Most people would prefer not to pay full price for dental services. However, many people are unaware that any option exists beyond dental insurance. If your employer doesn’t offer dental insurance, you’re self-employed, or you’re simply exploring ways to lower the cost of your dental health, you may wish to consider signing up for a dental discount plan.
What Is a Dental Discount Plan?
An alternative to dental insurance, a dental discount plan works more like a subscription service. You pay a yearly or monthly fee to receive discounts on services from dentists in the plan’s network. In addition, some individual dentists offer custom discount plans. Typically, you will save between 10 and 60 percent on most dental procedures, and you may receive certain services for free (such as basic cleanings, exams, and X-rays). Like dental insurance, a dental discount plan can help people maintain their oral health and prevent tooth decay.
Whether you wish to use insurance or a discount plan is up to you. Depending on how much dental work you plan to receive during the course of the year and how much you’re willing to pay out of pocket, one or the other may make more sense. Some people even use both options to save money. For example, if someone with dental insurance wishes to have their teeth whitened (a service not typically covered by dental insurance), they may decide to use a dental discount plan to lower the cost, assuming the annual cost of the plan and the discounts provided make the plan worth it.
Benefits of Dental Discount Plans
- Discounted Services: This is the primary reason to sign up for a discount plan. Savings vary from plan to plan.
- Immediately Available: Most dental discount plans can be used immediately or within a few days of signing up. You can even wait until you need dental work to sign up for a plan.
- No Annual Maximums, Premiums, or Deductibles: Discount plans are very simple when compared to insurance plans. You pay a yearly (or monthly) fee, and you receive discounted services. Plain and simple. You don’t have to worry about hitting the annual maximum, paying a monthly premium, or paying a certain amount before your insurance kicks in.
- Pay the Dentist Directly: You’ll never have to worry about submitting a claim or sending paperwork to your insurance company.
- Available to Anyone: Anyone can sign up for a dental discount plan. You don’t need to worry about receiving it through your employer or jumping through any hoops.
Could You Benefit from a Dental Discount Plan?
While these plans come with a variety of benefits, they aren’t necessarily a great option for every individual or family. In some cases, you would be better off with dental insurance. Consider using a dental discount plan if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You don’t have dental insurance. Your employer doesn’t offer dental insurance, or perhaps you’re self-employed or a student. If you don’t want to pay full price for dental services, you might benefit from a discount plan.
- You have a relatively healthy mouth. If you have ongoing dental issues or a medical condition that affects your teeth and/or gums, you may be better off with dental insurance if you stay within the plan’s annual limit.
- You want a discount on a service not typically covered by dental insurance. For example, dental insurance typically doesn’t cover cosmetic services like teeth whitening or veneers. If your insurance doesn’t cover a procedure you want, look into the annual cost and savings provided by a discount plan.
- You need dental work that costs more than your insurance will pay. Dental insurance plans typically have an annual maximum, which means they cap their total payout at a certain amount, such as $2,000 per year. If you need expensive dental work, such as multiple root canals, it may be worth your while to sign up for a discount plan.
Interested in a discount plan? Ask your dentist if he or she takes part in one. Then, review the annual fee, discounts, and other benefits to determine if the plan makes sense for you.
At Wilkinson Dental, we offer two membership plans:
- Routine Preventative Care Plan:
- 1 basic cleaning every 6 months
- Oral cancer screening with cleaning
- 1-2 exams per year
- X-rays as determined necessary
- Fluoride varnish for those 18 years old and younger
- 1 emergency exam with X-ray per year
- Up to 20% off any needed treatment
- Periodontal Management Plan:
- 1 periodontal maintenance appointment every 3 months (4 per year)
- Oral cancer screening with cleaning
- 1-2 exams per year
- X-rays as determined necessary by your dentist
- 1 emergency exam with X-ray per year
- Up to 20% off any needed treatment
To learn more, please give us a call at 417-708-0556.
And if you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. We’ve been a part of the Springfield community for over two decades, and we strive to do our part to keep this community great. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today. We look forward to hearing from you!