Discount Dental Plans -- How to Choose the Right One

Discount dental plans can be tricky; especially when it comes to making a choice between plans. That's because there are many plans out there that are not all they're cranked up to be. And because there are so many hawkers making over-inflated claims about "how much you can save", I have to remind you of the old adage...

"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

Keep in mind that discount dental plans are Not Insurance and you are responsible for paying for services at the time the procedure is performed.

With that in mind, here are a few things you should consider in your search for a good plan for you and your family.

How Long has the Company Been in Business?
A good rule of thumb is to choose a company that’s been around for 10 years or more. Check to see if the company is a member of the Better Business Bureau. When you call, inquire about the company's rating and ask about complaints against the company.

Make Sure There are Sufficient Providers In Your Area.
It won't do you any good if you sign up for a discount program and have to drive 50 or 60 miles to the nearest dentist. Especially in light of high fuel costs.

Beware of Ads That Don't List the Name of the Company Offering the Plan, or the providers associated with the plan.

You should be able to surf the Internet for information about the company and their list of providers with addresses and phone numbers. If you're not able to check the company's provider list before you sign up, keep on pushing.

Ask If the Plan Includes all Dental Procedures.
Don’t settle for a discount plan that does not include checkups, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening and orthodontics.

Make Sure the Plan Accepts Members With Pre-Existing Medical Problems.
This is very important. If the plan doesn’t accept members with ongoing dental problems, keep looking.

Find Out What Kind of Discount You Can Expect
With the right plan your savings should range from 40% to 80%, with average savings in the 50% range.

Consider the Cost of the Plan
Don't pay more than $20 a month for a dental plan that includes the entire household.

Ask How Much Paperwork is Involved
There should be no paperwork for you to fill out when you join the plan, and absolutely no health questions to answer. You merely present your dental discount card when you visit your dentist.

Ask About Age Limitations
A good plan will not impose age or health limitations.

Ask If There's a Phone Number You Can Call For More Information Before You Sign Up
There should be a convenient 800 number for you to call for answers to any question you might have.

I must repeat, discount dental plans are not insurance, and you are responsible for paying for all services at the time the procedure is performed--at the discounted rate. But talk to your dentist prior to having any work done, because some dentists will work with you on a monthly payment plan.

Remember, with discount plans you can only see a dentist who is part of the plan's network of providers. If your favorite dentist is not on the provider list, ask him if he would be interested in joining the network and becoming a discount plan provider.

And consider this...

If you don't have dental insurance--for whatever reason--you'll have to pay for your services anyway. With a discount plan you'll only pay half as much, in many cases.

When you consider the escalating costs of medical and dental insurance, discount dental plans begin to make a lot of sense.

If you would like information about an excellent discount dental plan with all the features mentioned above, click here to contact me.

Mike Griffith

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