Why Your Dental Insurance Should NOT Be Your Deciding Factor

Let’s talk about how dental insurance has changed over the last half century - or more accurately, how it hasn’t.

A Brief History of Dental Insurance

Dental insurance entered the marketplace in the late 1960s. At that time, the annual maximum payout for an individual was approximately $1,500. For context, the average home price in the U.S. was about $23,000 in 1970. Back then, $1500 was nearly a down payment on a house.

Fast-forward to today: the average home price is now over $500,000, but dental insurance payouts have barely budged. The annual maximum benefit for most plans still range from $1,000 to $3,000. Adjusted for inflation, that’s a small fraction of its original value.

Inflation Hits Everything—Except Insurance Coverage

Inflation hasn’t spared the cost of dentistry or other goods and services. The cost of dental care has steadily risen, with inflation in healthcare and dentistry often running between 5% and 10% annually. Meanwhile, dental insurance benefits have remained largely stagnant for over five decades.

Consider this: a postage stamp today costs 73 cents, nearly twenty times more than it did in the 1970s. Yet, your dental insurance policy’s value has effectively diminished to one-twentieth of what it once was. This stagnation is the root cause of frustration for both patients and dental providers.

How Insurance Companies Contain Costs

Insurance companies manage costs by keeping premiums high and reimbursements low. For example, a very common dental insurance plan pays approximately $130 for a cleaning and exam. That’s equivalent to the cost of a dinner for two at a popular restaurant in Salem today. Shockingly, this fee hasn’t increased in over two decades. After accounting for overhead expenses, many dental offices lose money providing these services.

To stay financially viable, some practices have shortened appointment times or delegated procedures to assistants. While these strategies are promoted by industry publications, they often come at the expense of patient care.

At our practice, we take a different approach. New patient visits are 90 minutes, and hygiene visits are scheduled for 60 minutes, allowing ample time for thorough cleanings and meaningful discussions about your oral health. This level of care is simply not sustainable within the constraints of standard insurance reimbursements.

Why Dental Insurance Shouldn’t Dictate Your Care

Here’s the takeaway: dental insurance coverage is minimal by design. It was never intended to fully cover your dental health needs. Allowing insurance to dictate your care can result in delayed or compromised treatment, ultimately impacting your long-term health.

Instead of relying solely on insurance, consider planning your dental care strategically. Work with your dentist to stage treatments in a way that fits your budget while prioritizing your health. Explore alternative payment options such as in-house dental plans, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), or financing programs.

Taking Control of Your Dental Health

Dental insurance is frustrating for everyone involved. But it doesn’t have to define your oral health decisions. By focusing on long-term planning and open communication with your dentist, you can achieve the care you need without letting insurance limitations hold you back.

Remember: your dental health is an investment in your overall well-being. Don’t let outdated insurance policies determine your health and wellbeing.