Best Dental Savings Plans in the US
Choosing the best dental savings plan can significantly impact your health and wallet. It’s important to note that your best plan may vary depending on your state, as different plans are available in other regions. Dental savings plans differ from insurance plans in several key ways, which we’ll explore below.
What is a Dental Savings Plan?
Dental savings plans, often called dental discount plans, are dental care membership programs that provide discounts on dental services. Unlike regular insurance, these plans have no yearly maximums, deductibles, or premiums. Instead, members pay an annual fee and receive discounts on various dental procedures from participating dentists.
Best Dental Savings Plans
Here are some of the top dental savings plans available in the US:
Aetna Dental Access
- Name: Aetna Dental Access
- Location: Nationwide, varies by state
- Service Areas: Nationwide
- Contact Number: 1-888-238-4825 (TTY: 711)
- Website: Aetna Dental Access
About:
- Offers significant discounts (15% to 50%) on various dental services.
- Provides access to an extensive network of participating dentists.
- Not insurance – just instant discounts with no copays, deductibles, or paperwork.
- Extra discounts on services such as eye exams and weight-loss programs.
- Pharmacy discounts are available with a dental plus pharmacy card.
Key Information:
- Vital Savings by Aetna®:
- Over 131,000 dentists in the discount network.
- Enrollment options: $7.99/month or $75/year for individuals; $10.99/month or $125/year for families.
- Additional discounts on other health services are included.
Humana Dental Savings Plus
- Name: Dental Savings Plus
- Location: Available in various states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, and more
- Service Areas: Nationwide
- Contact Number: 1-833-983-0932 (TTY: 711)
- Website: Humana Dental Savings Plus
About:
- Offers discounts on dental care, vision, prescriptions, and alternative medicine.
- It is not insurance but a discount program with no deductibles or copays.
- Members get discounts on preventive, essential, and primary dental services.
- There are no waiting periods, deductibles, or copays, and no limit on services used yearly.
- Orthodontics discounts up to 20% and prescription discounts averaging 37%.
Delta Dental Discount Plans
- Name: Delta Dental Discount Plans
- Location: Nationwide
- Service Areas: Nationwide
- Website: Delta Dental
About:
- Dental discount plans, also known as dental savings plans, offer discounted costs on dental services.
- These plans are not insurance but are membership plans where members receive reduced rates for dental services.
- Members pay an up-front annual fee and receive a dental discount card for lower prices at participating dentists.
- They typically have smaller networks of dentists and specialists than traditional insurance.
- Services and discount amounts vary by dentist and service type.
- There are no annual maximums or deductibles; discounts apply to all services, including pre-existing conditions.
- There are no waiting periods before receiving dental services.
Omaha Dental Savings Plan
- Name: Dental Solutions Savings Plan
- Location: Nationwide (Not available in Vermont or Washington)
- Service Areas: Nationwide
- Contact Number: 877-493-8251
- Website: Mutual of Omaha Dental Savings Plan
About:
- Offers dental, vision, and hearing care discounts without traditional insurance.
- Save 5% to 60% on dental procedures by presenting your membership card to participating dentists.
- It also includes savings on participating providers’ vision, eyewear, and hearing care services.
Key Information:
- How It Works:
- Pay an annual membership fee to receive a discount card.
- Show the discount card to participating dentists for reduced rates on services.
- Save on routine oral exams, cleanings, major dental work, vision care, and hearing services.
- There are no waiting periods, no age limits, and unlimited use of the plan.
- Members pay dentists directly at the time of service at pre-negotiated rates.
- Sample Savings:
- Adult cleaning: $140 reduced to $63 (55% savings)
- Child cleaning: $99 reduced to $47 (53% savings)
- Routine checkup: $85 reduced to $33 (61% savings)
- Molar root canal: $1,535 reduced to $755 (51% savings)
- Extraction (single tooth): $282 reduced to $113 (60% savings)
How Dental Savings Plans Outshine Insurance
- No Deductibles or Maximums: Unlike dental insurance, savings plans don’t have deductibles or annual maximums. You simply pay a discounted rate for services.
- Immediate Savings: Unlike dental insurance, dental savings plans offer immediate discounts. You can start saving on your dental procedures immediately, providing financial security and peace of mind.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Many dental savings plans offer discounts on procedures, including those not typically covered by insurance, such as cosmetic dentistry. This extensive coverage can provide a strong reassurance about your dental health.
Selecting the ideal dental savings plan depends on your location and unique circumstances. Local research and plan comparison shopping can help you feel more empowered and find the most affordable option for your dental care needs, instilling a sense of control and confidence.