Employers and individuals are going to require some homework on their dental plans coming up for 2014. Under the new law, according to Guardian, carriers that market to small businesses with 50 or fewer employees must include 10 essential health benefits (EHBs), which include pediatric oral health services, to be PPACA-compliant. The required pediatric oral health services may be included within a medical plan or obtained as part of a stand-alone dental plan. 

Consumers face new options for their dental coverage this enrollment season.  There are a number of advantages to purchasing a stand-alone dental plan, rather than relying solely on the pediatric benefit that comes within a medical plan, according to Guardian. 

Businesses and consumers could risk losing many of the dental benefits they have come to rely on if they mistakenly believe the oral health EHB is equivalent to a stand-alone dental plan. Among the hidden pitfalls are: