Dental Benefits for the Self-Employed

Posted on July 14, 2016 in Insurance

*Updated September 2023

As a self-employed individual, you know how important it is to stay healthy. An unplanned illness, such as a dental emergency, can take a toll on your business. Maintaining a healthy smile through preventive care can help you avoid complex treatments down the line.

Discover how to maintain your oral health and financial well-being with dental benefits for self-employed individuals. 

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 treatments can impact your business.

A study from the journal “Preventing Chronic Disease” estimates that 92.4 million hours of work are lost each year due to unplanned or emergency dental visits.

As a self-employed individual, you know how valuable each hour of work is. Because dental insurance focuses on prevention, investing in dental benefits for self-employed individuals can help you stay healthy and limit emergency visits to the dentist’s office.

How to choose dental benefits for self-employed

Consider these things when choosing a dental plan that’s right for you:

Evaluate your needs

Are you expecting a change in your family, like a marriage or 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? All of these items should be factored into your decision making.

Calculate the costs

Research the monthly premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses associated with plan options. Ensure that the costs fit within your budget without compromising on quality care.

Plan coverage and benefits

Assess the amount 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).

Waiting periods

Be aware of any waiting periods before you become eligible for coverage. Some plans may require waiting periods, especially for more extensive treatments. 

In-network providers

Check the list of dentists included in the plan's network. Make sure there are nearby providers you can easily access for routine check-ups and treatments.

Plan renewal and cancellation

Understand the renewal and cancellation terms, and be aware of any potential changes to coverage in subsequent years.

If you’re ready to learn more about dental benefits for self-employed individuals, Delta Dental of Iowa is here to help! Contact our team or learn more about our individual plans.