If you don’t want to buy dental insurance you can still save on dental care by purchasing a dental discount card. A dental discount card doesn’t have the same limitations as insurance and it can be customized according to your needs. Here is a quick rundown of how they work, how to choose a good plan and how to use it.
What It Is
Dental discount cards help reduce the cost of certain dental procedures but the coverage isn’t quite the same as the sort you would get under insurance. You purchase the card and select a suitable plan. The card gives you access to a network of dentists that offer their services at a reduced cost. You are charged a fee and the card is valid for a year.
How To Select A Good Plan
A dental discount card is only as good as the plan you select. Some plans discount a percentage off of the dentist’s usual fee. Others set a fee for a specified amount of money. Look at the overall cost of what dental work you feel you need (fillings, regular cleanings, a root canal) before you purchase a plan. Remember to add the administrative costs of the plan you are considering and compare monthly payments versus an annual fee. Paying an annual fee might offer you more value on the dollar than monthly payments.
Make Sure Your Dentist Is ‘In Network’
Your dentist should not just accept cards but also accept the plan you purchase. Run the details of the plan you are considering by your dentist. If you don’t, you might end up paying for a plan that you won’t use with the dentist you already trust.
How To Use The Card
You can start using the card at your dentist’s clinic as soon as you buy one and select a plan. You can also add family members to the card for a very nominal sum.
Schedule Regular Check-Ups
You can jump through hoops to save money on dental care, but it won’t matter if you don’t take care of your teeth. Start and maintain a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing your teeth daily. Try to quit smoking and cut back on sweets and fizzy drinks. Regular dental appointments will catch minor problems early which will end up saving you money in the long run.