Dental Insurance – Are Discount Dental Plans Worth It?

Are you weighing the pros and cons of dental insurance? While dental insurance can be a valuable tool for maintaining oral health, it may not be the best fit for everyone. As an alternative, many people opt for dental savings plans, which offer a more flexible and cost-effective solution. This blog explores how a dental payment plan, is worth more than dental billing insurance.

Dental discount plans or programs, serve as a supplement to dental insurance and help provide access to oral health treatments that may not be covered. One popular reason for signing up for these plans is for orthodontic treatments, as adult braces are infrequently covered by dental insurance and can be costly.

Unlike dental insurance, these plans are membership-based and require a monthly or yearly fee. People can receive more treatments such as cleanings, whitening services, and cosmetic dentistry by combining a dental insurance plan with a savings plan than they would with just dental insurance.

What is a Discount Dental Plan?

Dental insurance is a valuable tool for maintaining your oral health, offering coverage for essential treatments like cleanings and emergency dental care. However, it may not include more specialized services such as orthodontics or cosmetic dentistry. These treatments can be costly, but there is a solution: dental payment plans.

For an annual fee of approximately $100 to $200, dental savings plans allow you to enjoy discounts on oral care services, often ranging from 10% to 60%. These discounts can add up to substantial savings over time, making dental savings plans a smart option for anyone looking to enhance their smile without breaking the bank.

How Do Discount Dental Plans Work? 

A dental savings plan sometimes referred to as a “discount dental plan,” can be accessed through an employer-based dental insurance program or as a separate monthly payment. This type of plan offers discounts on dental treatments and services, but it is not considered insurance and should not be seen as a replacement for traditional dental insurance.

It’s important to note that a dental savings plan is not a replacement for dental insurance and does not provide insurance coverage. While dental insurance policies may not cover certain cosmetic procedures, such as adult braces, teeth whitening, or veneers, a dental savings plan can provide an opportunity to receive these treatments. By supplementing your existing dental insurance with a savings plan, you can gain access to the full range of dental services you need to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Dental savings plans provide discounts on a range of oral health treatments, including preventive care such as cleanings and x-rays, basic treatments like fillings or extractions, and major or cosmetic procedures such as orthodontics or implants. While traditional dental insurance may offer partial coverage for these treatments, dental discount plans can help reduce the cost of services that are not covered or that go beyond the coverage provided by insurance.

For instance, if you require more cleanings than your insurance policy covers, a dental savings plan can lower the cost of the additional treatments. In cases where a dental procedure is deemed medically necessary, such as an implant to prevent gum disease, teeth shifting, and bone loss, dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost, while a dental payment plan can provide additional savings.

Another advantage of dental savings plans is that they do not have copays or deductibles, only upfront discounts on treatment. However, it is important to keep in mind that these plans often require you to select from a specific list of providers and choose the best plan for your needs.

Endnote

 If you do not use the services in your dental savings plan, you may spend more money than you save. However, if you want help paying for expensive treatments like cosmetic dentistry or orthodontics, including clear plastic aligners, a dental discount plan might be your best option. EZDDS Dental Billing can help determine if a discount dental plan is right for you. We can select the right one for your needs and budget. As with anything we do, we only work within your needs and budget and place your interests first. Contact us to find out more.