Dental health is so important, but dental insurance is not always included in a regular health insurance package or it costs extra to include. Instead of getting your own dental insurance, you have the option to pay for an annual dental plan. You purchase a dental plan directly from the dentist of your choice, and the plan includes set appointments, cleanings, and other perks.

As you make a decision between dental insurance and a dental membership, look at all of your options and the advantages that come with a membership plan.

1. No Deductibles

When you sign up for a dental insurance plan, the plan will often include a large deductible before the insurance even kicks in. In some cases, the deductible could be thousands of dollars. The high deductible means that you will have to pay several out-of-pocket costs before insurance covers the rest. Often, the deductible could cost more than a whole membership plan.

On the other hand, once your membership plan is pad for, you have a set list of guaranteed procedures and appointments as a part of the plan. The membership typically lasts for a whole year, so you know exactly when the plan begins and ends. You do not have to constantly check your deductible amount and pay extra out-of-pocket expenses.

2. Eliminate Extra Waiting

When you have a dental membership plan, you control your own schedule and timeline. You do not have to wait for a certain amount of time to pass before you need a cleaning. You do not have to wait for insurance approval to cover certain procedures. A plan will often include an emergency visit that will help treat toothaches and other dental problems.

An insurance company, conversely, could delay a procedure as you wait for approval. Even then, you may still have deductible costs or extra out-of-pocket fees.

3. Avoid Co-Pays

Even when you have deductibles covered, dental insurance may require a co-pay every time you go to the dentist. The co-pay is typically a smaller fee, but the extra costs can add up over time. When you purchase a dental membership, you do not have to pay any co-pays or extra fees. You simply show up to your appointment and leave without any extra transactions.

The elimination of the co-pay helps with tight budgets. After paying for the membership once, you can rest easy knowing you have dental care taken care of for the rest of the year. If you lose a job or have sudden expenses, you do not need to worry about the cost of dental work.

4. Custom Plan Options

With a dental insurance plan, the health insurance company may limit the number of cleanings and visits covered, regardless of your health. With a dental membership, you have the opportunity to set up your own custom plan.

For example, if your mouth is more vulnerable to swollen gums, then you can choose a plan with three cleanings a year instead of two. If you have concerns about changes in your jaw, then you can select a plan that includes multiple x-ray appointments. Your plan can cater to your personal needs and not some general criteria set up by a health insurance company.

There are typically multiple packages available through a plan as well. The packages feature some of the more common options. For example, if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, then you may choose a plan with a regular check-up and a deep cleaning.

5. No Surprise Costs In the Future

Not everything is covered in a dental membership, but you will have a clear-cut understanding of any potential future costs associated with your plan. When you sign-up, you can read through the add-on procedures and extras that cost money. Examples include root canals and fillings. As a part of the membership plan, you are also entitled to extra discounts.

The discounts are set for members and will help you budget out any future procedures you may need. Along with the add-on costs, you could enroll in payment options so you do not have to pay the full amount all at once. The savings add up over time, especially if you need emergency work done on your teeth and have no other options.

Some of the cosmetic features may come at a discount as well. For example, you may want a teeth whitening procedure done by professionals. A discount will provide you with extra savings and allow you to go back to the same office you’re already comfortable with.

For more information on dental membership plans, reach out to us at Valley Oak Dental Group. Our website gives you all of the details about each plan, but our receptionists and experienced employees can guide you through the process as well. Once you see the differences the membership makes, you may end up choosing the option annually.