Best Dental Savings Plans

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Rebekah Brately
Contributor, Benzinga
March 7, 2024

Want to jump straight to the answer? Many readers find their dental savings plan on DentalPlans.com.

Going to the dentist is not cheap, and many people put it off for that reason. Whether you have a tooth that’s nagging you or it’s been too long since you had a cleaning, the best dental savings plans can help you pay for treatment and get the coverage you need. Here’s a rundown of the best options and who they are ideal for.

Quick Look: Best Dental Savings Plans

Table of Contents

Best Dental Savings Plans

Make dental care and procedures more affordable by selecting one of these options to help pay your bills.

Best Overall: DentalPlans.com

DentalPlans.com is a leader in dental coverage because of its affordable rates, availability in all 50 states, low annual fees and outstanding customer service. The company’s extensive online resources make it easy to shop and compare plans to ensure you get the full benefit from your investment. It will help you review your options, including Medicare, Medicaid and your rights under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

  • Annual fees: $100-$200
  • Average savings and discounts: 10-60%
  • Additional benefits: Some plans include discounts on other services, including chiropractic care, vision, prescriptions and hearing treatments
  • Network size of dental providers: 100,000

Pros

  • Plan options based on the procedure or dentist you need
  • No waiting period
  • Instant plan comparisons make it simple to shop

Cons

  • South Dakota and Vermont have no provider networks
  • Comparing out-of-pocket expenses between dental savings plans and dental insurance is challenging
  • Customers still need to verify savings with providers to ensure they get the value out of the plan

Best for Discounts on Braces: Smart Health Dental

Smart Health Dental offers both dental insurance options and dental discount plans. With no waiting periods, members can start using their savings the moment they join the plan. While the company’s dental coverage does not provide options for braces, its savings plan does, which can be a nice add-on even if you have dental insurance.

  • Annual fees: Starting at $99
  • Average savings and discounts: 10% to 50%
  • Additional benefits: Vision and prescription discounts as well as telemedicine benefits
  • Network size of dental providers: 262,000

Pros

  • Care coordination services help negotiate rates to get maximum value
  • No annual limit
  • Find how much a procedure or dental visit will cost with online plan coverage details

Cons

  • Purchasing a plan requires that you call the company
  • The website provides few pricing details
  • Must see dental providers listed in-network to get savings

Best for Seniors: Dental Care Advantage

When you need to get started quickly with a dental savings plan, Dental Care Advantage is an excellent choice. Signing up is simple and you’ll get immediate access to savings. That way, if you have procedures you’ve been putting off, you’ll now have coverage to make those dental services more affordable. The savings plan offers special pricing for seniors ages 55 and older, which makes it a great option.

  • Annual fees: Starting at $48
  • Average savings and discounts: 15% to 30%
  • Additional benefits: None
  • Network size of dental providers: 195

Pros

  • Discounted plans for seniors ages 55 and older
  • Guaranteed acceptance
  • Unlimited savings

Cons

  • Support is only available via phone
  • No additional service discounts, which many other dental savings plans offer

Best for Plan Comparisons: DentalInsurance.com

Compare dental savings plans with ease on DentalInsurance.com. You can also get information on whether dental insurance might be a good option for you based on your needs and the services you’re seeking. 

  • Annual fees: $240-$480
  • Average savings and discounts: 10% to 50%
  • Additional benefits: Vision, hearing and telemedicine available with some plans
  • Network size of dental providers: Varies based on the plan you select

Pros

  • Shop various dental savings plans available in your area with side-by-side comparisons
  • Compare up to three plans side-by-side at once
  • Shop based on services you need, such as orthodontia or a root canal

Cons

  • Calling the company or sending an email are the only support options
  • Not a dental savings plan provider but a third-party comparison website

Best for No Waiting Periods: Cigna Dental Savings Plan

When you need coverage fast for large procedures or to get annual exams for the whole family, Cigna Dental Savings Plan is a great option. Its annual rates are affordable and offer a large network of providers to help you get the most from your plan.

  • Annual fees: $96 for individuals and $132 for families
  • Average savings and discounts: Up to 40%
  • Additional benefits: None
  • Network size of dental providers: 88,000

Pros

  • Coverage for cosmetic dental procedures
  • Discounts for orthodontia, dentures and other nonnecessary services
  • Many participating dental providers

Cons

  • Customer service is only available via phone
  • Not available in all states

Best for Finding All Insurance Needs: Direct Benefits

Shop and compare plans for various insurance services, including dental savings plans. Because the site offers comparisons, you’ll see clearly whether a dental insurance plan or savings plan is right for you. Get your insurance needs all in one place, including ID theft protection, vision insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, dental insurance and short-term medical.

