Dental membership programs are an affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance. It allows greater access to quality dental care for patients. In addition, membership programs allow uninsured or poorly insured patients the option to purchase preventative care in advance at a discounted price.
Membership programs are also known universally as dental savings, discounts, subscriptions, or in-office benefit plans. That said, your practice would decide on how to refer to your program internally.
Such programs are not insurance and are not to be confused with regular conventional dental insurance. Unlike insurance, membership programs have no limitations, limited reimbursements, waiting periods, large deductibles, pre-authorization requirements, denials of coverage, pre-existing clauses, or limit on maximums.
Dentists will typically provide their members a discount on additional services, which adds a massive value to the plan structure. Otherwise, plans include preventive services such as cleanings, exams, and x-rays, often at 100%.
