Dental Discount Plans:
What You Need to Know

Dental discount plans, which are different from insurance plans, are an easy-to-use supplement to save money on dental treatments. Typically, they can be used on their own, or they can be paired with your current insurance plans.

Dental discount plans typically provide their members with savings on most dental treatments, including routine oral exams, cleanings and major work, such as dentures, root canals, crowns and more. Discount plans offer immediate savings when members bring their membership card to a participating dentist at the time of service.

How do dental discount plans work?

Discount plans are easy to use. You can typically sign up online, or call, in order to become a member and receive dental discount plan advantages. You'll usually find participating providers using a provider search on the dental discount company's website. Once you find a provider, schedule an appointment and show your membership card at the time of service; then, pay the discounted rate directly to the dentist.

How does a discount plan help me save?

The costs associated with visiting a dentist or optician, or getting a prescription filled, are astronomical without insurance. This is where discount plans come in. Instead of paying those high prices, you'll pay a fraction thanks to pre-negotiated rates with dental, optical and other providers. And since discount plans aren't insurance, you can use them as many times as you'd like without worrying about running out of discounts.

Dental discount plans vs. insurance plans

Choosing between dental discount plans and dental insurance plans is an individual or family decision, but keep in mind spending preferences and dental treatment needs. With dental insurance plans, you are usually working through your employer and might need to pay your full deductible before the dental insurance can cover your dental treatment costs. With dental discount plans, you become a member and can use your discounts immediately. Plus, there's no limit on how many times you can use your membership card.