Is a Discount Dental Plan Right for You?

For the uninitiated, here is a brief explanation of the two main options available to you when deciding how you will maintain your oral health:

Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is frequently purchased independently from a private company though it may also be provided by your employer. This can seem like an attractive because it is similar to general health coverage and familiar to most people. As a member, you pay a monthly premium to have certain procedures and visits to the dentist covered or offered with a smaller co-pay. This option is typically most helpful to people who already have the dental insurance provided through their work. However, there are some problems that arise with dental policies as opposed to a discount dental plan.

Sizable monthly premiums, waiting periods of several months or even a year, maximums, deductibles, and non-covered preexisting conditions are a few of the problems that can be encountered with traditional insurance.

Discount Dental Plan

A discount dental plan, however, can often help you avoid these issues. These plans work in a different way: You pay a small monthly fee to receive a discounted rate when you visit the dentist. Discounts can be anywhere from 15-60% depending on the procedure.

For instance, with a discount dental plan from Careington Dental, fees paid to the dentist will typically be cut in half. Dental plans typically go into effect much faster than insurance plans and can even be used with those annoying pre-existing conditions like a tooth ache or dental emergency. Also, you can go to the dentist as often as you need and there are no co-pays, maximums or deductibles to take you by surprise.

Perhaps the best thing about such a program is the price: just a fraction of the cost of insurance. With some plans starting at less than $15 a person, the cost could easily be one tenth what you might pay for a typical indemnity program.

Clearly, the advantages of such programs are numerous but they may not necessarily meet your needs. For example, if you want to use a specific dentist, he or she may not be in the plan's provider network. Also, some unusual or cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, implants and veneers may be included but discounted at a lower rate (such as 15%). Finding this out ahead of time will help you make an informed decision. Be sure to ask questions and know what you are getting!

Maintaining proper oral health means a great deal to your quality of life. Toothaches, broken teeth and potentially serious oral infections need to be handled quickly – but no one wants to pay too much. Whatever your oral care needs may be, the best option for you will not only get you the care you need but also save you money and provide peace of mind.