Just what is a discount dental plan? How does it work and why should I choose one over dental insurance?

Great questions. But first lets define the term.

A discount dental plan is what some people call it an ????????affordable alternative???????? to dental insurance.

Here????????s how it works.

You apply for membership with a company that offers the plan and agree to pay a monthly fee in return for deep discounts on dental services. The company issues you a dental discount card.

When you visit the dentist, you simply present the card for an instant discount. Since a discount dental plan is not the same as dental insurance, you are responsible for paying for all services. In return, youre able to get dental care at a more affordable rate.

Typical savings range from 30% to 80% off the dentist????????s regular charge. Depending on the procedure, you could save hundreds, or even thousands of dollars a year on dental work. Some people are even making money selling discount plans as a home based business. But thats the subject of another article.

Now about the differences.

You Have To Pay the Piper

One major difference between a discount plan and dental insurance is that you pay the cost of dental work, but at a discounted price. Many dentists are willing to work out a monthly payment plan with their patients. With traditional dental insurance, the insurance company pays for the procedure up to a pre-determined amount, and you have to pay the difference.

Pre-Existing Conditions No Problem

Most discount dental plans include all pre-existing conditions. Dental insurance does not. For example, if you need a particular procedure you can sign up for a discount plan that your insurance company does not cover????????and have the procedure done immediately????????with no waiting period.

No Deductibles

With insurance, you face the problem of high deductibles and selective coverage. That????????s because many insurance companies don????????t cover certain procedures like cosmetic dentistry, cleaning and orthodontics. Discount plans dont require a deductible.

Plan Includes All Procedures

With insurance you could be forced to pay additional charges if your plan pays only a portion of the cost of the procedure. With a discount plan you don????????t have that problem. Again, the key is choosing the right plan.

NO Paperwork and NO Waiting Period

Insurance companies require you to fill out page after page of paperwork. With a discount plan there is no paperwork to fill out, no age restrictions and no waiting period. With a good plan you can schedule a dental appointment the same day you enroll.

The Bottom Line

Different discount plans provide different levels of service, and have a wide range of price structures, but here are the major characteristics of the best plans, some of which I have already mentioned...

1. The plan charges a small monthly fee that includes your entire household, regardless of relationship. That includes brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, in-laws and outlaws.

2. A reputable company with a solid history of business for 10 years or more. The rise in health costs have brought with it a rise in unscrupulous companies out to get your hard-earned dollar.

3. There is no waiting period. You should be able to start using the plan within minutes after signing up if needed????????even before their dental discount card arrives.

4. The plan has extra perks, including, vision, prescription or chiropractic care--all at no extra cost.

If you don????????t currently have dental insurance, or if your current policy does not cover certain procedures, you might want to consider a discount plan. Just do your homework and make sure you????????re dealing with a company that delivers on its promises.