Maybe you have a traditional job with typical benefits, including dental insurance. Perhaps you’re a freelancer or gig worker and don’t have employee benefits, or you’re retired and don’t have dental coverage through Medicare. These days, situations vary widely, and there isn’t just one solution that’s right for everyone’s needs. Fortunately, some dentists provide multiple ways to reduce your oral healthcare costs, namely dental insurance and in-house membership plans. But what’s the difference between the two and their pros and cons? Keep reading to learn more.
How Traditional Dental Insurance Works
When you sign up for dental insurance benefits through your employer, you dedicate a small portion of your paycheck to benefits. In exchange, you get coverage for certain dental expenses, especially for preventive care. In fact, if you want to maximize your insurance dollar, you should take advantage of dental checkups and cleanings and early treatment.
Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of dental insurance:
Pros of Dental Insurance
- Your dentist has already agreed to discounted rates.
- Dental insurance can be used with many dentists throughout the country.
- For a consistent monthly premium, your insurance covers most or all of the cost of necessary treatment.
Cons of Dental Insurance
- There may be a waiting period before benefits begin.
- If your preferred dentist is out-of-network, you might not save as much, and the process is a little more complicated.
How In-House Dental Plans Work
If you don’t have dental insurance and your dentist offers an in-house membership plan, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pay full price for every service. You can enroll for a discounted rate. Basically, for an annual fee, you get certain services with a discount on other procedures. It’s a simple agreement between you and the dental practice, and there are usually at least a couple of plan options, depending on your needs.
The following are the advantages and disadvantages of these discount plans:
Pros of In-House Dental Plans
- You don’t have to worry about approval, claims forms, or complex paperwork.
- There is no annual maximum.
- Benefits usually start immediately upon registration.
- Discounts apply to services that are typically not covered by dental insurance like dental implants and cosmetic procedures.
Cons of In-House Dental Discount Plans
- Not all dentists offer these kinds of plans or significant discounts.
- Discount plans only work at one dental practice and are not transferrable elsewhere.
Ultimately, regardless of your situation, you need to find a dental practice that offers what you’re looking for at a reasonable rate. Whether you have dental insurance or need to enroll in a membership plan, your dentist can work with you to make your oral care affordable.
About the Author
At Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center, Dr. Stephen Boyles offers multiple methods of payment. The practice is in-network with many insurance companies and has an in-house membership savings plan available. If you are interested in learning more details about the in-house plans or using your dental insurance, contact our Midland office online here or call 432-685-7011.