Medicare

Dental Savings Plan vs. Dental Insurance: Which Is Right for You?

Senior couple checking their bills using laptop in the kitchen

Estimated Read Time: ~7 minutes

Summary: Dental savings plans and dental insurance can make care more affordable, whether you want immediate discounts on treatment or reliable coverage for ongoing needs. By comparing costs, benefits and convenience side by side, you’ll gain confidence in choosing the option that best fits your budget and dental health goals.

Good dental care supports your overall health and confidence. Having a dental savings plan or dental insurance can make routine visits and unexpected care more affordable, so you spend less time worrying about costs and more time keeping your smile healthy.

Both options offer cost-saving benefits, but each plan functions differently. Understanding how they work and what each one covers can help you make the right choice for you and your family.

What is dental insurance?

Dental insurance, similar to health insurance, is coverage where you pay a monthly premium and, in return, the insurer covers a portion of your dental expenses.

Having dental insurance helps manage the cost for routine care and can ease the financial strain when treatment needs add up over time. For many people, this insurance provides some peace of mind by making costs more predictable and helping them stay on top of their oral health.

Coverage is typically divided into three categories:

  • Preventive care: Cleanings, exams and x-rays are often covered at 100%.
  • Basic care: Fillings and simple extractions are typically covered up to 80%.
  • Major procedures: Crowns, bridges and dentures are usually covered at a lower percentage (usually up to 50%) after meeting deductibles and waiting periods.

Here are some important features of dental insurance to remember:

  • Coverage details: Unlike Medicare supplement plans, dental insurance isn’t standardized, so coverage details can vary quite a bit from one company to another.
  • Annual coverage limits: An annual coverage limit is the maximum amount an insurance company will pay for covered claims within a single policy year. Many insurance plans place a limit, or cap, on how much coverage they provide each year. Others offer coverage without that restriction. Most plans cap annual benefits between $1,000 and $2,000; however, some may offer an option of a higher cap, such as $5,000. After that, you pay 100% of the cost for any services out of pocket.
  • Waiting periods: A waiting period is the time you must wait after enrolling in the plan before coverage begins for certain services. Not all plans have them, but when they do, they usually apply to basic or major care. Preventive services, such as cleanings and exams, are typically covered immediately. Waiting periods can range from a few months up to a year for fillings, crowns or other major procedures.
  • Shared costs and claims: Most plans have deductibles. You’ll typically pay monthly premiums and some portion of each service (copays or coinsurance), and claims may need to be submitted for reimbursement.

What is a dental savings plan?

A dental savings plan, unlike dental insurance, is a fee-based membership program that offers discounts on dental services through a network of participating dentists.

You pay a monthly or an annual fee, often under $150 per year, and get immediate access to reduced charges on services, such as cleanings, fillings, crowns, implants and most cosmetic dental services. Orthodontic services, such as braces, may also be included.

Typically, there are no deductibles, no waiting periods and no annual maximum coverage limits. These features of dental savings plans may be helpful if you need care right away, or are on a fixed budget or income.

Here are some important features of dental savings plans to remember:

  • Discounts on services: When you visit a participating dentist, present your membership card and receive a pre-negotiated discount on the dental services you need. You pay the dentist directly at the time of service, but at a discounted cost.
  • No claims or reimbursements: There is no paperwork or claims to process. The discount is applied directly, at the time of your visit.
  • Renewal: The plan must be renewed regularly to continue receiving benefits.

Dental insurance vs. savings plan: Key differences

When shopping for ways to save on dental care, you’ll likely come across both dental savings plans and dental insurance. Here’s a straightforward comparison to help you decide which option fits your needs.

Dental Insurance Dental Savings
How it works

  • What you get: Coverage for a portion of your dental expenses.
  • How it works: Pay a monthly or yearly premium. After any applicable deductible, insurance covers part of your costs while you pay the rest (copay or coinsurance).
  • Claims: You or your dentist may need to file claims for reimbursement.
  • Limitations may apply: Plan features vary—some include waiting periods or coverage limits, while others offer more flexibility.

Costs and limits

  • Monthly/yearly premium: Usually $20–$40/month or $240–$480/year.
  • Annual maximum: Usually $1,000–$2,000 per year. Insurance stops paying after you reach the limit.
How it works

  • What you get: Discounts on dental services at participating dentists.
  • How it works: Pay a membership fee. Show your membership card at the dentist to receive reduced rates on care.
  • No claims: You pay the dentist directly at the discounted price; no paperwork or reimbursement hassles.
  • Use anytime: There are no waiting periods or annual limits. You get access to savings immediately, and as often as you need.

Costs and limits

  • Annual fee: Typically $100–$200.
  • Annual maximum: None. Discounts apply every time you visit.
  • Your cost: Typically 10–60% of the total visit cost, thanks to discounted rates based on the services provided.

Can I use both dental insurance and a dental savings plan?

Technically, yes, but usually not for the same treatment at once. Some patients use a dental savings plan after they’ve reached their annual insurance maximum, or to get discounts on services their insurance doesn’t cover.

If you plan to combine both, confirm with your insurance carrier and your dental savings plan provider to avoid billing surprises.

Choosing the right dental plan for your needs

Here’s a practical way to decide:

  • A dental insurance plan can help manage routine and major dental costs, as long as you’re comfortable with monthly premiums and possible waiting periods for certain services.
  • Choose a dental savings plan if you want immediate discounts, predictable costs and potential for easier access to care for yourself and your family.

Deciding between dental savings plans vs. dental insurance ultimately comes down to how often you visit the dentist and what kind of care you need.

Dental insurance can offer more predictable coverage over time, even if some services have waiting periods and benefits vary by plan and carrier. A dental savings plan can be a good fit for those needing immediate care and a lower monthly fee, though out-of-pocket costs may end up higher than dental insurance, depending on the services used.

FAQs related to dental insurance vs. dental savings plan

1. How do I get dental insurance with immediate coverage?

Most dental insurance plans have waiting periods for basic and major services, while a dental savings plan offers immediate discounts at participating dentists, making care more accessible right away.

2. Do dental plans cover implants?

Yes and no; it depends on the type of plan. Dental savings plans don’t cover implants but offer discounts on the cost. Most dental insurance plans have a lifetime maximum benefit amount that they will pay for dental implants. For example, a lifetime maximum benefit for implants could cover $2,000-$3,000, depending on the plan.

3. Can you use a Health Savings Account (HSA) for dental costs?

Yes, typically, HSAs can be used for qualified dental expenses, such as fillings and extractions. HSAs generally exclude elective cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening; however, procedures, such as root canals or dental crowns or bridges, are deemed qualified dental expenses. The use of an HSA applies whether you have dental insurance, a dental savings plan or both.

4. Does Medicare cover dental care for seniors?

Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental care or most dental services, but many Medicare Advantage plans do. Seniors enrolled in Original Medicare may want to consider an individual dental insurance policy or a dental savings plan to help manage dental costs.


Item #641333

Close

D638767