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Why is Dental Insurance So Bad?

Jessica Levco

November 18, 2024

Procedures might not be as painful they were back in the 1400s, but the price tag for dental procedures causes a lot of discomfort.

Many People Ask, Why is Dental Insurance So Bad?

You may wonder why is dental insurance so bad, but things in the dental world have evolved. In medieval Europe, barber-surgeons were the dental care providers, according to HealthHQ. These practitioners offered services ranging from haircutting and shaving to blood-letting and treating dental fractures.

Yikes! Well, our industry has come a long way. And although the procedures might not be as painful they were back in the 1400s (hopefully not — hello, anesthesia!), the price tag for dental procedures can still cause discomfort. Because dental insurance costs continue to rise, people are looking for an alternative: a dental savings plan.

If you’re fed up with rising dental insurance rates and lack of coverage, you might want to look into signing up for a dental savings plan. Dental savings plans are membership-based programs that offer discounts on dental services at participating dentists.

With your Altogether Dental membership, we make getting a regular dental check-up affordable. You’ll get 15-50% off all dental procedures — unlimited usage; throughout the year. Every dental procedure is included with membership, including routine cleanings, fillings, X-rays, crowns, orthodontia, cosmetic procedures (whitening and veneers), braces, major dental procedures (like root canals) and so much more.

Why does dental insurance cover so little?

In 2018, 44% percent of workers had access to dental care plans through their employer, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whether you’re able to access it through your employer or buy it directly from the insurance company (if you’re self-employed, for example), dental insurance is a negotiated contract involving you or your employer, the dentist providing care, the insurance carrier and sometimes a third-party administrator responsible for handling claims and payments, according to Cleveland Clinic.

If you wonder why is dental insurance so bad, the answer might be your plan or provider. It’s important that you understand how your benefits work, so you’ll know what is and what is not covered. Cleveland Clinic says that plans are grouped into four categories:

Direct reimbursement programs: This is when the program reimburses you a predetermined percentage of the total dollar amount spent on dental care, regardless of treatment category.
Usual, customary and reasonable (UCR) programs: These plans pay a set percentage of the dentist’s fee or the plan administrator’s “reasonable” or “customary” fee limit, whichever is less.
Table or schedule of allowances programs: This type of program determines a list of covered services with an assigned dollar amount. You pay any difference.
Capitation programs: This plan pays contracted dentists a fixed amount per enrolled patient. In return, the dentists provide specific treatments to you at no charge.

Why is dental not covered under medical insurance?

“Is dental insurance considered health insurance?” is a question we get asked a lot. Answer: No, and that’s because dental insurance operates similarly to health insurance. People pay a monthly premium, and after meeting a deductible, the insurance company covers a percentage of the costs for various dental procedures.

According to the American Medical Association, the division between medical and dental care began in the mid-1800s with the establishment of dental schools and associations.

Key healthcare reforms, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, further maintained this separation, says the AMA. While the ACA included dental care as an essential benefit for children, it did not do so for adults, leading to an increase in separate dental plans and reinforcing the split between dental and medical insurance.

In dentistry and general health care, training, service delivery and financing are done separately. This, the AMA says, has influenced reimbursement structures, access to services and outcomes.

Is dental insurance worth it?

The American Dental Association suggests a dental insurance plan if you:

Prefer knowing exactly what you will pay each month and year.
Have family members who also need dental care, especially children or teens.
Know someone in your family might need major dental work in the future.

However, dental insurance isn’t the only option out there. You might want to learn more about a dental savings plan. As an Altogether Dental member, here are a few benefits you’ll enjoy:

Lower costs: With Altogether Dental, you’ll enjoy discounts of 15-50% on all dental procedures — everything from cleanings, fillings, orthodontia, dentures and more.
No waiting periods: Discounts are made available immediately upon enrollment.
No annual maximums: There are no annual limits on the amount of discounts you can receive.
Flexibility: Our partnership with Aetna gives you access to 260,000+ choices of in-network general and specialty care dentists.

Here’s a snapshot of what our members say about us:

“They offer a great service that really works! This is a wonderful alternative to insurance to help supplement the cost of today's outrageous dental fees. A+ customer service, also.” — S. Patrick Holland

“Knowing how complicated and non-transparent the American insurance system is, I am excited to have an alternative way of getting my dental work done. I just signed up for the family plan, which is really affordable.” — Taylor Valentine

What to do if you don’t have dental insurance

Why is dental insurance so bad doesn’t seem as tough a question as what to do if you don’t have dental insurance. According to WebMD, there are plenty of options for those without coverage. If you search no insurance dental near me on a Web browser, you’ll see free and low-cost providers.

If you don’t have dental insurance, consider getting a dental savings plan. For example, with your Altogether Dental membership, we make getting a regular dental check-up affordable. You’ll get 15-50% off all dental procedures — unlimited usage; throughout the year. Every dental procedure is included with membership, including routine cleanings, fillings, X-rays, crowns, orthodontia, cosmetic procedures (whitening and veneers), braces, major dental procedures (like root canals) and so much more.