Should You Sign Up for a Dental Membership Plan?

Male dental patient smiling and giving a thumbs upNot everyone has dental insurance, which is why many dental practices offer in-house dental membership plans. Signing up for one of these plans can often go a long way toward making important dental treatments more affordable. Are you trying to figure out whether signing up for a dental membership plan is the right choice for you? Here are the facts that can help you make an informed decision.

How Do Dental Membership Plans Work?

The details of a dental membership plan can vary depending on the practice. That said, it usually involves paying a monthly or annual fee in exchange for discounts on various dental services. Many plans will cover two exams and basic cleanings per year as well as other preventive services such as oral cancer screenings and X-rays. On top of that, your membership plan may let you save money on additional treatments that might be needed to restore the health of your smile.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Dental Membership Plan?

One of the major advantages of a dental membership plan is that it’s often a more affordable alternative to buying dental insurance. Compared to insurance premiums, the fee for a membership plan is usually lower. On top of that, you won’t have to worry about some of the headaches associated with dental insurance, such as waiting periods, deductibles, copays, and annual maximums. That said, dental membership plans do come with a couple of downsides. For one thing, you can generally only enjoy the benefits of a given plan at the practice that offers it; this makes it a less flexible option than a PPO that can potentially help you save money at multiple dental offices. Furthermore, with a membership plan, you may end up paying more for restorative treatments compared to dental insurance.

Should You Sign Up for a Dental Membership Plan?

The answer to this question depends on your unique situation. In many cases, a dental membership plan can be a good option for people with healthy mouths who don’t expect to need much dental care outside of routine checkups and cleanings. It can also be an excellent choice for those who are currently between jobs and therefore cannot enroll in an employer-provided insurance plan. If your dentist offers a membership plan, you can always ask their team for more details. They’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you might have so that you can make the best decision for making your dental care as affordable as possible.

About the Practice

Here at Michelsen Dental, our dentists believe in putting patients first. When you visit us for treatment, you can always expect us to treat you with compassion and kindness while doing everything we can to keep you comfortable throughout your appointment. Not only do we accept most traditional dental insurance plans, but we also have an in-house membership plan that lets members save up to 20% on various treatments. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment at our dental practice in Orange, you can visit our website, use our online scheduling tool, or call (714) 492-1169.