---
title: "What Is Waiting period? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "A waiting period is the time you must wait after your dental coverage starts before the plan pays for certain services, often major work like crowns."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/waiting-period
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Insurance and Billing

# Waiting period

A waiting period is the time you must wait after your dental coverage starts before the plan pays for certain services, often major work like crowns.

Some dental plans make members wait a set time before coverage begins for certain services. Plans say waiting periods help promote long-term participation and keep costs affordable. A waiting period often applies to [major services](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/major-services-benefit) more than to [preventive care](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/preventive-care-benefit).

HealthCare.gov defines a waiting period for job-based coverage as the time that must pass before coverage can become effective for an eligible employee or dependent. For dental, the length varies by plan.

During the wait, you pay the dentist's fee yourself. Ask your plan which services have a waiting period and how long it lasts. Also check the [missing tooth clause](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/missing-tooth-clause) and your annual maximum. See the [insurance and financing page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/patients/insurance-and-financing).

## Related terms

-   [Missing tooth clause](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/missing-tooth-clause)
-   [Frequency limit](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/frequency-limit)
-   [Major services benefit](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/major-services-benefit)
-   [Preventive care benefit](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/preventive-care-benefit)
-   [Dental insurance](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-insurance)

## Sources

1.  [Cigna Healthcare Newsroom: Dental insurance 101](https://newsroom.cigna.com/dental-insurance-how-plans-work-and-what-to-look-for)
2.  [HealthCare.gov Glossary: Waiting Period Job Based Coverage](https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/waiting-period-job-based-coverage/)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)