Dental Insurance in Massachusetts Key Terms

Learn about some key terms associated with dental insurance in Massachusetts

Dental insurance is a benefit offered by many Massachusetts employers. Whether it's a simple check-up plan or in depth oral coverage, understanding the parameters of the dental plan might take a bit of getting used to for an employer.

Take the time to learn about some of the key terms associated with dental insurance in Massachusetts so that you can select the proper plan for your company. Here are some of those terms, along with some resourceful links to help get you started.

 

Sealants

Sealants are plastic coatings that are applied to the teeth like a painter applies paint to a canvas. The sealant covers the nooks, crannies and crevices, and stops decay from destroying teeth. Many Massachusetts dental insurance plans cover part or all of sealant applications because they save further expenses for cavities and root canals down the road.
Try: Visit the website for the Massachusetts Dental Society for additional information on sealants, what they are and their coverage in an average dental plan.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that is known to strengthen tooth enamel, reduce plaque build-up, prevent new cavities and slow current cavities. Many Massachusetts dental insurance plans include a fluoride portion in their coverage. This means that for a small fee (like getting a prescription through a general practitioner), a patient may receive fluoride treatments to strengthen his or her teeth.
Try: Visit the website for Delta Dental for more information on fluoride and how it relates to Massachusetts dental insurance plans.

Plan rates

Plan rates refer to the amount of money that will be charged to cover an individual, couple or family per month by a Massachusetts dental insurance company.
Try: Visit the website for Universal Dental Plan, a Massachusetts based dental insurance provider, for examples of what plan rates will look like for individuals or businesses.

Inlays, outlays

Inlays and outlays are pieces of porcelain which are bonded to a decayed tooth. The inlay or outlay covers any exposed or damaged area making the tooth seem whole again. Massachusetts dental insurance plans may cover a piece of this procedure since it is a preventative measure against further tooth decay and loss.
Try: Visit the website for Massachusetts-based New England Dental Group for a further discussion of inlays and outlays.

Professional liability insurance, malpractice insurance

Professional liability insurance or malpractice insurance is a policy that dentists offices carry to protect themselves against being sued for poor work by a client.
Try: Visit the website for Eastern Dentists Insurance Company, a Massachusetts dental insurance provider, to look at an example of professional liability insurance that applies to a dentists office.

Dental exam, dental cleaning

The dental exam or dental cleaning is the staple to any employee dental plan. It usually includes at least two visits per year during which a dentist or dental hygienist cleans the teeth, removes any plaque or tartar, polishes the teeth and inspects x-rays to spot any potential cavities. Most Massachusetts based dental insurance companies cover the majority of the costs of these common procedures.
Try: Visit the website for Seaport Dental to learn about dental exams and cleanings. They are a Massachusetts based dental office that accepts many forms of insurance for their clients.

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