What is the difference between dental insurance and dental plans?

There are consumers out there who confuse dental discount plans with dental insurance. With dental insurance, you have to pay monthly premiums with certain out-of-pocket expenses. However, after you meet your deductible, dental insurance usually covers 100 percent of expenses. Dental discount plans are not insurance and they work differently, too. Dental discount plans are membership programs. People receive discounts on dentist visits, filings, exams, braces and routine cleanings. Members of such discount plans usually receive about 30 percent, but only if they qualify.

With a dental discount plan, you have to go to a dentist willing to participate in this plan and offer his services at a discounted price. Dental discount plans shouldn't be replaced with dental insurance. Keep in mind that finding a dentist, who is willing to provide discounted prices, isn't easy. When you are considering a dental insurance or a discount plan from a company, make sure that you ask them these questions before making any promises:

• Do you have a website with more information? (Companies that are doing well in business usually have websites where you can search for more information)
• Are you licensed to offer this plan in this state? (Ask these dental insurers if they have a right to sell certain plans in your state)
• Can I think about it and get back to you next week? (Plans that want to trick you usually want you to sign up for their plan the same day you called)
• Where are you located? (Some insurance companies don't want for you to come down there and negotiate; they want to make money off you the minute you call!)
• Are you registered with the Better Business Bureau? (The BBB usually has a large amount of data on companies, their addresses and their contact information.
• Can you mail me more information on this plan before I sign up for it? (Be sure that you are completely positive with what you do; let them send you more information. If they're hesitant to do so, that's a sign of the company not caring.)
• Is your plan affiliated with or endorsed by a legitimate national organization? (Make sure that they're company is legal, and see if the organization they belong with exists)
• May I get a list of providers on this plan? (Make sure that you are with a company who will be able to provide you wit ha list of dentists who are willing to accept their plan)