If you are uninsured, you might assume that high-quality dental care is simply out of reach. Others you know get to take advantage of improving their smiles without emptying their wallets, but what about you? Is there another way to pursue oral healthcare that allows you to stay within your budget? The answer is yes. In this article, we’ll look at the concept of dental savings plans and why they can be a welcome relief for patients like yourself looking to improve your smile without depleting your reserves.
What is a Dental Savings Plan?
A dental savings plan is a type of payment option that many dental offices offer throughout the country. Also referred to as an in-house membership program, this allows uninsured individuals to take advantage of the same great dental care without the red tape of private dental insurance.
While each plan is different, your dentist may require that you pay a one-time annual fee for each person in your family who will be a part of the plan. This will grant you access to basic dental care (i.e., general checkups, cleanings, X-rays, and more). It will also provide significant discounts on various restorative procedures, such as dental fillings, crowns, and gum disease treatment.
What Are Its Benefits and Disadvantages?
Many great benefits come with a dental savings plan, some of which include:
- Low monthly or annual fees that allow you to remain within your budget
- No waiting periods or pre-existing condition clauses
- No annual maximum limits
- Coverage the day you sign up
- No pre-authorizations or pre-determinations are necessary
- Allows you to fill in the gap if you are out of work and cannot receive dental insurance through an employer
Along with the benefits, however, there are a few disadvantages that you might consider, such as apart from the basic care you will receive, no additional service is covered at 100%. Also, you cannot use your dental savings plan to see a different dentist. Instead, you must remain with the same dental professional.
When to Consider Enrolling
Not everyone should consider a dental savings plan; however, some situations make this type of payment method a more lucrative and beneficial option:
- If you do not require more extensive dental care but only need basic preventive services, this payment option might be right for you.
- If you are between jobs and cannot afford private dental insurance. An in-house savings plan can fill in the gap so that you and your family can continue to receive high-quality treatment year-round.
- If you are retired or preparing to retire but need a way to continue receiving optimal oral healthcare, you’ll want to consider a dental savings plan.
There are options available for individuals who are without private dental insurance, so do not be dismayed. Talk to your dentist about the possibility of enrolling in an in-house membership plan so that you can move forward on your journey to better oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Mariliza LaCap has more than two decades of experience working in the oral healthcare field. Completing her Aesthetic Advantage Certification at New York University, she went on to receive her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Columbia University School of Dental & Oral Surgery, graduating in the top 10% of her class. At Washington Dental Associates, she and her colleagues are working hard to help individuals who need high-quality dental care but have no job and/or insurance. To find a “dentist near me,” or to learn more about the Smiles Savings Club, contact us at (201) 453-4863.