Dental benefits for the self-employed in South Dakota
If you’re self-employed, you know how important it is to stay healthy. An unplanned illness, like a dental emergency, can take a serious toll on your business. Maintaining a healthy smile with preventive care helps you avoid needing more complex and expensive treatment down the line.
Why have dental benefits when you’re self-employed?
Preventing and detecting oral health problems before they become serious is important for everyone, but especially self-employed people. Why? Because any time lost due to unplanned or expensive treatments can impact your business.
A study from the journal “Preventing Chronic Disease” estimates that 92.4 million hours of work are lost in the US each year due to unplanned or emergency dental visits.
When you’re self-employed, you know the value of each hour of work. Because dental insurance focuses on prevention, investing in dental benefits can help you stay healthy and limit visits to the dentist’s office.
Regular dental care is also good for your overall health. Studies show that oral health conditions like gum disease are linked with chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and kidney disease.
How to choose dental benefits for self-employed
To choose a dental plan that’s a good fit for you, consider these 5 things:
1. Evaluate your needs
Are you expecting a change in your family, like a new baby? What’s the current state of your oral health? Do you expect to need to see a dentist more than twice each year?
2. Consider the costs
Research the monthly premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses associated with the plan. (Pro-tip: use our infographic guide to insurance terms as a reference) Ensure that the costs fit within your budget without compromising on quality care.
3. Plan coverage and benefits
Assess the extent of coverage the dental insurance plan provides. Look for plans that cover preventive services (like cleanings and exams), basic procedures (such as fillings), and major treatments (like crowns or root canals).
4. Waiting periods
Be aware of any waiting periods before specific services become eligible for coverage. Some plans may require waiting periods, especially for more extensive treatments.
5. In-network providers
Check the list of dentists included in the plan's network. Make sure there are nearby participating providers you can access for routine check-ups and treatments.
If you’re ready to learn more about dental benefits for self-employed individuals, we’re here to help! Contact our team or learn more about our individual plans.