Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Winter 1999)

It's not fear of pain but fear of treatment costs that keeps many people from seeing their dentists regularly, reports a recent Gallup Poll.

You can keep your dental care costs in line by:

• understanding dental insurance options,
• anticipating and managing costs and
• practicing good dental hygiene.

Most dental plans cover 100% of preventive care and pay 80% or 50% of other treatments, depending on the plan. Read the policy and know its limitations and exclusions. "Predetermination" requires submitting your dentist's estimate for procedures beforehand, so your insurance company can determine the benefits they'll pay for the proposed dental work.

HMO and PPO

You choose from a network of provider dentists who provide you with discounted services. Sometimes you can choose a dentist outside the network, but you may pay more.

Usual, Customary and Reasonable (UCR)

These plans pay what the insurance company determines to be reasonable and customary for a given treatment. If your dentist charges more for the service than what the UCR pays, you're responsible for the difference.

Capitation Programs

The insurance company contracts with certain dentists and pays them a fixed amount for each patient or family that's enrolled. Participating dentists agree to provide specific types of treatment to these patients.

Dental Care Service Plans

You choose a participating dentist who agrees to a fee schedule. With some plans, you may have to pay the difference between the fixed fee and the dentist's normal charge for that service.

Traditional Indemnity

These plans pay for all or part of specific services and often let you choose your own dentist. The amount of coverage your employer buys determines your co-payments and spending limits.

Because administrative costs often account for a large percentage of dental-plan premiums, a concept called Direct Reimbursement is gaining popularity. This is a "dental savings account the employer sets up for the employee," explains Dr. Zachary Kaplan, a Fort Collins dentist. The employer agrees to reimburse employees for dental treatment up to a limit.

Direct Reimbursement lets employees choose any dentist no matter where they are and eliminates rising premiums. 

Budgeting for your dental needs yourself is another option. The American Dental Association suggests anticipating your annual care needs and setting aside money each month to cover this care. 

Low-cost dental care is also available for people with limited incomes through the Health District's Family Dental Clinic.

"The best insurance is prevention," advises Dr. Dana Quiller, a dentist formerly with the Health District. He suggests regular cleaning, check-ups and X-rays; a well-balanced diet with limited snacks and sugar; brushing teeth and gums after every meal; avoiding smoking, flossing every night; drinking fluoridated water; and using toothpaste with fluoride.