Dental Insurance and Discount Plans

	Dental Insurance.com allows you to compare quotes from leading insurance carriers in your area in one long convenient list. You may compare them, download brochures, and apply online. This site shows both discount cards and dental insurance plans. (Look before buying)
	Insurance Company.com uses your zip code to create a list of BOTH discount cards and dental insurance plans. Review plan brochures carefully before signing up for anything online. This site was recommended by the NADP along with the above site (Dentalinsurance.com)
	Careington is one of the few reputable dental discount cards. Their program will get you substantial discounts on all types of dental work. (1) Click below to find a dentist in your area that accepts the card (2) Ask about the cost of a procedure with the Careington card. (3) Look up the costs of procedures on Careington's web site. CLICK HERE to find a dentist near you that accepts the Careington discount card.
	Dental Plans.com lists out most of the popular dental discount cards. These plans can be compared based on what they offer. The site also lets you search for local dentists that accept each discount card before you purchase a plan.
	The National Assoc of Dental Plans has a search option allowing you to search for discount cards, and individual dental insurance by state or zip code. (CLICKING THE LOGO WILL TAKE YOU TO THE SEARCH PAGE)

Note About Discount Cards: Some of the resources below lead to dental DISCOUNT cards. Discount cards are NOT insurance plans. There are a few reputable discount cards (like Careington) which are recognized and will save you money on dental feels. Make sure the discount card allows you to FIRST find a doctor in your area that accepts it. Call that doctor and confirm with them first that they accept the discount card.

What are the different kinds of dental plans?

1. DHMO - Dental Health Maintenance Organization Typically, the least expensive of dental plans . All dental services are provided by professional dentists who agree to provide specific treatments and services to patients at no charge (some services may require a co-payment.)
DHMO plans reward participating dentists who keep patients in good health, thereby keeping plan costs low. Dentists are paid directly by the insurance company for each individual, regardless of how much or how often covered services are used.

2. Indemnity Usually allows the patient to go to the dentist of their choice. These plans generally pay a portion of the dentist's fee or a set dollar amount (usually, whichever is less).
Payments may be made to the insured member or, by assignment, directly to the dentist. If there is a difference between the amount paid and the dentist's full charge and the amount paid, the individual usually pays the difference.

3. PPO - Preferred Provider Organization Generally less expensive than Indemnity dental plans. Individuals select their dentist from a network or listing of dental providers who have agreed by contract to reduce their fees.
Individuals can also seek treatment from dentists outside of the PPO (non-participating dentists) but may be responsible for higher deductibles and/or co-payments.

4. Scheduled A scheduled plan or scheduled reimbursement plan reimburses you for a specific amount based on a fee schedule with any balance due being your responsibility. Scheduled plans do include a calendar year maximum, a deductible and have waiting periods on certain procedures. A Scheduled plan shows every covered procedure and the amount you will be reimbursed for each procedure. For example, if the insurance reimburses $47 for a cleaning, and your dentist charges you $50 for a cleaning, you would be responsible for the difference of $3.

5. Discount Card Discount cards are offered as a way to lower the cost of dental care. These cards are especially attractive for people who do not have insurance coverage for these services or who have inadequate coverage. Discount cards allow for unlimited use of services by using a dental network and are based on a discounted fee schedule. The cost of your membership card is small compared to the potential savings for you and your family.

(CLICK FOR BASIC INFO ON DENTAL DISCOUNT CARDS) OR (CLICK HERE FOR AN INTERESTING ARTICLE)