What is the Difference Between Medical and Dental Insurance?

If you’ve ever wondered why your dental insurance seems so different from your general medical insurance, you’re not alone. While both types of insurance aim to reduce your out-of-pocket costs, they operate in distinct fields to best support patient needs. Understanding these differences can help you make the most of your coverage, especially when it comes to saving money through preventative dental care.

Dental vs. Medical: Different Goals, Different Coverage

At a high level, medical insurance is designed to help cover the cost of diagnosing and treating illnesses, injuries, or serious health conditions. Most medical plans cover high-cost procedures and emergencies after you meet your deductible. They also include a wide range of specialists and services, from lab tests to hospital stays.

Dental insurance, on the other hand, focuses more on prevention than emergency care. Most dental plans operate on a 100-80-50 model:

• 100% coverage for preventive care like cleanings, exams, and X-rays
• 80% coverage for basic procedures like fillings
• 50% coverage for major services like crowns and root canals

The key difference?

Dental insurance is designed to encourage you to keep up with routine care, rather than wait until something goes wrong. Unlike medical coverage, dental plans also often come with a lower annual maximum benefit—typically around $1,000 to $2,000.

Why Preventive Care Matters

Because dental insurance is geared toward prevention, skipping regular cleanings or exams can actually cost you more in the long run. A small cavity caught early during a routine visit might cost very little to fix. But if left untreated, that same issue could require a crown, root canal, or even an extraction—none of which are fully covered by most dental plans.

Routine checkups and cleanings can also help detect other health issues early, including signs of oral cancer, gum disease, and even conditions like diabetes and heart disease. In short, keeping up with preventive dental care is one of the smartest ways to protect your smile and your wallet.

About the Practice

At the Center for Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry, patient comfort and long-term health are our top priorities. Located in Hammonton, NJ, the practice is led by Dr. David G. Crescenzo, DDS. Dr. Crescenzo is dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized dental care in a friendly and welcoming environment. From preventive cleanings to advanced cosmetic treatments, we offer a full range of services designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile.

Give us a call at (609) 554-5623 or request an appointment online.