Dental plan vs Dental money pot...

VickyM_2

I'm a HUGE fan of the HSA Dental plan and it has the great advantage over Denplan that you don't have to have perfect teeth to sign up (though there is a three month period after signing before you claim). Basically there are 3 levels of cover, and you get back 75% of the costs of your dental work up to a certain limit (and 100% of dental maintenance, eg checkups and xrays). The only disadvantage is that you have to pay up front, and claim back, but they are incredibly prompt on paying - recently, I had to spend £800 on periodontal treatment (not covered by Denplan) - I sent in the forms on a monday and £600 was in my bank account on the Friday!

There is an excellent article somewhere on here about all the pros and cons of Denplan and HSA - well worht checking out.

Spendi

Ive been wondering about this as well. I currently have an exemption certificate but it runs out in June and i doubt if it will be renewed.

I had a gold filling ? put on one of my teeth last year, which unfortunatly broke a few weeks ago, i went to the dentist and he put something in it, but recomended taking the tooth out, otherwise its a root canal and an implant ?

The problem i have is im unsure who pays for the treatment as i broke the tooth before my exemption certificate runs out, but my treatment wont be completed until after. (dentist is on hols ! )

Im a very bad patient and have to be knocked out for everything - even check ups ! does anyone know if this is covered under a dental plan ?

Toothsmith

The question I would be asking is why did a gold filling only last a year? They should last a lot longer than that.

When the treatment is started is the important thing, not when it finishes - especially if it's not your fault you have to wait until after June.

This course of treatment should be covered by the exemption.

Spendi

Thanks Toothsmith

The tooth was filled and then fitted with a gold top, the actual tooth broke down to gum level so the filling and the gold bit came out, but he had explained that it may not last due to the condition of the tooth in the first place.

Sorry to be a pain but do you know if any of these dental plans cover sedation ? or if they dont can i be reffered to the hospital to get work done, from what i can gather from my existing dentist im still a nightmare when im supposed to be asleep !

chunky79

Spendi wrote: »

Thanks Toothsmith

The tooth was filled and then fitted with a gold top, the actual tooth broke down to gum level so the filling and the gold bit came out, but he had explained that it may not last due to the condition of the tooth in the first place.

Sorry to be a pain but do you know if any of these dental plans cover sedation ? or if they dont can i be reffered to the hospital to get work done, from what i can gather from my existing dentist im still a nightmare when im supposed to be asleep !

Sedation oh the joys apprently i still don't shut up! Yeah its £50 at our dentist and £25 for the laughing gas for the kids. Denplan don't cover it. I am now brave and go without. First time was hard but it gets easier the more you do it. Believe me i had panic attacks but also my dentist is very very good at calming your nerves. Hes also gorgeous too, which really does help:p

Toothsmith

The ones where you can claim back your dental fees (Like HSA) will cover it - providing the treatment cost doesn't exceed your yearly limit, it will cover anything to do with dental treatment.

Things like Denplan won't, as the sedation is a drug, and it doesn't cover pharmacutical costs. On the other hand though, Denplan is just the administrator of a direct debit agreement between you and your dentist. They don't enforce the rules - that's up to the dentist. The guidelines are written into the contract to prevent patients demanding the earth for their monthly payment.

It may well be possible to have a word with your dentist and come to some sort of arrangement: E.g, pay at a level one or two categories above the one you are in, and have the sedation included. It can be quite flexible if both parties are willing.


Oh yes - and you shouldn't be 'asleep' when you're having sedation. You may well be unaware, but you will still be awake. To be asleep would mean it was a general anaesthetic, and that has a whole different set of problems, and isn't allowed in general practice anymore.