Working for a larger company will normally increase your chances of being offered dental insurance. Working for a small company or being self-employed normally does not give any kind of dental insurance coverage.

There are several types of dental insurance plans to choose from, in many instances. If given the choice of which plan you can have, it is best to be informed about your decision.

You can get dental insurance that is called a “fee-for-service” plan. One type of a fee-for service dental insurance plan is called direct-reimbursement. These dental insurance plans usually reimburse employees based on what they spent on their dental visit, not on their treatment. One nice thing about these types of dental insurance plans is that you can choose from any dentist. Another type of fee-for-service plan is called an indemnity plan. In this type of dental insurance, specific payments are made for specific services, no matter what the actual cost of the service may be.

You can get dental insurance that is called a “managed-care” plan. This works much like your health insurance, with PPOs or DHMOs. You get to pick a dentist from a network of dentists covered by your dental insurance plan, and you get a discounted fee from that provider.

Some employers offer something called referral plans. This includes a list of dentists that will offer discounted rates for services to certain companies’ employees, but it is not considered a true dental insurance.

Although important, most companies still do not consider dental insurance to be as important as medical coverage. Many providers will not offer individual dental insurance plans because they are not considered profitable. When money is tight, dental insurance is often what is cut.

When a family with children is involved, preventative care is especially important when looking at dental insurance. The inclusion of an orthodontia benefit, although not as likely, would also be helpful. As you get older, having dental insurance that will cover a periodontist should be looked for.

Premiums for dental insurance vary, ranging from as little as $10 for an individual to $70 for a family. Most employers that offer dental insurance will pay for some or all of these premiums.

Take your time when choosing your dental insurance. If your company offers different plans, look at them all carefully before making your choice. Think about those benefits that are important to you, based on your or your family’s needs. Make your dental insurance benefits work for you!