Dental Discount Plan
From LoveToKnow Save
If you do not have dental insurance coverage, you may want to consider a dental discount plan. With an affordable discount plan, you can get the coverage you need at a price that fits your household budget.
What is a Dental Discount Plan?
"Dental discount plan" is a term used to describe any plan that enables individuals to take part in affordable dental services. In most cases, plan members are given access to a network of dental care providers who offer various dental services as a discounted fee.
A dental discount plan is usually considered an alternative to a more expensive dental insurance policy, and may be available through an employer, purchased as a rider on a current health insurance policy, or bought separately from an insurance company or agent.
Some of the benefits of a dental discount plan typically include:
- Low membership fees
- Availability—individuals, families, and groups can participate
- No waiting periods
- Substantial discounts on dental services
- No annual limits
- No need to submit claims or wait for reimbursement
Plan Coverage
The type of dental coverage you can get through a dental discount plan depends upon the plan you choose. Discounts will also vary from network to network, but usually average somewhere between 30 and 60 percent.
Most dental plans offer discounts on:
- Routine cleanings
- Fillings and crowns
- Root canals
- Bridges
- Orthodontics
- Dental emergencies
Some plans also offer discounts on specialized dental needs, such as cosmetic services and surgical procedures.
Finding a Dental Discount Plan
Finding a dental discount plan is relatively easy. Many discount plans are available through employers, associations, and various trade organizations. You can also locate plans on the Web through various sites that have been set up specifically for this purpose. Some good sites to visit include:
- http://www.dentalplans.com
- http://www.insurancecompany.com
- http://www.thedentalclub.com
- http://www.bestdiscountbenefits.com
- http://www.alliancehealthcard.com
Finally, don't overlook the agent with whom you currently insure your cars or home. Your agent may have access to information about different dental discount plans, and may even be able to make recommendations.
Choosing a Plan
Because there are so many different dental plans to choose from, you will want to careful compare each plan to determine which one works best with your needs and budget. Special things to consider when choosing a plan include:
- The Network – If you are currently under the care of a dental professional that you like, you may want to check and see if this dentist is included in the network that your plan covers. If not, you may have to start seeing a new healthcare professional. It is also important to note where the closest network of dentists is located, how accessible they are, and whether or not they are taking new patients.
- The Coverage – If you are signing up to participate in a dental discount plan so that you can afford cosmetic surgery, you better make sure that this is one of the dental services covered under your chosen plan. You will also want to confirm what basic services are covered under the plan and which ones aren't.
- Discounts – Some plans offer deep discounts, while other plans only offer minimal savings. Make sure you compare the different discounts offered under different plans to get the best deal possible.
A Final Note on Dental Plans
Dental plans are a wonderful alternative to regular dental insurance. With a quality dental discount plan, you can save as much as 60 percent on your dental care. You also have the added benefit of no annual limits, no waiting periods, and minimal membership fees.
And unlike many dental insurance policies, some dental discount plans offer savings on cosmetic procedures, orthodontics, and other specialized dental services. If you do not currently have dental coverage, look into a dental discount plan and start saving today!
Learn More
This page has been accessed 520 times. This page was last modified 20:55, 8 March 2007.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
