Dental insurance coverage can be a luxury perk for employees, especially with many companies cutting back on their group health care offerings. But dental health is just as important as major medical care, as poor dental hygiene can be a factor in health problems such as heart disease. To keep a healthy workforce, research options to offer dental plan coverage to your employees and their families.

Part of the research process involves looking at dental insurance rates and quotes. The rate you eventually pay will depend on several factors, including the number of employees to be insured, types of services covered and how much you want the employees to contribute. Compared to health insurance coverage, dental coverage is a predictable risk for insurance companies, so rates tend to be more stable over time.

To evaluate the many different plan options out there, consider a few important steps:

1. Compare apples to apples with dental insurance plan quotes. There are several different types of plan structures out there.

2. Know what the services the average dental insurance rates include, as well as what's not included.

3. Think about consulting a local agent for dental insurance rates.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decipher the different types of dental plan coverage

There are several different types of dental plans you can offer, including indemnity plans, where the company establishes a 'pot' for dental expenses, and several types of managed care organizations. Your best bet to manage costs may be a dental health maintenance organization (DHMO), which offers a network of dentists that agree upon a fixed rate per patient.

I recommend: Gaebler discusses dental costs as a percentage of total health care costs and the value of offering dental care to your employees. Buyer Zone explains in more detail the different dental plan options for businesses.

Dig into the details when comparing dental plan rates

When making the most of dental insurance rates and quotes, it's important to know for what items the average plan generally pays -- and what's not covered. Insurers typically cover 100% of preventive care such as cleanings and check-ups, 80% of basic dental work such as fillings and 50% of oral surgery costs.

I recommend: Your Dentistry Guide gives the consumer tips on comparing a dental rate quote. Humana Dental offers a product comparison to show what they cover under each of their dental plans.

Get a quote on a dental insurance rate from online and local sources

While you can find a dental insurance online quote, local insurance agents may have access to information on dental plans that you don't have. Contacting your local dentist to see which plans are best is also a good route to securing dental insurance quotes.

I recommend: Get a quick dental insurance quote for your business from E-Health Insurance. Follow the link from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to locate dental plans offered by your state.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When asking about dental insurance coverage, pay attention to the UCR (usual, customary, and reasonable) standard to dental charges, which means the consumer pays the difference for excessive costs.

Comparing hundreds of dental insurance rates and quotes can be a tedious job. To make your job a little easier, try using a few online resources that offer quotes and rates from several companies at once so you can compare them side-by-side. Start by breaking the dental insurance quotes up into groups. Dental insurance plans usually break benefits into three categories: basic procedures, preventative care, and restorative care.

The key is to find the balance of care that your business and employees can afford to pay for and still get adequate coverage.

1. Compare dental plan rates.
2. Chart each plan’s benefits and total coverage.
3. Weigh deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses and premium costs.
4. Consider the costs and benefits as they relate to your employees.

While the task is tedious and time-consuming, the benefits are numerous both to you as the business owner and to your employees. Many potential employees search for businesses that offer dental plan coverage.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare quotes and dental plan rates from your current health insurance providers

Ask for group rates that include health, health and dental, or even health, dental and vision. If you're looking to provide all your employees with group coverage, you might be able to find a company that offers all as a package to save you and your employees money.

I recommend: Start online if you are looking for all-inclusive packages. Request quote information at Health Benefits Direct, making sure to request full health, dental and vision rates as an option. Get help breaking down the dental insurance quotes you receive by speaking to an agent either face-to-face or through a sit that will give you an online dental insurance quote, like Esurance.

Go online to find the fastest rate comparisons.

Online insurance comparison sites will let you input your company's information once, and get many dental plan quotes back at one time. Some of these websites offer instant quotes, or they offer tools to help you compare the quotes and the package benefits.

I recommend: Use dental rate comparison sites to input your business information, and quickly get responses. Insurance quote websites allow businesses looking for group dental insurance to apply online and get quotes from several insurance carriers in one location.

Break the dental insurance rates down

Consider the types of coverage you want for your employees. Make sure the insurance will cover dentists in your area. Find companies that allow for coverage without any network specifications.

I recommend: Keep plan benefits in mind. Look for insurance carriers like USA Dental that offer coverage from select providers at discount rates with no claim forms, deductibles or negotiating of prices. Sort out dental insurance rate quotes from comparison sites for indemnity plans in which premiums are paid and the company pays dental bills directly using preferred dental providers.

Get feedback from your employees.

Use a simple survey to break down the basics of the top three plans you have chosen. Ask employees which they like best and why. Ask them to rate the importance of basic coverage, preventative coverage and what major dental procedures are important to them. Use the survey to make your decision. While you won't be able to meet everyone's needs, the survey can help you make a more informed and well-rounded decision the majority of your employees will use.

I recommend: Find employees' top needs for dental insurance by creating a survey your employees can access online. Create and host a web-based survey at Apian Survey Host.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be careful when deciding what dental procedures you don't think your company needs to pay extra for. Things like tooth sealant seem like an added expense you can do without at the time, but in the long run a sealed tooth is a healthier, less expensive tooth needing less expensive treatments than unsealed teeth.
• •  Ask a dentist you trust for his opinion. The best advice comes from an expert in the field. The dentist can steer you toward the best dental insurance coverage plan.

Take advantage of dental insurance rates and quotes advice and ratings to select the best dental plan coverage for your family and employees. Dental insurance rates and coverage vary greatly so search for advice and check the ratings before signing up for any dental plan coverage.
Dental plan rates often depend on patronizing a dentist on an approved list from the provider. A dental insurance quote usually details the particular types of dental work covered including expensive items such as dentures and orthodontia. Dental insurance quotes include information on any deductible, which could affect the overall costs of the plan. When shopping for dental insurance coverage:

1. Look for an online dental insurance quote for most major plans available in your area.

2. Consider adding dental coverage to your existing health care plan or group insurance plan – you might get a better dental insurance rate than with private dental insurance.

3. Check health care insurance coverage carefully in case dental insurance coverage is already part of your plan in the form of a discount for dental procedures.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn the terminology used in dental insurance coverage

Dental insurance coverage includes dental and insurance terms that are not always clear to everyone. Each consumer should have an understanding of the terminology used before committing to a year of premiums. Insurance companies offer two categories of dental insurance, managed care or indemnity plans.

I recommend: The bestsourcesite.com explains the important factors in a good dental plan. Dentalinsurancehelper.com is a website with detailed information about the terminology that the consumer must understand to make the best decisions about dental insurance coverage for an individual or the entire family.

Study the features common to dental plan coverage

Consumers might look for a bargain, but bargain prices could be deceiving. Expensive dental plan coverage might include dentures or a low deductible, which would explain the additional monthly expense. Individuals with a favorite dentist could be disappointed to find out that they must patronize the dentists on a list of preferred providers. Before comparing rates, check out the important features of a few plans for a thorough understanding of dental plan coverage.

I recommend: MoneyInstructor.com provides advice on the important features included in a good dental insurance policy. The information on this website will provide an overview of the features of most dental insurance plans. Blog Catalog also gives a comprehensive view of dental insurance coverage.

Compare dental insurance rates and quotes online

People searching for private dental insurance will find an extensive menu of choices. Special prices are available for residents of some states and certain age groups. Although careful research is important before committing to a plan, a comparison chart will save time and point the consumer to more details of the most attractive plans. The best comparison charts use the zip code of the consumer to provide the best information for each individual.

I recommend: Dental Insurance Reviewer includes a clear chart to compare the most popular dental plans. This facility is a comprehensive overview of the available dental insurance plan rates. Dentalplans.com provides a similar website with extensive information in comparison charts provided in a user-friendly format.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before purchasing dental insurance, call your local dentist listed on the dental insurance company's provider list. Make certain they still accept the dental insurance coverage you want. The best plan on the planet is of no value if there's not a dentist within 100 miles of your home or business that will accept the insurance.

Understanding dental insurance rates and quotes can be quite a task if you don't understand the key terms. The following terms will give you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about what type of dental coverage you want for your employees or your family. You can also use these key terms to compare dental insurance brokers and ask informed questions of your brokers and agents. Knowing the language is an important part in getting the best dental benefit package you can for your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Dental health maintenance organization (HMO)

Health maintenance organization plans typically cost the insured a little less because the insured has to select a dental health provider from a list of qualified providers. These plans are also known as capitation dental health insurance plans because the participating provider receives a capitation fee from the insurance company every month whether or not someone has an appointment.

I recommend: When trying to determine if an HMO is right for your business and your employees read the overview provided by QuickHealthInsurance.com.

Preferred provider organization dental insurance (PPO)

PPO plans gives the insured more choices as to a dental health provider, although the insured still can't choose any provider they would like. These plans typically have a deductible that must be met along with a co-pay even after the deductible has been met.

I recommend: To compare PPO plans next to HMO plans, discount plans and indemnity plans (described later) visit DentalPlans.com. You can see the pros and cons for your business.

Covered benefits

Covered benefits are those services that the insurance will pay for, either in full or partially. You should make certain that the plan covers preventative care, basic dental care and major dental care at a minimum. You could consider a plan that covers orthodontics. The benefits that are covered directly affects your dental insurance rate.

I recommend: Make sure that whatever company you choose to handle your dental insurance is clear in terms of both what is covered and what isn't covered. For an example of what a covered benefits list should look like, visit the Building Service 32BJ Benefit Funds website. You will want to make sure your covered benefits are listed just as specifically.

Indemnity dental insurance plans

In indemnity dental insurance plans, the insured has to pay all the costs for services directly and then submit a claim for reimbursement once a deductible has been met. Obviously, this type of plan is not too popular with employees, but they can pick whatever provider they choose.

I recommend: An overview, including pros and cons of indemnity dental insurance plans can be found at InsureLane.

Dental discount plan

A dental discount plan is different than dental insurance, so as you shop around for plans be aware. With a dental discount plan, your employees still have to pay the bill, but at a discounted rate.

I recommend: For a list of the differences between dental insurance and dental discount plans, visit USInsuranceOnline.com.

Flexible spending accounts Flexible spending accounts (FSA)

Your business could offer employees a flexible spending account. This allows employees to put aside a certain amount of money pre-tax to use towards dental expenses. Employers could also contribute to this plan if they choose.

I recommend: Aetna has a good overview of flexible spending accounts and an explanation of how they work. FSA's are a great benefit for employees to cover dental expenses that aren't covered by insurance or they can supplement a discount plan.