Small Business Dental Insurance: How to Find the Right Coverage for Your Team

Dental insurance is an important benefit to offer your employees as part of their compensation package. Not only is it a valuable perk that can help attract and retain top talent, but it also promotes good oral health, which can lead to better overall health and wellness. As a small business owner, it may seem overwhelming to navigate the different types of dental insurance plans and find the one that’s right for your team. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of small business dental insurance and provide helpful tips to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Small Business Dental Insurance?

Small business dental insurance is a type of group coverage that helps employees pay for dental care such as routine cleanings, fillings, and other procedures. Unlike individual dental plans, which are purchased by an individual outside of an employer plan, group dental insurance is purchased by an employer on behalf of their employees.

These plans typically offer a range of coverage options, from basic preventative care to more extensive procedures like root canals and orthodontics. Small business dental insurance plans can be customized to meet the unique needs of your team, and may be offered as a standalone benefit or as part of a larger group health insurance plan.

How Does Small Business Dental Insurance Work?

Small business dental insurance plans work similarly to other types of group insurance plans. As an employer, you’ll work with an insurance carrier to select a plan that meets the needs of your team, including coverage levels and cost sharing options.

Your employees will then enroll in the plan during the open enrollment period, typically once a year. Once enrolled, they’ll begin paying premiums for the coverage, and may be responsible for deductibles, co-pays, and other out-of-pocket expenses depending on the plan’s structure.

When an employee needs dental care, they’ll visit a network provider who accepts the plan. The provider will bill the insurance company directly for covered services, and the employee will pay any out-of-pocket expenses at the time of service.

Types of Small Business Dental Insurance Plans

There are several types of small business dental insurance plans to choose from, each with their own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most common types of plans:

Indemnity Plans

An indemnity plan is a traditional, fee-for-service insurance plan. This means that the plan pays a percentage of the cost of services, and the employee is responsible for the remaining balance. Indemnity plans typically have higher premiums and may require deductibles or other cost sharing.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans

A PPO plan is a type of dental plan that contracts with networks of dentists to provide care to employees at a discounted rate. Employees can choose to see any dentist within the network and will typically pay less for services. PPO plans may require co-pays or deductibles.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans

An HMO plan is a type of managed care plan that requires employees to choose a primary care dentist within the network. The primary care dentist will then refer the employee to specialists as needed. HMO plans typically have lower premiums but may have more restrictions on care and require co-pays or deductibles.

How to Choose the Right Small Business Dental Insurance Plan

Choosing the right small business dental insurance plan can be a complex process, but there are some key factors to consider as you make your decision:

Network Providers

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a dental insurance plan is the network of providers. You’ll want to select a plan that has a robust network of dentists in your area, so your employees have easy access to care. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the network providers are reputable and provide quality care.

Coverage Levels

Another important consideration is the coverage levels offered by the plan. You’ll want to choose a plan that adequately covers preventative care as well as more complex procedures like root canals and orthodontics. Make sure to review the plan’s coverage details carefully, including deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums.

Cost Sharing Options

Depending on your budget and the needs of your team, you may want to consider different cost sharing options. For example, a plan with higher premiums may have lower deductibles and co-pays, while a plan with lower premiums may require more out-of-pocket expenses. Consider the overall cost of the plan, including premiums and out-of-pocket costs, when making your decision.

Plan Flexibility

Finally, you’ll want to consider the flexibility of the plan. Can it be customized to meet the unique needs of your team? Are there options for orthodontic care or other specialized services? Make sure to work with your insurance carrier to find a plan that meets your specific requirements.

FAQ: Small Business Dental Insurance

The Bottom Line

Small business dental insurance is an important benefit to offer your employees. By selecting the right plan, you can provide your team with access to quality dental care and promote better overall health and wellness. Consider the factors outlined in this article to make an informed decision that meets the unique needs of your team.