Why Your Smile Deserves More Coverage

Access preventive, basic, and major dental coverage options—with affordable choices and trusted provider networks.

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(509) 868-0364

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Dental

Why Dental Insurance Matters

A healthy smile isn’t just about appearance—it affects your whole health. Dental insurance helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for routine cleanings, exams, fillings, and more serious restorative work. At Northwest Insurance Professionals, we’ll help you choose a plan that balances affordability, coverage, and your preferred dentists. We make understanding exclusions, waiting periods, and networks simple so you can get care without surprises.

Coverage options that match your budget, from preventive-only to full restoration

Clear breakdowns of deductibles, co-pays, and annual maximums

In-network provider access to keep costs lower

Guidance on when waiting periods apply, and which treatments are covered

Help estimating total cost vs benefit based on your dental health

How

How It Works

Dental coverage can feel complicated—but it doesn’t have to be. We guide you through the key steps so you can pick a plan that protects your teeth, fits your budget, and works with your trusted dentist.

Review Your Dental Needs

We talk through your oral health goals: preventive care, fillings, crowns, or cosmetic work.

Choose & Enroll

Once you select the plan, we’ll walk you through the enrollment process—including any waiting periods or specialty care coverage.

Compare Dental Plan Types & Costs

See side-by-side options of PPO, DHMO, discount plans, and managed fee-for-service, including premiums, out-of-pocket expense, and provider flexibility.

Ongoing Support & Yearly Review

Dental health changes: we’ll help you evaluate yearly whether adjustments are needed to maximize your coverage when you need it.

PPO Dental Plans (Preferred Provider Organization)

PPO plans are among the most common types of dental plans. They offer a network of dentists who have agreed to reduced fees, and you have the flexibility to see out-of-network providers (though at higher cost). PPOs typically include deductibles, coinsurance, and annual maximums.

Can I use my own dentist if they're outside the PPO network?

Yes—you generally can. You’ll still receive coverage, but you’ll likely pay higher out-of-pocket costs because the insurance company will use a reduced “allowable amount” based on their agreement with in-network dentists.

What is an annual maximum?

It’s the maximum dollar amount your plan pays in a year. Once you reach that, you pay 100% of further dental costs until the next policy year.

How much will my coinsurance or copays be?

That depends on your specific plan’s structure. Typically preventive care (like cleanings, x-rays) is covered at a higher rate; basic / major work involves higher coinsurance. We help you compare exact cost shares so there are no surprises.

Dentist, senior woman and consulting with mirror for teeth cleaning, dental implant or oral hygiene. Inspection, healthcare or doctor with old patient in clinic for mouth exam or root canal treatment.
Dental plan dental insurance oral health concept with doctor in blue uniform pointing at tooth icon on virtual screen for medical protection and care

DHMO / Dental HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)

DHMO plans (sometimes called capitation plans) tend to cost less monthly and often waive or lower deductibles. The trade-off: you must use network dentists and get referrals for specialists. These plans are ideal if you are okay staying within a network and want predictable, lower premium costs.

Will I need to choose a primary dentist?

Yes, many DHMO plans require you to pick a primary care dentist in the network who coordinates your care. Specialist visits often require referrals.

Are there waiting periods before major procedures?

Most DHMO plans include waiting periods—especially for major restorative work (crowns, root canals). Preventive services like cleanings often have shorter or no waiting periods.

Are costs lower with DHMO compared to PPO?

In many cases, yes. Premiums and cost sharing tend to be lower in DHMO plans, especially if you stay in-network. But you trade off with less provider choice and possibly more restrictions.

Dental Discount / Dental Savings Plans

These aren’t insurance in the traditional sense. Instead, members get discounted fees at participating dentists. There’s no reimbursement, but you pay lower fees directly when services are rendered. No waiting periods paperwork often required. These plans are good when you want lower monthly cost and are okay paying up front and using participating dentists.

Do these plans have waiting periods or annual maximums?

Usually not. Because these are discount programs, not insurance, they tend to avoid waiting periods and large annual benefit caps. But coverage is no guarantee—you pay discounted fees, rather than insurance paying part of the cost.

How much can I save using a savings plan vs traditional insurance?

Savings vary depending on the provider, dentist, and service type. Often, discounts range between 10-60% off standard charges when using participating dentists.

Are diagnostic and routine care covered by discount plans?

Yes—cleanings, exams, and basic check-ups are typically included. But major restorations (crowns, bridges) may also be discounted—but not paid by insurance, so you’ll pay more out of pocket.

Dentist holding piggy bank. Concept for dental saving plans

Appointments

Schedule an Appointment Today

We're Here To Help!

Office

421 W Francis Ave.
Spokane, WA 99205

Hours

M-F: 9am - 5pm

Call Us

(509) 868-0364