May 13th, 2011 
admin I had this very interesting question asked to me today. A customer was thinking about buying dental insurance not for her but for a work friend of hers. They have to get X-mas presents and she pick her friend name. Since she did get her work friend name, she though she would spend a little extra.
Her friend has bad teeth and their job has no dental. She has heard other people in the office making fun of this person teeth. So she thinks she could pay for a HMO dental plan for one year and at least her friend can get her teeth clean and what not. She then asked me what I thought
This is tricky as I stated I sell dental insurance and plans. Sure it sounds good I said. However, I suggested that she feel her friend out first before buying one. She asked me why.. I said it is very thoughtful but she could run the risk of hurting her feeling. These gifts are open in front of everyone at the X-mas party. People are making fun of her. She may know this. Your thoughtful gift may turn into a joke.
She said she did not think of it that way and would give it some thought. She really seem deflated by me. Afterwords I felt bad that I did not just sell her a plan. It sounded like her friend needed it any way. Do you think I kind messed up ?
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I think you brought up a very good suggestion and made a good point. I would also consider if her friend has a dental phobia and if getting a plan that would not be utilized would end up being a waste of money.
I would also wonder if there is sufficient insurance benefit available to do the dental work for that one year without an unaffordable out-of-pocket expense to the patient. If the friend needed a lot of fillings, root canals and crowns, it would be a bummer if the insurance would only cover a cleaning, x-rays, and perhaps only one root canal and still leave her teeth looking like a mess.
It’s a kind gesture of your customer but I would look for another gift to give.
I would encourage you to visit this great website: http://www.healthsavings.ourperfectcard.com I signed up online over 5 years ago when I was in college and they have saved me thousands of dollars on all of my dental needs. From extractions, xrays, fillings, root canals…etc. Even my braces had fantastic coverage. They even had my very affordable benefits active in 2 hours and was able to use them the very same day. Good luck and Hope this helps