Dental Insurance can prove to be financially beneficial in reducing the costs of dental care for many. There is a difference between dental insurance and discount dental plans. Dental insurance is typically only available to individuals and families who receive their dental insurance coverage through large groups or through their employers.

How does dental insurance differ from a discount dental plan?

Similar to medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans are often categorized as either Indemnity or managed-care plans. The major differences concern out-of-pocket costs, choice of dental care providers, and how bills are paid.

More often the cost of cosmetic dentistry will not be covered by dental insurance. Dental insurance plans differ in the level of reimbursement offered for certain procedures and in the annual allowance spending limitations. Some plans limit the waiting period before certain dental treatments are rendered and have exclusions, meaning that costs for certain dental procedures will not be reimbursed.

For many there is no available dental option through their place of employment and may find it necessary to seek out dental insurance plan alternatives such as dental discount programs. Some people cannot afford to wait for the waiting period necessary with dental insurance or do not want annual limitations; and depending on the insurance plan the maximum yearly spending limits can dramatically differ.

Dental discount plans can provide discounts for exams, hygiene cleanings, root canals, orthodontics etc, without yearly limits and mandatory waiting periods.

Discount Dental plans often include additional benefits such as vision care discounts, pharmacy discounts, chiropractic care discounts, and discounts on hearing care services and products.