According to the National Association of Dental Plans, only 59% of Americans under age 65 are covered by a dental plan -almost always through their employer- compared to 84% of Americans with medical insurance care plans. What's worse is that dental insurance tops the list of benefits employers are looking to pare back (Source: S.H.R.M.). The increasing number of Americans without dental coverage combined with the rising cost of modern dentistry is why more and more consumers are opting for Reduced Fee For Service or Discount Dental Plans. This new type of affordable dental is marketed directly to consumers which saves them money because it bypasses the middleman entirely.
What Discount Plans Are & What They Are Not
Discount dental plans are designed for cost-conscious consumers looking to maintain their oral health while minimizing their dental care expenses. With typical savings of around 33% on each trip you make to a dentist, your typical best-buy dental discount plans can really save you and/or your family hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year on all types of dental work including exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, bridges, dentures, crowns, braces, etc.. Dental providers participating in discount dental plans have agreed to accept a lower fee than they would normally charge as payment in full for any/all dental procedures they perform.
However, discount dental plan programs ARE NOT INSURANCE. Unlike traditional, indemnity-based dental insurance policies, discount dental plans have no annual limits, no health restrictions and no tedious paperwork hassles. In addition, consumers must pay either a monthly or yearly membership fee in exchange for the ability to get these discounts on dental services. Most of these plans provide a price list or fee schedule with the discounted dental fees and/or costs listed either on their web site or in membership materials to ensure consumers will receive the savings they were promised.
Tips on Buying Discount Dental Plans Online
But how does one know which discount dental plans to research? There can be literally a dozen or more plans in your area for you to choose from, each one with their own group of participating dentists, premiums, fee schedules and restrictions.
Because studies done by the N.A.D.P. show that 68% of all buyers pay too much for their dental coverage, Discount Dental 4 U suggests you know the answers to the following questions before purchasing or joining a discount dental plan.
How Many Local Dentists Practice In My Area? DiscountDental4u.net strongly recommends that before you enroll in any dental plan, find out how many dentists and dental specialists in your area accept that plan. After all, what good is a discounted dental plan if there aren't any dental providers located within driving distance of where you live. If there is three or less dental providers nearby, you should call a these dentists to make sure they are indeed part of the plan you're considering joining.
Should I Pay For A Plan By The Month Or The Year? DiscountDental4u.net recommends buying a dental plan on a monthly basis, especially if you're unsure if you'll be getting dental insurance through your employer in the next 6-8 months. However, it should be noted that subscribing to a discount dental plan on a yearly basis will probably save you more money than if you subscribed on a month-to-month basis. Less money upfront vs. less money in the long-run; your choice.
To What Extent Does The Plan Cover Specialists? DiscountDental4u.net recommends choosing a plan that offers at least a 20% discount on all work done by dental specialists (Periodontists, Orthodontists, Oral Surgeons, etc.) unless you live in a rural area where just finding a dental specialist is rare, let alone one that accepts discounted dental plans. Please note that many dental procedures usually associated with "Specialists" (whitening, implants and root canals for example) can frequently be done by a general dentist at a much lower cost so don't be so quick to see a "specialist".
How Trustworthy Is The Dental Plan Company? Despite being part of a very heavily regulated industry, companies that put out affordable dental plans have a history of fly-by-night operators who are looking or to scam the public such as collecting membership fees without providing any service. Make sure you are working with a legitimate firm by checking with your state insurance commissioner to see if the firm is registered. You can reach your state insurance office by visiting NAIC.org.
How Long Before Dental Benefits "Kick In"? DiscountDental4u.net recommends choosing an emergency-based dental care plan that allows you to begin using your benefits within a week or two of joining, except for dentist emergencies where you need a plan with fast activation so that you can see a dentist the same or next day you enroll.
It Pays To Shop Around For Dental Plans
Even though most people only purchase a discount dental plan when faced with an emergency that forces them to visit the dentist, it's important that you take your time when shopping around for a discount plan because some dentalplans may cost less per month/year but offer smaller discounts on dental procedures which could end up costing you more (maybe much more!) should you visit the dentist more than once or twice in a given year.
Although DiscountDental4U.net doesn't endorse one discounted dental plan over another, those looking for low-cost dental plans should go to DentalPlans.com because and they make it easy to comparison shop by allowing you to quickly compare membership fees, participating dentists, dental procedures prices, and much more between 10 to 20 different regional and/or national dental plans.
SAVE 10% ON ANY DENTAL PLAN!! Simply click the link below, type in your zip code and begin comparing dental plans available in your area. Then, when you've decided on which plan to enroll in, use DiscountDental4U.net's Special 10% Savings Coupon by using coupon-code "blurt" when filling out a DentalPlans.com's application form.
"I would really like to thank DentalPlans.com. I have been struggling with bad teeth and I knew that I needed a great deal of work. I could not afford the dentist though, since I do not have insurance. I received an email from your company and signed up immediately. I found a great dentist and I only had to pay $1600 instead of $4000. What great savings! I have recommended DentalPlans.com to all my friends and I’m sure they will all purchase plans." Dawn of Jacksonville, Florida - June, 2006
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