6
Steps to Finding a Discount Dental Plan

With access to quality, affordable dental care increasingly limited, I find
it vitally important to discuss the cost-saving benefits of what is known as a
discount dental plan. But, before I do, let me explain why.

100+ Million Americans Without Dental Coverage

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 100
million Americans are currently living without any form of affordable dental
care coverage. This is certainly an alarming number considering the widely
accepted link between dental health and overall health.

The National Association of Dental Plans(NADP) considers discount dental
plans as a viable, cost-effective alternative to traditional dental insurance:
“With an estimated 45 percent of Americans not having any type of dental
coverage, and the dental insurance marketplace offering few, affordable dental
products for individuals, discount dental plans are an attractive answer to the
need to reduce consumer out-of-pocket costs and increase access to care.”

What is a Discount Dental Plan

Though, I’ve written several posts in the past about discount dental plans,
I’ll briefly mention the essentials. A discount dental plan is a discount plan,
not insurance, that entitles you to discounts on most dental procedures at a
local dentist. Depending on the plan you select, you can save 10%-60% on most
dental procedures. The savings can add up quickly even on x-rays and
fillings.

There are no forms to fill out, everyone is accepted, you can choose from
over 100,000+ participating dentists, and there are more than 30+ high quality
plans to choose from. If you don’t have traditional dental insurance, or your
self-employed, you can see how helpful a discount dental plan could be for
you.

So, how much do they cost? Typically, for an individual plan you’ll pay
around $80/yr and $130/yr for a family plan. With just a few visits to the
dentist its easy to see that you’ll have more than payed off the cost of the
plan for the entire year. Well worth it in my opinion.

How to Find a Local Plan

Believe it or not, finding a discount dental plan is actually really easy. I
would recommend, however, that you take the time to browse the benefits and
restrictions(if any) associated with each plan. Also make sure that the plan you
choose has dentists in your area that accept your plan.

Step 1

Visit DentalPlans.com(Aff)

Step 2

Enter
your zip code into the zip code search box on the right side of the
homepage.

Step 3

Browse
and compare plans available in your area. Be sure to look at each plan’s fee
schedule to determine which dental procedures receive discounts and the extent
of the discount. Choose a plan.

Step 4

Once
you have selected a discount dental plan, click the big blue “Join this Program”
button.

Step 5

After
clicking the “Join this Program” button, you’ll be brought to this screen. This
is just notifying you that you’ve added a discount dental plan to your cart. On
this screen, you’ll also see the plan type you selected(individual or family),
as well as the final price of the plan. Make sure that this information is
correct and look down the page to the “Apply Discount(Optional) form on the
left.

At
this point, type in DPP10 in the coupon code box to save 10% off the final price
of your plan – compliments of DentalHeroes.com

Click
the “New Member Checkout” button to enter the billing information page.

Step 6

Finally,
fill out the billing information form and choose to pay by credit card, eCheck,
or by mail. You’re Finished! Within 1 to 3 days your plan will be activated so
you can begin receiving the discounts according to your plan’s fee schedule at
any participating dentist that accepts your plan