Do Newborns Need Dental Insurance?

Untreated tooth decay impacts your child’s health, causing pain, discomfort and sleeplessness. If you think that tooth decay among children is rare, think again. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics, over 21% of children between the ages of 2 and 5 have tooth decay.  Take preventative measures as soon as those teeth emerge. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends your newborn's first dental visit within six months of the first tooth appearing. So do you need dental insurance for newborns?

Why Do Newborns Need Dental Insurance?

Newborns don't need dental insurance at birth because they won't have teeth until they are 6 to 9 months old. Parents should, however, consider dental insurance for babies as soon as their first teeth emerge. 

Help Cover the Cost of Preventive Care

Dental insurance covers preventative dental health through routine checkups, cleaning and X-ray costs. Regular dental visits allow dental professionals to manage your child's oral health. The dentist uses the checkups to detect issues early and provide preventive treatments.

Your dental insurance may also cover dental education and counseling, promoting good oral hygiene from an early age. Children learn how to brush and floss properly and the importance of a healthy diet for oral health.

Afford Treatments for Common Teeth and Gum Issues

During regular visits, the dentist can guide you on how to manage teething discomfort. They can recommend remedies or treatments. Dental insurance may not cover over-the-counter teething remedies. Still, parents have access to professional advice and care.

Dental insurance should cover treatments like fillings and dental sealants. Some dental plans may even cover early orthodontic intervention. 

Establish Good Oral Hygiene Habits 

Dental insurance provides access to preventive care. It promotes regular dental visits and establishes good oral hygiene habits.  People with dental insurance are more likely to schedule and attend regular dental check-ups because the insurance often covers the cost. 

Regular dental visits reinforce the importance of oral hygiene. Dentists use the opportunity to educate patients about proper brushing and flossing.

Cover Emergency Dental Care

Dental insurance plans often cover emergency dental visits, like after-hours appointments, for problems like severe toothache or traumas. Coverage usually includes emergency examination and X-ray costs. It may cover the cost of fillings, root canals and tooth extractions to alleviate pain and prevent further damage.

Emergency dental care is often prioritized. Insurance plans may offer expedited coverage or reduced out-of-pocket expenses for emergencies.

What Kind of Dental Insurance Can Babies Get?

Parents often include their babies in their dental insurance plans. You may choose instead to enroll your baby in a separate pediatric dental insurance plan. Many family health insurance plans include dental coverage for children. These usually cover preventative dental treatments and regular procedures like cleanings and X-rays. Some plans may also cover orthodontic treatments.  

What to Look for in Coverage?

There are several factors to consider when choosing dental insurance for your children.

• Basic and preventive care coverage: You need preventive care and basic services like fillings. 
• Costs: Consider the cost of premiums, copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Weigh the costs against your budget and coverage.
• Deductibles: A deductible is the amount you must pay before the insurance company will cover dental service costs. Choose a plan with a deductible that matches your financial capabilities.
• Out-of-pocket limits: Out-of-pocket limits are the most you must pay for covered services in a period. Once the out-of-pocket limit is reached, the insurance company covers 100% of covered services. Having an out-of-pocket limit provides financial protection and keeps dental expenses manageable.
• Orthodontic treatment: Consider dental insurance with orthodontic coverage if your child is likely to need orthodontic treatment in the future.
• Flexibility: Does the dental insurance plan allow you to choose your dentist, or must you visit network providers? Does the plan offer coverage for dental services when traveling or if you relocate to a different area?
• Network provider access: Check whether the dental insurance plan has a network of dentists and specialists in your area. Visiting an in-network provider can help reduce out-of-pocket costs. These providers usually offer discounted rates for covered services.

How Much Does the Coverage Cost?

The cost of dental insurance for young children in the U.S. varies depending on your location, type of plan and coverage. You can expect to pay the following average amounts: 

• Individual child plan: $15 to $70 per month
• Adding a child to a family plan: Add $10 to $20 per month to the family plan premium 

How Your Health Insurance Can Cover Your Newborn

Your health insurance will usually cover your newborn automatically for 30 days after birth. Affordable Care Act-compliant plans will also offer pediatric dental coverage. Check with your insurance provider to understand coverage details and any steps you must take.

Add a Baby to Your Existing Plan

Most health insurance plans give you 30 days to add your newborn to your existing plan. Before the time is up, you should complete the forms and inform your insurance provider of the new member. The insurance will want a copy of the baby’s birth certificate. Once added, your baby will be covered under your existing plan, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy.

Get a Stand-Alone Policy

If your existing plan doesn't offer adequate coverage for newborns, you may opt for a stand-alone policy. Perhaps you’d just prefer separate coverage for your baby. Do your research to find the best insurance policy for infants. Then, apply for coverage following the application process.

How to Get Coverage

Getting dental insurance for newborns is relatively easy. Here’s how you do it.

Individual and Family Coverage

The application process for individual and family dental insurance may vary depending on the insurance company.

Choose a plan

Research and compare plans. Consider coverage, cost-sharing requirements, network limitations and annual maximums. 

Apply for the plan

Most insurance companies offer online applications on their websites. Online is often the quickest and easiest method. You could also call the insurance company's customer service line and speak to a representative to start the process.

Review the contract

Once you have completed the application, you should receive a summary outlining the plan details, coverage and costs. Carefully review the information. Ensure the information is accurate before accepting the plan and making the first payment.

Some plans have a waiting period before coverage begins. Read and understand the terms and conditions of any dental insurance plan before applying. If you have any questions or need clarification on any plan aspects, speak to the insurance company.

Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Medicaid and CHIP are government programs. Children who meet the eligibility requirements receive free or low-cost health coverage. These programs often include dental health in the benefits. Find your state's Medicaid or CHIP program website for more information.

Employer Coverage

If you already have health insurance through your employer, check its website or contact your human resources (HR) department first. It may offer a dental plan as part of the benefits package. It is often more affordable to add a child rather than to apply for an individual plan. 

Get the Best Newborn Dental Insurance from Benzinga’s Top Providers

Use the table below to choose the best dental insurance if you’ve decided to opt for dental insurance.

Ensuring the Best Dental Health for Your Newborn

Ensuring your baby has proper dental health coverage can pay for visits to keep them healthier. Take the time to research and choose a dental insurance policy. You can provide your child with essential preventative dental care and treatment. Give them a healthy head start in life with the best dental healthcare for newborns. 

Frequently Asked Questions