Find the Best Dental Insurance in Las Vegas, NV

How to choose dental insurance in Las Vegas

Regardless of your age or oral health, dental insurance is useful. Many policies cover preventive care 100 percent, encouraging members to visit a dentist regularly for exams, cleanings and X-rays. Consistent checkups can catch both oral and systemic health care conditions before they progress and become more expensive to treat.

When you do get a cavity or need treatment for decay or gum disease, dental insurance lowers your out-of-pocket spending.

Like health insurance, dental insurance plans come in different types. The Nevada Division of Insurance identifies three main categories of plans:

• Indemnity: You choose your own dentist. The insurance company pays for a percentage of the costs, depending on the category of service, and you pay the rest (coinsurance). You may have a deductible, copayments, waiting periods and annual benefit limits.
• Dental health maintenance organization (DHMO): Coverage is only available if you visit an in-network dentist. DHMO plans often have no waiting periods, no deductible and no annual benefits limit. You make copayments for services.
• Participating provider network (PPO): In-network dentists contract with the insurer to provide lower rates. You can go out of network, but you’ll pay more. In addition to coinsurance, you may have a deductible, copayments, waiting periods and annual benefit limits.

Las Vegas residents also have the option of a dental savings plan, which is not insurance. You pay an annual or monthly fee and get cash discounts at participating dentists. With a dental savings plan, you are responsible for 100 percent of the bill. One advantage of dental savings plans is they have little to no waiting period before taking effect.

Cost of dental insurance in Las Vegas

The cost of dental insurance in Las Vegas depends on your age, tobacco habits, the type of plan you choose and the number of people getting coverage. Indemnity plans are usually the most expensive. DHMO plans are cheapest. Dental savings plans generally cost less than health insurance, on average.

When choosing a dental plan in Las Vegas, ask yourself whether it’s more important to keep your premiums low or to have stronger coverage. Are you likely to need only exams and cleanings? Then you might choose a basic plan with a higher deductible. If you expect major dental work, you’ll be better off with a higher-end plan. But be sure to verify if there are waiting periods before benefits begin: Many dental insurance policies have waiting periods between six and 12 months for nonpreventive services.