Having health insurance is a no-brainer. We all know that, but dental insurance is a little different. For some people, it may not be as cost-effective as they’d like, so make sure to ask yourself, Is it worth it?

There are pros and cons to purchasing dental insurance. We often hear that dental coverage is a waste of money and that you aren’t saving much money, even when getting dental care. It depends on where you are purchasing a policy—through your employer or from an insurance marketplace—this can certainly make or break your decision.

Most dental plans come with a maximum annual benefit or coverage limit, usually between $1,000 and $2,000. Unlike medical insurance, which covers costs after your bills reach your deductible amount, dental insurance cuts off coverage after your bills reach the annual limit. All plans are different; some will provide broader coverage, and others can require more financial contribution on the individual’s part. A typical plan provides 100/80/50 coverage: preventive care, basic care, and major care.

So is dental insurance worth it?

That depends on your dental health and the plan you choose. With more extensive procedures, having insurance can help cover the high cost, but chances are you’ll still be paying out-of-pocket for some of it.

Even if dental coverage doesn’t save you cash, it can be an excellent incentive to make those preventive-care appointments; you’re more likely to go to the dentist if you’ve already paid for the insurance. And a dollar spent on cleanings and X-rays can save $50 on a more time-consuming and pricey procedure in the future.

The best thing dental insurance can offer is a safety net in case you end up needing these extensive procedures.

Getting dental insurance through your employer is definitely the most cost-effective way of purchasing a plan because most of the time, your employer is contributing towards your monthly premium.

Now for business owners—47% of small-to-medium-sized businesses offer dental insurance. If you’re not offering dental coverage to your employees, it is something worth considering. Dental insurance is one of the most requested and utilized employee benefits. Access to this coverage helps employees manage their out-of-pocket costs—and being covered makes it more likely they’ll visit the dentist regularly. That routine preventive care helps employees avoid dental issues down the road.

There are many carriers to choose from and numerous flexible plan designs offered in the local small-group market. Recently, we’ve noticed better voluntary options than we’ve seen in the past. That means you can offer your employees access to great coverage at no cost to you. Let us help you navigate this market and get you quotes for the coverage that will be the best fit for you and your employees. Contact us today.

Lastly, dental insurance is essential for your oral health and overall health. Make the most of your smile. It’s the only one you have!

Mark Herschlag is the founder and CEO of Cosmo Insurance Agency, based in Ocean County. Cosmo Insurance Agency offers personalized solutions for individuals and businesses looking to obtain health, life, dental, long-term care or disability insurance.

For more information or for a free, no-obligation quote, please call (201) 817-1388 or email [email protected].