BrightSmile for Students, a new dental insurance plan offering coverage and convenience designed especially for college students, begins enrollment on Aug. 1 through Sept. 30 for UNC Charlotte students (and their spouses and dependents) who are seeking an option for affordable dental care. The plan, offered by BrightBenefits, provides coverage on the most common dental services and procedures while giving students the freedom to visit any dentist they like, with no network to search.
“Dental care is a key component of a students’ overall health and wellness strategy,” said Dr. Mari Ross, associate vice chancellor for health and wellbeing. “We are excited about this partnership with BrightBenefits that will offer students – and their spouses and dependents, if needed – access to BrightSmile, a dental plan that is comprehensive, flexible and budget-friendly.”
Oral health has a significant impact on medical costs and overall quality of life for everyone, including students. In a 2019 study on dental health issues among college students, 31.3% of college students have a current untreated dental health issue, with common barriers being cost and lack of time*.
Insurance helps mitigate the cost of regular and unexpected oral care like cleanings and exams, which can help reduce the possibility of more expensive treatment later.
Unlike many dental plans, BrightSmile for Students does not limit students to a provider network, eliminating the hassle of finding a participating provider or the added costs of going out-of-network. BrightSmile allows students to go to any dentist they like, whether they are at home, traveling across the country or at school.
Other plan highlights** include:
- No monthly premium payments. One lump-sum premium payment helps students plan and stay on a budget.
- 193 common services and procedures are covered, including preventive and emergency care.
- Simple eligibility requirements – must be under age 65 and have an address in the same state as the school.
- Coverage for international students – just visit a dentist in the U.S. (eligibility requirements apply)
- Easy online enrollment, and emailed ID card and policy.
- 30-day grace period – members can cancel their policy within 30 days of enrollment for a full refund***
The annual premium for UNC Charlotte students is $311 which provides an annual maximum reimbursement of $2,000 for services. The plan covers dental procedures** such as routine exams, teeth cleanings, crowns, fillings, root canals, tooth extractions, emergency pain treatment and x-rays. Plans may have limitations on procedures or frequency of services.
Visit BrightSmile for Students or the Student Health Center to learn more.
*: Corey H. Basch, William D. Kernan & Sarah A. MacLean, “Improving understanding about dental health issues in college students,” Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 2019
**: Benefits apply once the premium is paid and the policy is effective. Annual maximum, limitations, deductibles and age and frequency restrictions apply, as outlined in the policy. Must be under age 65 and have an address in the same state as the school to be issued a policy. Coverage up to the amounts stated in the policy fee schedule will be paid by the plan in the form of a reimbursement once the claim has been submitted. Where differences between this document and the policy exist, the policy will prevail.
***: If no claims have been paid on the policy, otherwise a reimbursement of all paid claims will be requested of the member or deducted from the refund issued.