HOW TO PAY FOR DENTAL CARE WITHOUT INSURANCE

:DentalPlans Educates Public on Affordable Alternative

The links between periodontal disease and serious health conditions are well-established, yet we continue to create an artificial separation between health care and dental care.

Eighty-three percent of American adults now have health coverage. Overall, roughly 108 million people in the U.S. do not have dental insurance, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

The :DP SmileIndex survey**, an annual national survey from :DentalPlans, found that 58 percent of respondents without dental insurance stated it was not affordable.

Unfortunately, dental care costs are also challenging the family budget. We are spending on average $650+ per person, out of pocket, on dental care according to data provided by The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. That doesn’t include the more expensive procedures, such as braces (average $6,000), root canals ($1,075) or crowns ($950).

“The other key finding from our SmileIndex survey is that half of the national respondents were not familiar with dental savings plans,” says Bill Chase, vice president of marketing for :DentalPlans. “That tells us that we need to do a better job of educating the general public, specifically those without dental insurance, that dental plans are an affordable, quality alternative to dental insurance.”

For an annual fee, dental plan members can access a network of participating dentists who have agreed to accept a reduced fee for dental services performed. Depending on the plan, members can receive 10 to 60 percent off dental services, even orthodontia and restorative work.

Select plans offered by :DentalPlans also provide discounts on vision and hearing care services, prescriptions, chiropractic treatments and other wellness and health services and products.

“The :DP SmileIndex also revealed that 85 percent of :DentalPlans customers have visited the dentist in the past six months compared to only 55 percent of national respondents,” add Chase. “We feel this is a true reflection of the importance members place on oral care.”

Example savings:
Plan: Aetna Vital Savings
Scenario: Two Adults and Two Dependent Children
Annual Family Membership Fee: $179.95
Typical Dentist Fees Sample Reduced Fees
(for Plan Members) Total Savings
8 Routine 6 Month Check-ups $ 488 $256 $232
4 Adult Teeth Cleanings $452 $248 $204
4 Child Teeth Cleanings $328 $180 $148
4 Full Mouth X-Rays $600 $320 $280
Total Savings $864*

Using the Aetna Vital Savings plan, with an annual fee of $179.95, a family of four could save $864 on their annual ADA recommended treatments alone. That’s $684.05 in savings, including the cost of the plan. And the savings can really add up when additional dental care is factored in, like sealants for children’s teeth, crowns, braces, and other procedures.

To learn more about dental savings plans, consumers can visit :DentalPlans.com.

*The select regional average cost represents the average fees for the procedures listed above in Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago and New York City, as displayed in the cost of care tool as of August 2014.

**An independent study of its members was conducted for :DentalPlans between Jan. 21 and Feb. 4, 2015 by Infosurv Research. A total of 9,410 national customers were surveyed, yielding data with a margin of error of +/- .99%.

About :DentalPlans
:DentalPlans, founded in 1999, is a leading dental and health savings marketplace in the U.S., helping more than a million people to affordably access quality healthcare services. Our mission is to empower consumers with the tools, information, and services that they need to live happier, healthier lives.

We provide comprehensive resource centers aimed at helping people to maintain/regain optimal health, and successfully navigate the maze of healthcare payment options (including Obamacare and Medicaid.) Our independent research – the :DP SmileMeter™ and :DP SmileIndex™ – delivers a unique look into the consumer healthcare market. We offer user-friendly access to a wide selection of traditional dental insurance and 40+dental savings plans, along with innovative healthcare offerings including telemedicine, medical advocacy, and online counseling services. Our online plan comparison and savings calculator tools help consumers to make smart choices about essential healthcare services, and our :DP AtYourService™ customer support team leaves no question unanswered. For more information, visit us at www.dentalplans.com.

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