It’s no secret that dental care can sometimes be expensive. Luckily, there are plenty of options these days for making these treatments more accessible. In addition to traditional insurance, many dental practices offer in-house membership plans that provide discounts on services performed in their office. How can you decide which of these options is right for you? Read on as a dentist explains the difference between dental insurance and a dental discount plan in Dallas, GA – and how to make the choice that’s best for your smile and your wallet!
The Basics of Dental Insurance
Whether you get dental insurance through your employer, a family member, or you purchase a plan on your own, most plans function in a similar way. You’ll typically have to pay a small amount out-of-pocket – called a deductible – before your insurance company starts paying for your treatments up to an annual maximum. Different types of services qualify for different levels of coverage. For example, preventive care like routine checkups is usually covered at 90-100%, while major treatments like root canals may only receive 50% coverage.
Many people are confused by the concepts of deductibles, annual maximums, waiting periods, and other aspects of dental insurance. On the bright side, though, most offices are willing to help patients with dental insurance in Dallas, GA understand their coverage and maximize their benefits regardless of provider.
How Dental Discount Plans Work
Your dentist may offer an in-house savings plan as an alternative to insurance. In most cases, you’ll pay a flat yearly fee in exchange for discounts on various services. These tend to fully include the cost of preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays, etc.) as well as a set percentage off of other treatments.
Unlike insurance, in-house dental discount plans can only be used when you’re visiting that specific practice. However, many patients prefer the simplicity and lower price of these plans, which often don’t include waiting periods, deductibles, or annual maximums. Some membership plans even give discounts on cosmetic services or dental implants, both of which rarely qualify for insurance coverage.
What’s the Best Way to Save Money on Dental Care?
Dental insurance and dental membership plans are both great ways to keep your smile healthy without taking a serious toll on your bank account. That is, as long as you take advantage of your plan! Both options tend to fully cover the cost of basic checkups and cleanings. These quick, easy appointments are crucial for detecting oral health concerns early on and treating them before they require more expensive procedures.
If you’re thinking about visiting a dental practice but aren’t sure how you’re going to afford your care, just reach out and call them. Once you explain your needs and financial situation, their team will be happy to help you choose the type of dental financing that’s right for you!
About the Practice
Our team at Distinctive Dentistry is committed to helping families in Dallas, GA and the surrounding areas enjoy healthy smiles without straining their wallets. To that end, we’re in-network with a long list of leading dental insurance providers, including Delta Dental Premier and MetLife. We also offer our own in-house Membership Savings Plan to help uninsured patients save on their care. To find out which option is ideal for you, contact Distinctive Dentistry at 770-445-6606.
