Choosing dental care benefits is as much fun as going to the dentist and wondering which drill he will use for your dental filling. Perhaps this is why many people sit back and do nothing. According to Hewitt Associates, a provider of HR services, Only 40% of employed workers actually made a decision about their benefits during the open enrollment last year. Many individuals assume that if they don't do any paperwork, their benefits won't change. In many instances, this is true, but, the decision to not act can be costly. Your employer may choose to select a bare-bones dental benefit plan in cases where you choose not to designate their benefits.

It's very important to consider your choices and make a good decision that you will have to live with for a whole year. Look at your health care spending for the past year. Was it spend on mostly co-payments, prescriptions or visits to the dentist as an emergency patient?

For young children who are chronically ill or need substantial dental work (braces), choose a plan with low deductibles. If you are generally in good dental health and have no dependents, a less comprehensive dental plan may be sufficient for your needs. Also, don't rule out a dental or health plan that is the least expensive. Sometimes, this type of plan can turn out to be a bargain - A dental plan may include incentives such as vision or prescription coverage at no additional cost.

Use plan comparison tools, such as that offered by Dentalplans.com, to make side-by-side comparisons. This type of information should also be included in the packets you receive from your employer during the open enrollment period. But you have to read it in order to obtain the information.

One option to save on dental benefits is to enroll in an employee sponsored flexible spending program. This type of plan allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for those expenses (both medical and dental) that are not covered by the insurance company. This includes any co-payment fees, deductables and over-the-counter medications. If both you and your spouse are eligible for benefits, compare both your plans and select the one which offers the most benefits for the least cost.

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER:

• Dental needs change throughout our lifetime. During each phase it may make sense to choose a new plan.
• Don't assume that because you do nothing, you will maintain the same plan and have the same level of coverage.
• Investigate ways to save money on medical and dental expenses, such as a flexible spending plan and a discount dental plan.

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