Question: I am looking for the best dental insurance for a California student.  I am wanting to get the best dental insurance plan but do not know how to determine what dental insurance plan is the best.  What are some things I should know when buying a dental plan?  Thanks for any advise given

Reply: Start with your dental needs. Preventive care with most insurance plans are free to little cost but if you feel your current dental needs go beyond preventive care then you may be wanting a plan that will not have waiting periods, such as an HMO. Most HMO dental insurance plans do not have waiting periods but read the terms and conditions of each plan to confirm.

Next important factor is whether or not you are wanting to stay with a current dental provider. If so then you are not only trying to find a dental insurance plan for yourself but one that your provider takes.  Since HMO dental insurance plan you have to choose a plan provider you may then have to look at the PPO insurance options in order to stay with or choose your own dentist.  Dental PPO’s plans will normally have waiting periods and annual maximal limitations so make sure you once again read each plan carefully to understand their terms and conditions.