What About Dental Discount Plans? Ask Dr. Ward

Dental plans are different from dental insurance, a fact that can be easy for consumers to overlook. Dental plans (also known as dental discount plans or dental referral plans) are different from dental insurance. Though it's possible to have both, most people have only one or the other.

These plans are essentially discount clubs. You pay a monthly or yearly membership fee and get a discount on your dental work from participating dentists. (This discount can vary greatly, but is often around 1/3.) Unlike with insurance, there are no claims forms for you or your dentist to fill out.

While most people who have dental insurance are insured through their employer, this not always the case with dental discount plans. Individual dental discount plans tend to be competitive with employer plans.