Everyone desires a radiant and healthy smile, but the cost can be daunting. For those without dental insurance, visiting the dentist can feel like a luxury, leading many Americans to forgo annual checkups. However, neglecting dental health can lead to far pricier consequences down the line. It’s especially crucial for parents to prioritize dental care for their children, as establishing good habits early can set the tone for a lifetime of oral health. With the CDC noting that 20% of children aged 5 to 11 have at least one decayed tooth, and 13% of teens facing similar issues, preventive care is more important than ever. Alarmingly, children from lower-income families are twice as likely to suffer from untreated tooth decay compared to their higher-income peers.
If you find yourself without dental insurance—or if your health plan doesn’t cover dental services—consider exploring a dental savings plan for you and your family. Also known as a dental discount plan, this membership can help alleviate the financial burden of dental care.
Imagine it like a Costco membership, but instead of bulk buying toilet paper, you get discounts on various dental services. Interested? Let’s break down how dental savings plans work and how they can help keep those teeth in tip-top shape.
How Does a Dental Savings Plan Work?
If you’re curious about how a dental savings plan functions, you’re not alone—there are around 3,600 searches on this topic each month! Here’s the gist: Rather than paying monthly premiums like traditional dental insurance, you pay an upfront membership fee (typically less than $150 annually for families and around $100 for individuals). This fee grants you a membership card to show at each dental visit. Members can enjoy discounts ranging from 10% to 60% on various treatments, from crowns to extractions and braces. These discounts apply to services provided by dentists in a network that agrees to offer reduced prices. Unlike traditional insurance, you pay the dentist directly after your treatment.
Benefits of a Dental Savings Plan
One of the main advantages of a dental savings plan is that it can significantly reduce dental costs, especially if you have healthy teeth and don’t require extensive services. There are no deductibles, so you can start benefiting immediately. Plus, you won’t deal with copays! One of the most appealing aspects is that there’s no waiting period for treatments—if you have a dental emergency, you can get seen right away. Another significant perk is the absence of visit limits, meaning that if you encounter a dental crisis, you can receive care without worrying about caps on visits.
Additionally, pre-existing conditions won’t disqualify you from enrolling in a dental savings plan. This option can be especially beneficial for individuals looking to save on preventive care or those needing more extensive work than what traditional insurance covers. Older adults may also find these plans advantageous since Medicare typically doesn’t cover many dental procedures.
Choosing the Right Dental Discount Plan
There are a variety of dental discount plans available. According to Authority Dental, some of the top-rated options for 2020 include Careington 500, Aetna Dental Access, and Cigna Dental Network, among others. You can check for plans that match your needs in your area here. It’s also wise to look at Fair Health to gauge average dental costs, giving you a better idea of reasonable prices for services.
If you already have a trusted family dentist, ask if they are part of any dental savings plans. If not, they might be willing to create a payment plan to accommodate your budget. If you have a favorite dentist, consider suggesting they join a dental discount plan network, so you can continue seeing them.
What If You Don’t Have a Dentist You Trust Yet?
Not every family has a long-standing relationship with a dentist—people move, and financial situations change. No worries! Start by assessing your dental requirements and choose a savings plan that covers them. Look at the list of dentists included in your plan and do your research. The Better Business Bureau rates medical professionals, so you can check their ratings alongside those on your plan. Explore their websites and consider asking for recommendations from friends or local parenting groups on social media.
Remember, while a good dental savings plan can save you money, it’s essential to read the fine print. Some plans may not cover certain treatments, such as crowns or orthodontics, so be diligent in comparing options until you find the perfect fit for your family’s needs.
In conclusion, a dental savings plan can be a smart alternative for those who are uninsured or underinsured, offering significant savings and immediate access to care.
For more insights on family planning and health, check out our other blog posts on Home Insemination Kit, or visit American Pregnancy for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination. You might also be interested in the offerings at Make a Mom for fertility solutions.