You put money and work into having a dental insurance plan, so it's important that you get as much out of it as possible. Unfortunately, patients sometimes miss out on coverage benefits or overpay for dental services because they don't know enough about using their insurance.

The following are six useful tips on making sure you're getting as much as you can back for all that you invest in your dental insurance:

Don't go out of your network

Many dental insurance plans have a PPO (Preferred Provider Organizations) network of dentists. Dentists participating in this network have agreed to certain prices on different treatment procedures. If you go outside of this network, you may not be able to take advantage of the the itemized fee schedule offered thanks to membership in your PPO. 

You need to be aware of how your PPO network works and which dentists in your area are members to get the best possible dental service at the best possible prices with your insurance plan. 

Carefully read over your plan's EOB

A dental insurance plan gives out an EOB, or "Explanation Of Benefits," statement when a claim is either paid or denied. This documents should be read over carefully and saved to help you to be aware of what your plan is covering. 

It's especially important to read this document if a claim is denied. Finding out why the claim was denied could help you find exceptions in your plan that can get the claim covered. 

Be familiar with the limits of your plan

Most dental insurance plans have an annual maximum to how much they can pay out. It's important to be aware of this limit, especially if you have some upcoming dental work scheduled. Obviously, you want to make sure that your plan can cover any procedures you need before you have them done. 

Another limit that your plan may have is an annual maximum on office visits or x-rays. Being aware of these limits can help you save money by taking care of several needs in one office visit so that you avoid reaching your office visit maximum for the year. 

Don't neglect routine appointments

Routine appointments like cleanings and exams are almost always fully covered by a dental insurance plan. They offer preventive care that helps you avoid needing more expensive dental procedures. 

Request a "pre-determination" of benefits

A predetermination of benefits allows you to see beforehand if your dental plan will cover a particular procedure. You can request a predetermination of benefits right after your dentist recommends a procedure so that you know exactly how much money will come out of your pocket. 

For more information about insurance, payment plans, or dental procedures, contact a company like Dentalcare Associates.