Whether you’re looking for a dental plan or already have one, one of the most important factors you can consider is your dentist network. Which network provides the greatest savings? How many dentists are involved? Are fees negotiated?

You can compare network sizes, utilization rates and the money saved – but the effective discount, which measures savings on claims both in and out of the network – is the most accurate way to measure the value of your dental plan.

One of the largest factors behind what kind of discount your dental benefits plan offers you is the size of its network – how many dentists are a part of their plans. But how they count those dentists matters.

2016 is wrapping up and it’s time to start looking forward to next year. If you purchased a dental benefits plan on the MNsure.org or Healthcare.gov state exchange anytime in 2016, your plans will reset on January 1. Here’s what you should know:

Understand your dental benefits. Find out what your benefits cover and what they don't cover.

Dental coverage varies, but overall, dental benefits are meant to help keep you and your smile healthy. Here’s what you can expect from your dental benefits.

If you’re a young adult who doesn’t already receive dental benefits through your employer and you’re too old to be on your parent’s plan (over age 26), chances are you are without dental insurance. And without dental insurance, you’ve been putting off going to the dentist because you’re scared of the cost for your check-ups and cleanings.