It can be a tempting cost-saving measure to hold off on obtaining dental insurance. After all, you likely take good care of your teeth at home, with regular brushing and flossing. Yet, even the most diligent at-home care can’t replace the benefits of professional checkups – or the value of dental insurance in helping to protect your overall health and finances. Without dental coverage, a crucial piece of your overall long-term health care strategy may be missing.
Better Coverage, Healthy Smiles
Having dental insurance in place doesn’t just help cover costs that can quickly add up from routine services – it significantly increases the likelihood of regular dental visits and preventative care.
According to recent studies by the American Dental Association (ADA), dental insurance has a proactive impact on dental care than for those without it:
- Among adults aged 19-65, those with dental insurance were 53% more likely to visit annually, compared to only 15% of those without it.1
- For adults aged 65 and over, this disparity widens further, with 74% of insured individuals visiting annually, versus only about 25% without insurance.1
This demonstrates a clear link – dental coverage directly leads to more consistent care – which in turn helps catch issues early and prevent more extensive and costly treatments down the road. That’s why TMA Insurance Trust works with leading carriers to offer Texas physicians and their families affordable, comprehensive dental coverage options.
Beyond Your Smile – Why Oral Care Matters
While dentistry and medicine have traditionally existed independently, the gap between them is narrowing. Oral health isn’t just about your teeth – it’s part of systemic connections between oral health and overall well-being.
As research increasingly shows2, poor oral hygiene can exacerbate or contribute to serious health conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Pneumonia
- Alzheimer's disease and dementia
- Pregnancy and birth complications
- Certain types of cancer
Regular dental visits aren’t just preventative – they’re proactive. They’re part of the bigger picture, helping to reduce the risk of these health issues through regular cleanings and checkups. Regular visits could potentially enhance your longevity and quality of life – for a brighter future and a brighter smile.
A Smart Money Move for TMA Members
As a member, you have access to dental insurance plans, offered through MetLife, designed to fit your needs and your budget. Whether you’re transitioning off an employer plan, nearing retirement, or wanting to add another layer of protection, this coverage is a beneficial addition, helping to fill in the gaps traditional health insurance often leaves behind.
Here’s Why Dental Insurance Is a Wise Investment:
- Smooth Transition: Ideal if you or your spouse recently left an employer-provided dental plan, retired, or are anticipating employment changes that affect your current dental coverage.
- Guaranteed Acceptance: Enrollment is easy, with no health questions or medical exams required.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Reduce your out-of-pocket expenses with cost-effective premiums, low co-pays, and extensive coverage for preventive and restorative procedures.
- Savings3 for TMA Members: Negotiated fees typically range from 35-50% below the average fees charged in a dentist’s community for the same or substantially similar services.4
- Expansive Provider Network: Enjoy convenience and choice with coverage accepted at over 475,000 in-network providers nationwide.5
Completing Your Coverage
Investing in dental insurance isn’t just about avoiding unexpected costs – it’s about your overall well-being and financial peace of mind.
The MetLife Plan is designed to save you money at every step, ensuring you receive 100% coverage for in-network preventative care6 and valuable discounts even if you opt for out-of-network providers.
Have any questions or want to learn more? Our experienced advisors are just a call away and ready to help you and your family secure the right coverage. Call us at 800-880-8181 (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, CST). Your smile and wallet deserve protection, with coverage that works as hard as you do.
For over 70 years, TMA Insurance Trust advisors have been serving Texas physicians, their families and staff. TMA Insurance Trust prides itself on offering unbiased information and strategies to members, along with exclusive group rates on a range of quality insurance plans.
Like most group benefits programs, benefit programs offered by MetLife and its affiliates contain certain exclusions, exceptions, waiting periods, reductions, limitations and terms for keeping them in force. You may be financially responsible for copayments, deductibles, or any other amounts in excess of those MetLife is required to pay for covered services as described in your dental certificate and/or policy. Ask your MetLife representative for costs and complete details.
