, though after weighing the top candidates it becomes clear what to do. A couple of ideas to help you find what you need will be presented here. One way to find insurance that you are able to afford is to look into what is offered by contacting your local dentists. Ask the people at the office what they accept, and then you can do some further digging into what these companies are like. Figure out what kind of coverage they offer and how people feel about their services before making your decision. Some of the coverage plans you can get are expensive because they include things you do not really need covered. Find out what you can drop and what the basic plans include. If you don't need a lot of work done at this time, then there is no reason to be covered for complicated procedures that drive up the cost of your insurance. You may find that you don't need certain kinds of coverage until much later. By getting regular cleanings, you can find out what you are faced with when it comes to dental issues. Then it becomes possible to add more to your coverage a good amount of time before the procedure so that you are able to get it done. Before you work with any insurance company, even if you seem to be pleased with their pricing, contact their customer service representatives to learn more. You may find that they are offering a deal for new sign ups, or they may have changed their pricing in recent days. Being cautious and ask a lot of questions if you wish to get a good plan and save money.

Not all insurance companies are created equally. Did you know that after completing an application to receive dental insurance, there are quite a few insurance companies that will make you wait before you can receive the coverage that you desperately need? Most people do not have time to wait to see the dentist, especially if they are dealing with serious dental concerns, such as a severe toothache or decay. If clients have to deal with a frustrating waiting period, they may not be able to get the treatment that they need right at that moment. Waiting around for several weeks to receive dental treatment is problematic in more than just one way. The patient would remain in pain for a long time. Although the pain may be intolerable, it is not the only problem the patient would likely deal with. The dental problem that the patient suffers from could start to get a whole lot worse, causing a serious infection or other major medical concerns. As a result of those medical problems, the patient could end up in the emergency room all because the insurance company was not willing to provide immediate coverage. Serious dental problems could be prevented if they are taken care of when they first begin. When you are choosing an insurance plan for dental coverage, you need to make sure that you choose a company that is not going to make you wait and will easily provide you with next day coverage instead. Spirit Dental & Vision believes that you should not have to wait to have your teeth cared for at the dental office. There are plenty of good reasons for you to get coverage as soon as possible, which is why Spirit is willing to offer such a convenient option that most other insurance companies do not.

Updated May 2023 Knowing how to find a good dentist that will be right for you and your family is important. After all, if you don’t like your dentist or don’t feel comfortable around them, you might end up avoiding checkups, cleanings, and treatments. Whether you moved to a new place or you aren’t satisfied with the dentist you’ve been using, if you want some tips on how to choose a dentist, check out the short guide below.   Does it matter which dentist you go to? Yes! Think about it: once you find a dentist who delivers the highest quality care, you won’t need to worry about where to go for all your oral health needs. Finding a good dentist will set you on the right path to good oral health, which promotes overall health. How do you find a good dentist? Not sure where to begin the process of finding a good dentist? Here are five steps you can follow to help you with choosing a dentist: 1. Ask for referrals from people you know You go to your friends and family for advice, right? Then why not ask them about the dentists they use? You might be able to get more than one recommendation, and you can do some research into each of your options to help you with choosing a dentist.  In addition to family and friends, consider asking other people you trust, such as neighbors and coworkers. Or, you could consult a medical professional, such as your doctor, as they may be able to steer you in the right direction when it comes to your oral health care. If you need to change your dentist because you’re moving or switching insurance plans, you could ask your current dentist for a list of recommended professionals.  2. Look up information about dentists in your area Searching for information about a dentist is another way to figure out if they’d be the optimal choice. Even if you get a referral, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at what a dentist offers to ensure they suit your preferences. If you want to know how to find a good dentist in your area, an online search for dentists in your area can make it easy to compare them and see which ones match your needs. You can read a dentist’s website to learn about them and how their office works, including if they use the latest equipment or are trained in specialized areas like gum disease or root canals. Plus, you can look up reviews left by other patients. 3. Ask your dental insurance provider for guidance If you have dental insurance, ask them to help you find a dentist. This can ensure you’ll receive the most benefits possible from your plan. Whether you want to stick with dentists who are in-network or you’re fine with going to an out-of-network professional, your insurer can be a valuable source of information.  What if you’ve already found some dentists that you’re considering using? Just contact them to ask if they accept your insurance before booking an appointment.  4. Search dental associations When choosing a dentist, do you prefer a dentist who is part of the American Dental Association? You can go to the ADA’s website to perform a search for providers in your area. In addition to the ADA, you can browse other organizations and associations, depending on your needs. Examples include the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). 5. Book a consultation Once you have a list of dentists you’re interested in using, see if they’d be willing to give you a consultation. This appointment can give you a direct experience of what their office is like and how helpful their staff is. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and expectations and see how the dentist interacts with you as a patient.  Frequently asked questions about finding a good dentist Finding a good dentist is important, but we understand it can be confusing. To help you know how to find a dentist, we have answered some common questions we hear below. How do you know if a dentist Is good? When choosing a dentist, looking for certain qualities can help you narrow your options when you aren’t sure which direction to take. Here are a few things to consider if you are wondering how to know if a dentist is good: Education, experience, and reputation. Comparing dentists who offer similar services may be challenging, but if you hone in on what they’ve accomplished and their reputation, you might start to notice some differences.  Consider checking details like where a dental professional went to school, if they’re properly licensed and certified, how long they’ve been in business, and whether or not they’ve been involved in any lawsuits. Services offered, including during emergencies. Asking about the services that a dentist provides is a smart move. That way, you’ll know what they can and can’t help you with. Are they going to be able to give you everything you need or will another dentist or specialist be required for certain types of care? Another thing to consider is a dentist’s hours of operation. Are their hours convenient? And if there’s a dental emergency, will they be available and willing to help? The dentist’s staff. In addition to the dentist, you’ll interact directly with the staff, such as the individuals who set appointments and take care of billing, and the dental hygienists and assistants who support the dentist in providing care. You’ll certainly want them to be professional, trustworthy, and easy to work with as well.   What questions should you ask a new dentist? As a new patient at a dentist's office, it's important to ask questions to ensure you understand their services, policies, and procedures. Here are some common questions you may want to ask to make sure you are finding a good dentist: What services do you offer? It's important to know the range of dental services, such as preventive care, restorative treatments, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics and more. What are your qualifications and experience? Inquire about the dentist's credentials, education and experience to ensure they are qualified to provide dental care. What is your approach to preventive dentistry? Ask the dentist about their philosophy on preventive dentistry, including oral hygiene instructions, regular check-ups and recommendations for maintaining good oral health. What are your payment and insurance policies? Ask about the cost of services, accepted insurance plans and payment options. Understand the dental office's billing procedures, including any fees, insurance claims and payment deadlines. What are your emergency dental care procedures? Inquire about the dentist's procedures for handling dental emergencies outside regular business hours, such as after-hours or weekend emergencies. Do you offer sedation dentistry options? If you have dental anxiety or fear, ask if the dentist offers sedation dentistry options, such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation or IV sedation. What is your policy on missed appointments or cancellations? Understand the dental office's policy regarding missed appointments, cancellations, rescheduling and any associated fees. How often should I come for dental check-ups and cleanings? Ask the dentist about their recommended frequency for routine dental check-ups and cleanings, based on your oral health condition. Do you have any special considerations for patients with specific health conditions or needs? If you have any pre-existing health conditions or special needs, such as diabetes, pregnancy or allergies, ask if the dentist has any specific considerations or accommodations. Can you explain the recommended treatment plan in detail? If the dentist recommends any dental treatments, ask for a detailed explanation of the treatment plan, including the benefits, risks and alternatives. Remember, open communication with your dentist is crucial for building a trusting relationship and ensuring you receive the best possible dental care. Don't hesitate to ask any questions or seek clarifications to make informed decisions about your oral health. Let Spirit Dental help you with finding a good dentist Even though it might be a bit daunting at first, once you get the hang of things and have a strategy to follow, you’ll more easily find a qualified dentist who is patient, respectful and makes you feel totally at ease.   Now that you know more about how to find a good dentist, you can start your search by using our dentist finder tool, which can help you locate a professional who’s in-network and will allow you to get the most savings from your dental plan from Spirit Dental. If you need dental insurance, it's fast and easy to get dental insurance quotes online from Spirit Dental.     Sources: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-care-concerns/how-to-choose-a-dentist https://cummingsfamilydentist.com/blog/signs-good-dentist/ https://askthedentist.com/find-good-dentist/ https://www.aapd.org/resources/oral-health/dental/

