Dental Insurance Vs. Discount Plan

Dental care can be expensive. Braces.info estimates a basic exam at nearly $100, with x-rays adding even more. Major work like a root canal or bridge can run close to $1,000. Dental insurance and discount plans are two popular ways to reduce the cost of keeping your teeth healthy.

Definition

• Dental insurance is a type of policy that specifically covers dental services. Benefits vary, but plans often pay for preventive visits and exams and simple restorative work like fillings. Some plans also cover major work like crowns. Insurance may pay 100 percent of the cost or a certain amount that typically ranges from 50 to 80 percent. There may be an annual cap, according to dentalplans.com. The policyholder must pay 100 percent of all costs if expenses reach the capped amount.

  A discount plan is a membership plan through which members receive pre-negotiated discounts. They must use dentists in the plan network to receive the benefits. There is usually no cap. Unlike dental insurance, dental plans often provide discounts for cosmetic work as well as preventive and restorative care.

Cost

• Dentalplans.com estimates a minimum monthly cost of $30 for individual dental insurance and $100 for family coverage. Some employers provide dental insurance as a benefit and pay most or all of the cost. Most dental insurance plans have a deductible. This amount must be paid out of pocket before benefits start. Discount plan costs start at $80 per year for a single person and $130 for a family.

Benefits

• Both dental insurance and dental plans promote good oral health because they pay for or reduce the cost of preventive care. This encourages policyholders or plan members to get regular checkups. Insurance and plans also make necessary work like fillings and tooth replacement more affordable. This encourages people to take care of dental issues in a timely manner, keeping their problems from worsening. Dental insurance is very affordable when provided as an employee benefit, and discount plans are often within financial reach of the uninsured.

Warning

• The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud warns some dental discount plans are fraudulent. The company may exaggerate the benefits or offer few dentists in the plan network. Do not purchase a plan without first thoroughly reviewing written materials and a contract.

Alternative

• Dental schools are a low-cost alternative for the uninsured, who cannot afford to join a plan. Ric Romero of KABC News in Los Angeles explains many dental schools offer highly-discounted services because students perform the work. Experienced instructors monitor quality. The option is popular with people who cannot pay for care at a traditional clinic. Romero reports the University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry treats over 160,000 patients annually.