Group Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is one of the most popular employee benefit programs offered by employers. It is a fairly expensive benefit plan so it is important that employers evaluate the need for such a plan.

Items to consider include:

  • Long term costs of the plan
  • Should the plan be fully insured or self insured
  • Is the plan necessary to attract and retain employees
  • Are other employers in your industry offering the benefit

Rather than purchase an insured dental plan many employers determine how much they are willing to pay for a dental benefit and contribute that amount to the Health Care Account of their cafeteria plan. This approach is very effective in controlling plan costs.

Typical Dental Plan Provisions

Group Size:

  • Two or more employees for full coverage.
  • Preventive only plans start with two or more employees.

Benefits:

  • 80% to 100% Preventive Care
  • 60% to 85% for minor restorative care
  • 40% to 60% for major restorative care
  • 50% for orthodontia is usually optional by plan

‍‍‍Benefits Amounts:

  • ‍Annual benefit maximum per employee ranges from $500 to $2000 with $1000 being the most common amount.
  • An annual deductible or $25 or $50 usually applies to the restorative areas.

‍Rate Guarantees:

  • ‍1 year

‍Plan Types:

  • ‍Traditional or Voluntary