Straight Talk About Dental Plans

Dental plans, or discount dental plans, provide an excellent alternative to dental insurance if you’re uninsured or if your current policy doesn't cover certain dental procedures like orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry.

Whatever situation you find yourself in right now, here are 5 things you need to know about discount plans that will help you determine whether or not a plan is best for you.

But first, a quick definition.

A discount dental plan works like this.

You apply for membership with a company that offers the plan and agree to pay a monthly fee in return for deep discounts on dental services. The company issues you a dental discount card.

When you visit the dentist, you simply present your card for an instant discount. Since discount plans are not the same as dental insurance, you are responsible for paying for all services.

In return, you're able to get dental care at a substantial savings. Typical savings range from 25% to 50% off the dentist’s regular charge.

Now back to the 5 things you should know about these plans.

Some plans offer more than they deliver. In some cases a company offering discount dental plans will overstate the number of providers (doctors, dentists) who have signed up for their plan.

That means you could sign up for a plan only to find out there is no provider in your neighborhood. That means you might have to drive miles at great expense, for your dental or other health care needs.

That’s why it’s important to check out the company and the plan before you sign up. This way you might be able to determine if it’s a legitimate company or a scam.

The best plan will include the following features:

1. No annual limits on service

2. All ongoing problems are accepted

3. No referral is required to see a specialist

4. You have a choice of participating dentists

5. You can change dentists

6. No paperwork hassles

7. Orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry are included

8. No age limit

9. No waiting period. Use the plan the same day

10. Save on routine dental services such as fillings and x-rays

11. Savings range from 30% to 80%

12. No long term contracts. You can cancel at any time

13. The plan should not cost more than $20 a month for your entire household

14. The plan should include Vision, Prescription and Chiropractic at no extra charge.

You can use it along with your insurance.
If you have dental insurance and your plan doesn’t cover certain procedures like orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry—or if your deductible is too high-- you can use your discount plan to fill in the gap. Dental plans are not insurance.

Remember, dental discount plans are not insurance. You are responsible for paying the discounted cost of your service at the time services are performed.

If it’s a large amount, many dentists will work with you on a monthly payment plan, but that’s something you have to work out with your dentist before he does the work.

Discount plans just make sense.
Think about it. If you don’t have dental insurance, or if your current plan isn’t adequate to cover your costs, guess what?

You’ll have to pay the difference out of pocket.

I have researched more than 50 companies and have found a plan that includes all the points mentioned above. It's a very reputable company (I checked them out with the Better Business Bureau) and it's been around for about 15 years. They charge about $20 a month per household, and have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Click here if you'd like to know more about this plan.

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