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What is a “discount" or "reduced fee" dental plan?
Discount or reduced fee dental plans are designed for
individuals, couples, and families looking to save money
when visiting the dentist. All general dentists
participating in discount dental plans have agreed to
accept a lower fee, than they would normally charge, as
payment in full for each service performed. Each
discount dental plan comes with a membership card and a
complete list of all dental procedures covered and what
the discounted price will be. Discount dental plans are
also know as “referral plans” due to the fact they
generate new patient referrals to dental offices.
Once enrolled in any discount plan
listed on DentalPlans.com, you may visit a participating
provider of that plan and receive dental treatments at a
discounted fee. When visiting a general dentist, these
discounted fees range from 10% to 60% lower than what a
dentist normal charges. You simply show your membership
card when visiting any participating plan dentist to
receive your dental services at discounted rates. Unlike
insured dental benefits, there are no claim forms,
pre-existing condition checks, or paperwork hassles.
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Are the discount dental plans offered by
DentalPlans.com considered dental insurance?
No. The discount dental plans offered by DentalPlans.com
are not dental insurance. Most "dental insurance plans"
are designed for large groups, organizations, or
businesses. Discount dental plans are an innovative
alternative to dental insurance, designed to suit the
needs of individuals and families looking to save money
on dental care. Typically, dental insurance is difficult
to obtain unless provided by your workplace or employer.
Discount dental plans have stepped in to save people
money that would not be able to acquire traditional
dental insurance.
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How are discount dental plans different from
traditional insurance?
Discount dental plans are different from traditional
dental insurance in several ways. First, discount dental
plans are easy to enroll in by removing the hassles and
waiting periods associated with traditional dental
insurance. Also, unlike traditional dental insurance,
our discount plans do not deny coverage based on a
patient’s pre-existing dental conditions. Another nice
feature of our discount dental plan is there are no
complicated claim forms required for usage. In addition,
there are no insurance deductibles to worry about. Most
importantly, there is no annual maximum benefit - you
can use the plan as much and as often as needed.
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How are discount dental plans similar to dental
traditional insurance?
The network of providers that participate in the
discount plans we offer are licensed professionals just
like you would find on most traditional insurance plans.
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What do I pay and to whom?
Your total out of pocket expense includes your dental
plan membership fee, plus the discounted fees you will
be charged for dental treatment you receive when using
your plan.
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When does my new dental plan activate? Is there a
waiting period?
Most dental plan memberships are activated within a few
business days of when your payment is received and
processed. On each dental plan detail page, you will
find an "Activation Date" - this is the first day that
you may begin using your benefits. Unlike traditional
dental insurance, plan activation is quick.
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Are there dentists available in my area?
Use our
powerful searches to find out if
dentists are in your area. DentalPlans.com offers the
largest combined network of dentists anywhere, with a
network presence in all 50 states.
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Who is a participating provider?
A participating provider is a dentist who has agreed to
participate in a discount dental plan and to provide
dental services to plan members at lower prices.
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Am I stuck using a specific dentist or participating
provider with my plan?
No. With our discount dental plans, you are not
obligated to use a specific participating provider. You
are free to use any participating dentist listed in the
dental plan's network, regardless of the ZIP code, town,
city or state.
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What steps are taken to ensure that the participating
dentists are quality providers?
All of our participating providers are subject to a
selective screening process to ensure that all are
licensed practitioners and his or her qualifications
meet our standards. The following steps are taken by our
network providers to ensure that you receive top-notch
care.
• An initial application to collect general office and
provider data
• A requirement that each dentist complies with OSHA and
CDC standards
• A requirement that up-to-date current malpractice
insurance and state license information is kept on file
for each provider
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Where and when do I receive my Online Membership
Package?
As soon as you complete your online enrollment, you can
instantly download your Online Membership Package in the
DentalPlans.com Member’s Area - right on your home or
office PC. You can print out your membership cards and
complete fulfillment materials anywhere you have
computer access! If you do not have access to a printer,
we will be happy to mail your benefit package directly
to your postal address. Please call our toll free
number, 1-888-632-5353 for assistance.
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What benefits/savings are offered for orthodontic
work (braces)?
In general, MOST orthodontic procedures, services and
treatments, performed by an orthodontic specialist, are
offered at 20% off the orthodontist’s usual and
customary fees. (NOTE: this specialist discount may be
15%-25% on certain plans).
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What benefits/savings are offered for cosmetic
dentistry?
In general, MOST cosmetic dental procedures, services
and treatments, when performed, are offered at a 25%
discount off the dentist's usual and customary dental
fee.
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Do you have plans available in Canada and elsewhere
outside the US?
No. At this time plans are only available in the United
States.
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Can I make monthly payments on my enrollment fee?
No. The enrollment fee is an annual fee which must be
paid in full upon enrollment to become an active member.
DentalPlans.com strives to bring our consumers a quality
benefit product at the lowest cost possible. Accepting
payments on a monthly basis would increase the cost of
processing, and would make our plans more expensive.
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