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Dental Plans Coupon Code Shop.com
Discount Dental Plans
What Exactly is a Discount Dental Plan?
A discount dental plan is a dental provider network of established dental practices that offer members savings from 10% to 60% or more on dental care. Some discount dental plans even provide additional savings benefits for vision, hearing and/or prescription drugs.
Discount dental plans are NOT the same as dental insurance. There are no claim forms to file, and benefits are immediate. Your participating provider is paid at the discounted rate at the time of service. Participating General Dentists offer the discounted rates published in fee schedules (See Sample Savings for Specific Plans Below). On the other hand, participating dental specialists, such as endodontists, periodontists and orthodontists, typically offer approximately 20% off their usual fees. There are many discount dental plans to choose from. Finding the right one for yourself will probably depend most upon your immediate dental care needs or dental emergency. Compare discount dental plans and dental insurance.
With so many different discount dental plans to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which discount dental plan is the best dental plan for yourself or your family. Click to review sample savings for various different dental plans and procedures. Watch our video tutorial to learn how to search for dental plans in your area. When you are ready to buy, don't forget to take advantage of one of our dental plans coupon codes.
Why Would a Dentist Particpate with a Discount Dental Plan?
- No insurance claims to file - Fewer administrative costs.
- Immediate payment - Patient pays at the point of service.
- Access to a large audience of potential clients without having to spend a lot of money on advertising.
- The dentist or dental practice wants a way to offer discounted rates to uninsured patients without having to negotiate on a case-by-case basis.
Are the Fee Schedules Accurate?
Some discount dental plans publish full fee schedules on their websites. Other discount dental plans publish sample fee schedules, which may vary depending upon your location; once you enroll, you will have access to the full fee schedule. It is advisable to bring a your membership card and a copy of the fee schedule to your dental appointment, and confirm the cost with the dental receptionist before you have your dental procedure or dental cleaning. Participating GENERAL dentists must abide by their contracts with the discount dental plan.
We've found that with most discount dental plans, the cost of a routine cleaning is broken up into an "a la carte" menu including the cleaning (prophylaxis), exam ("checkup"), x-rays and bitewings. By the time one adds up the cost of all of these routine services, savings with a discount dental plan may be questionable. We've done a little shopping around, and have found the best discounts for routine dental cleanings, including bitewings and x-rays, with the following discount dental plans:
The best savings with discount dental plans are more likely to be on major dental procedures, such as crowns, root canals (with a general dentist as opposed to an endodontist) and dentures. We've found the best prices for crowns, root canals, dentures and partials from:
Any procedure involving lab fees will incur additional charges other than what is published on the fee schedule, because lab fees are not discounted and are not included in the published pricing.
In order to receive the prices published on fee schedules, one must use a participating GENERAL dentist. Participating specialists such as endodontists, periodontists and orthodontists DO not abide by fee schedules but discount their rates by approximately 20%-25% for plan members.
Is There an Annual Commitment?
Most discount dental plans require annual payment at the time of enrollment. However, if you are unhappy with the plan, they will allow you to cancel early, and forfeit the non-refundable enrollment fee. There are a few discount dental plans that offer monthly payments, but again, there will usually be a one-time, non-refundable enrollment fee included in the price.
The DENTALPLANS.COM website is administered by DENTALPLANS.COM, INC., a licensed Florida Discount Medical Plan Organization, 8100 S.W. 10th Street Suite #2000, Plantation, FL 33324. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com are not health insurance policies. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com provide discounts at certain health care providers for medical services. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com do not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. The Plan or Program member is obligated to pay for all health care services but will receive a discount from those health care providers who have contracted with the Plan, Program or discount plan organization.
Special promotions including but not limited to additional months, Delta SkyMiles® and Membership Rewards® points from American Express are not available to California residents.
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