Finding affordable dental insurance can be quite challenging for someone living on a tight budget. Many individuals are tired of finding cost effective dental insurance plans out there. Most of them hesitate to visit a dentist because they cannot afford the high dental charges today. While there is no one solution to affordable dental insurance, there are many ways to cut costs. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when looking for affordable dental coverages. If you are a senior citizen looking for affordable dental insurance can be difficult. It is true that the original Medicare - Part A & B - and Medicare Supplemental polices don't cover dental care. There are places out there now to get the dental assistance you need as your teeth age along with you. Affordable dental care doesn't mean the cheapest plan on the market. There are so many affordable programs that offer good value for your money. The plan should include some of the most essential services to maintain healthy teeth and gums. A solid plan will allow the patient to choose his or her dentist. If not, the company will offer a list of quality dentists so that you are able to choose the best one according to your preferences. In such a situation, you may have to pocket out extra money if you insist on the healthcare provider of your choice. Keep this in mind when searching for affordable dental insurance plans. Before choosing an affordable dental plan, it is essential that you compare various options at your disposal. This will definitely help you find an affordable dental insurance plan on the market.

If you are or ever have experienced dental pain, you know that it is very hard to deal with. Even if there isn't a lot of pain you are dealing with, if you haven't had dental care in a long while, you probably have issues. Next day coverage is offered by many insurance companies, and you need to know more to benefit from it. You may think that it's silly to pay each month for dental insurance if you have great teeth. However, you may not even know you have a cavity or other problem. As time goes on it could eat away at a tooth and all of a sudden you wake up with very terrible pain and can't figure out what to do. The answer is to get next day coverage and see a dentist. Remember that dental care is not cheap. Getting regular cleanings and having problems cared for can end up costing you thousands. With coverage from a good insurance agency, you will be able to utilize dental services so you are not having to pay out of pocket. Even emergency visits can be covered, so you won't have to deal with a problem for a long time. You are taking a big risk if you and your family have no coverage. With some insurance companies, you have to wait a month or sometimes more just to get started. Needless to say, this can end in you having to miss work and not be very functional since dental issues can cause a variety of painful and hard to deal with health problems. While next day coverage may cost a little more to start with, you will at least have the ability to care for your issues immediately. In a matter of months you could lose a tooth or have a