  • Annual fees: Varies based on the plan you select
  • Average savings and discounts: 5% to 50%
  • Additional benefits: Varies based on the plan you select
  • Network size of dental providers: Varies based on the plan you select

Pros

  • Comparison website makes it simple to review plans available in your area
  • Can help consumers decide between traditional dental insurance or a savings plan
  • In good standing with the Better Business Bureau

Cons

  • Not a dental savings plan provider but a comparison website
  • Challenging to find dental insurance plans that pair seamlessly with savings plans

Best for Wide Coverage: Aetna Dental Savings Plan

Aetna Dental Savings Plan offers outstanding discounts to help make your dental procedures and cleanings more affordable. Restorative procedures such as crowns and fillings offer discounts of 42% to 64%. If someone in your family is considering braces, the plan offers massive savings compared to the cost with savings of up to 42%. Add on vision and pharmacy benefits to save money in various ways.

  • Annual fees: As low as $120
  • Average savings and discounts: 15% to 65%
  • Additional benefits: Vision and pharmacy discounts available for an added fee
  • Network size of dental providers: 131,000

Pros

  • Get coverage even with existing conditions
  • Discounts available even for cosmetic treatments, such as whitening and veneers
  • High value for dental extractions

Cons

  • Available in select states
  • Excludes certain services
  • While the plan provides discounts for orthodontic work, Invisalign is excluded

Best for Telemedicine: Careington Dental Savings Plan

Careington Dental Savings Plan offers discounts on extensive services. Some plans even include telehealth savings when you include healthcare assistance on your plan. With many add-ons and options, the savings plan from Careington offers flexibility to help you manage your expenses related to various types of care.

  • Annual fees: Starting at $89
  • Average savings and discounts: 20% to 60%
  • Additional benefits: Vision and pharmacy savings
  • Network size of dental providers: Thousands nationwide

Pros

  • Includes coverage for braces, dental implants and other services other plans exclude
  • Use the online pricing tool to estimate costs of covered services
  • Discounts on eye exams, glasses, Lasik surgery and more vision-related expenses

Cons

  • Geographically based pricing makes it challenging to compare plans
  • Does not include hearing discounts like some other plans

What Is a Dental Savings Plan?

A dental savings plan is like a membership plan that offers discounts. It works like wholesale clubs where you pay to join but then can save money on expenses. You pay an upfront annual fee or monthly installments to receive discounts on your dental exams and procedures all year long.

Some consumers blend a dental savings plan with dental insurance to maximize benefits. For example, if you’re facing orthodontia bills and have maxed out the lifetime maximum from your dental insurance, purchasing a dental savings plan can make additional care more affordable. Or if your dental insurance excludes orthodontic care for adults, getting a dental savings plan can help you get this service at affordable rates.

Other scenarios where savings plans are especially helpful include expensive restoration services, such as crowns, bridges or implants. Even if you have dental insurance, it will likely only cover these services at 60% to 80%.

How Do Dental Savings Plans Work? 

Once you select and purchase a plan, you can search for in-network providers in your area. You have no waiting periods to start using the discount plan. When you arrive at your provider’s office, just show your discount card and get services at lower rates. You’ll pay less for dental services without the need for expensive dental insurance plans.

While you’ll pay out of pocket for all dental services, you’ll receive them at a discounted rate. Most plans offer discounts of 15% to 65% depending on the service.

Dental Savings Plans vs Insurance

The key difference between dental savings plans and dental insurance is that savings plans do not pick up any portion of your expenses. Dental insurance will pay a percentage of your care once you meet your annual deductible.

Annual costs between dental discount plans and dental insurance are also vastly different. Dental savings plans are available for a small annual fee while dental insurance plans often have monthly premiums that might exceed how much you spend on dental services in an average year depending on your needs.

Savings plans can be a great way to supplement dental insurance for noncovered services or services with limited coverage to make your overall care more affordable. Some plans also come with added benefits, such as vision or prescription discounts.

Compare dental insurance with dental discount plans to find what is best for you. Consider whether having both coverages could help you maximize your savings. Review the best providers below to find a plan that meets your needs.

Make Dental Care More Affordable

While dental savings plans don’t pay for any procedures, they do offer a way to make care more affordable. You can purchase coverage when you learn you need a major restorative procedure or start orthodontic treatment. Purchase the plan in some years when you know your expenses will be high and skip it in years with no foreseeable large expenses. The plans are flexible to meet your changing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q

Are dental savings plans legit?

A

Yes, so long as you see in-network providers, you’ll pay less for your care.

 

Q

Are dental savings plans suitable for people without dental insurance?

A

When you have no dental insurance coverage, opting for a dental savings plan can help reduce costs and is often better than having no coverage for dental services.

 

Q

How do I find a dentist who accepts dental savings plans?

A

Visit your dental savings plan provider’s website to find in-network dentists to receive your discount.

Dental Insurance Methodology

To determine the best dental insurance providers, we pored through all United States carriers. We winnowed the list by only including companies that have a wide coverage area and product offering. To further break down the list to the true best dental insurance providers, we gave weight to carriers that offer discounts, are available in all states and have multiple payment plan options.

Dental Plans Promo

Get 10% off any dental savings plan at DentalPlans.com. You can reduce your dental care costs by saving 10-60% off at the dentist!

About Rebekah Brately

Rebekah Brately is an investment writer passionate about helping people learn more about how to grow their wealth. She has more than 12 years of writing experience, focused on technology, travel, family and finance. Her work has been published in Benzinga, Hearst Bay Area, FreightWaves and Dallas Observer publications.