Tips for Choosing a Dental Plan

By Susan Braden

As the waves of health reform splash through our nation, one integral aspect of healthcare is still surprisingly absent. There is currently no inclusion for a dental plan in proposed national healthcare reforms. This has left many Americans scrambling to find their own plans. A brief internet search will bring up a myriad of individual coverage options available across the US. With so many different choices available, how do you pick the best one for you? Here are several criteria to keep in mind.

What Procedures Do You Need?

If you only need discounts for regular check-ups and cleanings, you will be happy to know that most insurance policies and discount programs have adequate savings for this preventative care. As you consider more serious procedures such as root canals, crowns, and dentures, however, savings will vary more substantially between plans. Some will not cover certain procedures at all.

Since every program has different strengths and weaknesses, consider what kind of coverage you need most. Do you need discounts for basic checkups, denture adjustments, implants or another type of procedure? Make sure the program you choose offers a low price for the procedures you need.

How Soon Do You Need an Appointment?

For major work such as crowns, dentures, and braces, some traditional policies will have a waiting period of up to a year! On the other hand, discount plans will often have little to no waiting period. However, it still may take a few days for your membership to activate, unless you choose immediate membership with the nation’s #1 plan, the Careington 500 Series.

If you are in an emergency and need work done right away, the waiting period for certain procedures or for your plan to activate can really determine which is best for you. The easiest way to find out about the waiting period for a specific program or policy is to call the number listed on its website.

Are There Participating Dentists in Your Area?

Most discount plans have a network of participating dentists. Some have large, nationwide networks, while others have smaller, localized networks. Before enrolling in a discount program, be sure to look for a participating dentist near you. This step is especially helpful if you feel you must visit a specific dentist visit a specific dentist .

Time to Choose Your Plan!

When investigating dental plans, these are several factors to take into account. Overall, discount plans are an affordable alternative to insurance that can greatly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses at the dentist office – just be sure to do your homework before enrolling to make an informed decision about which is best for you.