What to do if your dental savings plan is not saving you money

If you're paying into a dental savings plan and still feel like you're not getting your money's worth, you're not imagining it, and you're not stuck. Start by comparing the discounts you actually received with the membership fee you paid. This can happen if the discounts are too small, you don't use the plan enough or your dental provider is outside the network. Review your numbers and compare other options before you cancel. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• A dental savings plan discounts your bill. It doesn't pay it for you.  

• A small discount or low usage can mean your membership fee costs more than you save.  

• A simple math check with your past statements shows whether the plan is worth keeping.  

• If the plan isn't working, you have real options, including in-office plans and traditional insurance. 

If you’re not sure whether your dental savings plan is still worth the cost, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. Your care team can review your expected dental needs and help you compare what you may pay under different options. 

How dental savings plans work 

A dental savings plan, sometimes called a discount plan, is not insurance. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the plan company builds a network of dental providers who agree to charge members lower rates. Members pay the full reduced price for their care, and no dental claim is filed.¹ 

Your plan’s fee and discount rates affect how much you save. Your savings also depend on the care you need and whether you visit a dental provider in the plan’s network. 

That means the details matter. Do not assume every plan has the same fees, discounts or limits. Read the terms before you sign up. If the discounts are small or you do not use the plan much, the membership fee can use up your savings. 

Reasons your plan might not be saving you money 

A few common issues tend to be behind a plan that isn't pulling its weight. Here's what to check first. 

The discounts are smaller than you thought 

Discounts can vary by plan, dental provider and service. If you did not check the rates before signing up, review them now. Compare the plan’s reduced prices with the dental provider’s regular fees so you can see what you would actually save. 

You’re not using it enough 

If you only visit the dentist once or twice a year, a small number of discounted visits may not add up to more than your membership fee. The fewer times you use the plan, the harder it is for your savings to outweigh the cost. 

Your dental provider isn’t in the network 

The ADA explains that discount plans use a network of dental providers who agree to the plan’s reduced rates. Those rates apply when you receive care from a dental provider in the network.¹ Before each visit, ask the plan and dental office to confirm that your dental provider still participates. 

How to check if your plan is worth keeping 

Go through these steps before you decide anything. 

1. Pull out your statements from the past year. Add up what you actually paid. 

2. Figure out what you would have paid without any discounts. Your dental provider's office can share their standard rates. 

3. Subtract the membership fee from your total savings. That's your real number.

4. If you saved more than the fee, the plan is working. If not, it may be time to look at other options. 

Also ask your dental provider what care you'll likely need in the next year. More care means more chances for the discount to add up. Less care means the fee is harder to justify. 

What to do if the plan isn't working 

If your numbers show the plan isn't paying off, you have a few paths forward, starting with a quick conversation. 

Talk to your dental provider's office 

Ask them to walk you through your plan's discounts. Ask which services are covered and at what rate. A quick conversation can clear up a lot. 

Look into an in-office membership plan 

Some dental offices offer their own membership plans. These are direct agreements between you and the practice. The ADA notes that patients generally pay the office a set monthly or yearly amount. Preventive services may be included at no extra charge, while other care may be offered at a reduced fee.² The details vary, so ask what the fee includes, which services are discounted and whether any limits apply. 

Compare before you cancel 

If you're thinking of switching, look at what a new plan actually covers before you drop the old one. Timing matters too. Some plans don't refund unused fees. 

What about traditional dental insurance? 

Traditional dental insurance works differently. The ADA describes an indemnity dental plan as a form of traditional insurance. With this type of plan, the insurer usually pays a percentage of covered charges, while you pay the remaining cost. The plan may also include a deductible and an annual benefit limit.¹ 

Before switching plans, talk with your dental provider about the care you may need in the coming year. Knowing your expected treatment and costs can help you compare a savings plan with traditional insurance more realistically. 

What to do if your dental savings plan is not saving you money FAQs 

Still have questions about whether your dental savings plan is worth keeping? These answers cover a few common concerns. 

Can I use a dental savings plan and insurance at the same time? 

It depends on the plan. Some savings plans let you stack discounts with insurance. Others don't. Ask both your insurer and your savings plan provider before you assume you can combine them. 

Do dental savings plans cover specialists? 

Some do, some don't. Coverage for orthodontists, oral surgeons or periodontists varies by plan. Check the plan's provider list before booking with a specialist. 

What if my dentist leaves the network mid-year? 

The ADA explains that savings-plan discounts come from dental providers who have agreed to the rates set by the plan.¹ If your dental provider leaves the network, those lower rates may no longer apply. Call the plan before your next visit to confirm the dental provider’s status. The plan may also help you find another participating dental provider nearby. 

What if I need a lot of dental work this year? 

A savings plan with no annual limit could work in your favor. There's no cap on the discounted care you can receive. But make sure the discount rate is meaningful enough to offset your membership fee. 

Talk with your dental provider. Bring your statements. Ask the right questions. You deserve to know exactly what you're getting for your money. 

Sources 

¹ American Dental Association: “Introduction to Dental Benefits.” https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/practice/dental-insurance/intro-to-dental-benefits.pdf 

² American Dental Association: “Is an in-office dental plan right for your practice?” https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/dental-insurance/is-an-in-office-dental-plan-right-for-your-practice