AWA offers several options in dental benefits. Fully-insured benefits cover basics like dental exams, cleanings, and treatment, as well as more advanced dental issues such as endodontics, periodontics, crowns, oral surgery, bridges, dentures, and orthodontics.
Dental indemnity benefits are also available and provide coverage for preventative care such as cleanings, x-rays, and covered procedures like fillings and extractions.
Depending on the plan you choose, benefits are underwritten by either United Concordia or National Guardian Life Insurance Company, both A-rated carriers with a solid national network of providers.
AWA Memberships with Insured Dental Benefits
There are two options for insured dental benefits.
AWA Dental Plus
This fully insured dental plan pays for services and procedures based on a graduating scale of benefits percentages that increase over three years. The plan pays the highest benefit on year three, incentivizing members to maintain their dental plan.
AWA Dental Plus also includes an orthodontic benefit for dependent children to age 19. Members have access to the Alliance Dental PPO Network, one of the largest Dental PPO Networks in the country, with more than 101,000 unique dentists at 349,000 access points nationwide. There is sure to be a network provider nearby with so many options.
With prescription savings through the ScriptSave Rx Prescription Savings Card and an additional Vision Savings Program from Davis Vision, members find real value in AWA Dental Plus.
AWA SureSmile
An AWA SureSmile membership provides access to dental benefits for members and their families for preventive, basic, and major services. With three levels and a $25 annual deductible for basic & major services, AWA SureSmile offers flexibility and affordability for oral health care needs. Health care discounts included with these dental benefits include access to Byte, MouthHealthy, and Oral Health Resource. Members also have access to the Bento Network, which combines two nationwide networks, meaning members can find affordable, high-quality care no matter where they live.
Answers to Common Questions About Dental Benefits
It is normal to have questions about dental benefits and which ones are best for you. One of the ways AWA provides value to our members is by providing two plans that offer very different coverage levels, which allows each member to find something that works for their family.
We are also available to answer your questions and help you find the right plan for your needs. Below you will find answers to some of the most common questions about dental benefits.
Do Health Benefits Include Dental Benefits?
It depends on the health plan. However, you should never assume that your health care plan includes dental benefits. In most cases, dental benefits are not included directly with the health plan, but a person’s health plan might be bundled with dental coverage.
The HealthCare.gov site offers a good overview of dental coverage available in the marketplace and various categories of dental coverage.
Why Are Dental Benefits Important?
A person who does not have any dental issues might assume that it’s cheaper to pay for an exam once or twice a year than to pay monthly premiums for dental benefits. There are two things to consider if this is your plan.
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First, dental plans are likely less expensive than you’re imagining. In almost every dental plan on the market, two dental exams and cleanings are covered with a minimum co-pay. For most people, the cost of their yearly coverage will essentially be paid for by receiving these cleanings for a very low charge.
Second, just because you have healthy teeth and gums today does not mean you will forever. In fact, as a person ages, their chance of developing serious – and expensive – dental issues increase. You can prevent paying thousands out of pocket for injury or disease to your teeth and gums by having full dental coverage.
It’s also important to note that many dental plans have what’s known as a probationary period. This is essentially a period after you have started paying for benefits before covering any major work such as crowns or root canals. This is to prevent people from waiting to get coverage until they need significant work.
Waiting periods vary by plan (and not all plans have one) but can be up to a year after coverage begins.
What Does it Mean to Have Full Dental Benefits?
Full dental benefits cover:
- Preventative care
- Basic care
- Major restorative care
In some cases, they also cover orthodontic treatment.
Note that full dental benefits mean that you have coverage for most dental issues. It does not mean that your dental benefit will cover 100% of costs. You should always read your plan to learn about co-pays, non-covered procedures, and annual maximums.
Why is Dental Care Important?
Dental care is vital for the health of your teeth and gums, but many people don’t realize that your oral health can affect your overall health, too.
Remember that your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts. As is true of other parts of your body, your mouth is full of bacteria. Most of it is harmless, but some of it can cause disease.
When you brush and floss daily, you will have a good chance of keeping the bacteria in your mouth under control. However, if you are not vigilant, bacteria can cause oral infections, including tooth decay and gum disease.
Even if your brush and floss regularly, some medications can reduce saliva. This is a problem because saliva is the body’s natural mouth cleaner, and it serves to wash away food and neutralize the acid in your mouth. Medications that can reduce saliva include:
- Decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Painkillers
- Diuretics
- Antidepressants
If oral health issues are left without treatment, a person can develop a severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis. Studies have shown that oral inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontitis can cause or contribute to medical conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Complications during pregnancy
- Low birth weight
- Premature birth
- Pneumonia
In other instances, medical conditions have been shown to increase the chance of disease to the mouth and gums. Osteoporosis leads to weakening bones, including tooth loss and jawbones. As Alzheimer’s progresses, it begins to correlate with a decrease in oral health.
Getting regular dental care, including exams and cleanings, is the best way to ensure that your oral health is not affecting your overall health and longevity.
Why Choose AWA for Dental Insurance?
AWA offers options in dental benefits to ensure our members can find an affordable plan and meet their unique needs. We have group buying power that helps keep our rates competitive, and the additional resources that come with dental coverage provide significant added value.
Everything we do at AWA revolves around our core idea: empowerment. We want all of our members to have the coverage and resources needed to build their company. Offering dental benefits is just one way we are working to achieve that goal every day.