Dental Insurance vs Dental Savings Plans?

Discounts on Dental

Save on out-of-pocket costs and reduce the price of dental services with dental insurance or dental savings plans.

Dental Savings Plans

Chose a dental savings plan if you need expensive dental care now, such as root canals, crowns, bridges/dentures, or braces.

Dental Insurance

Chose dental insurance if you want to save on basic care such as dental cleanings and regular checkups.

How To Save The Most On Dental Care

Dental Savings Plan

Join a dental savings plan to get members-only discounts (10%-60%) on dental care from a network of participating dentists. Advantages include discounts on a wide variety of dental treatments, fast access to savings, no waiting for reimbursements. If you need costly dental care ASAP, you’ll save the most with a dental savings plan.

Dental Insurance

Purchase dental insurance if you want great savings on preventive dental care. Dental insurance focuses on providing savings on services that keep healthy teeth and gums in great shape. If your dental care needs are basic, dental insurance may be all you need.

Dental Savings Plan + Insurance

Combining both dental insurance and a dental savings plan is an option if you’re worried about exceeding your insurance plan’s annual maximum, are waiting for your insurance coverage to activate for costly procedures such as a root canal or a crown, or need to save on dental treatments that are not covered by your insurance – typically dental implants, cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening or overlays. Talk to your dentist to find out how dental savings plan can help lower your dental bills.

Know Your Dental Savings Options

Plan Type Can I choose a dentist? Waiting Period? Annual Spending Limit? Biggest Savings? Plan Cost? Deductible? Cosmetic Treatments?
Dental Insurance (PPO) Yes, but you’ll save more with an in-network dentist 6-12 months before major treatments are covered. Yes, $1000-$2000, depending on plan. 100% coverage for preventive care. $285 annually* Typically, $50 per person Rarely, if ever, covered
Dental Savings Plan Yes, savings are the same at all participating dentists Can use plan within 72 hours of purchase. Use plan as often as needed, no annual spending limit 10%-60% discounts on restorative treatments $200 annually* Start saving right away, no deductible Discounts on cosmetic treatments with most plans.

* cost for individual coverage, source:
National Association of Dental Plans. Above information is typical across plan offerings, check individual plan details for specifics.


Dental Insurance Definitions:

Types of care

  • Preventive: includes annual checkups, bitewing x-rays, and routine cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  • Basic: Fillings, simple extractions and some types of deep cleanings.
  • Major: Root canals, crowns, bridges and dentures – dental insurance typically covers 50%.

Dental Insurance Terms

  • Annual maximum: How much dental insurance pays per year for your dental care.
  • Coinsurance: The percentage of a dental bill that you pay out-of-pocket.
  • Copay: A set fee that you pay out-of-pocket for a dental service.
  • Deductible: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage activates.
  • Fee schedule: the cost of dental procedures, for in-network care.
  • In-network: Dentists who have agreed to work with your insurance company
  • Premium: Monthly payment for dental insurance
  • Pre-existing conditions: any dental issue you had before being insured
  • Waiting period: The time it takes before your insurance covers major dental procedures (typically 6-12 months)