Did you know that dental coverage for US citizens is still optional despite the fact that health insurance is a requirement? Luckily, some dental practices are taking matters into their own hands and have begun offering dental membership programs to their patients. These in-house dental membership plans ensure that everyone has access to quality dental care.
What is a Dental Membership Plan?
Dental offices will generally accept payment from patients for dental work either through their insurance, a cash payment, or through a longer-term payment process facilitated by a third-party lender. Some forward thinking dental offices now utilize an alternative option: a dental membership plan.
A dental membership plan or program is an in-house annual membership plan offered by dental practices to their patients. The plan often includes two main components of dental services: preventative dental care and discounted restorative and cosmetic dental procedures.
Dental clinics that offer dental membership plans will have their own specific options based on the needs of their patients and what makes the most economic sense. Patients find great value in these types of plans because of their benefits and flexibility; however, it’s important to note that not every dental clinic offers a membership plan or program.
At Nottingham Dental, a dental clinic led by some of the best dentists in Katy, TX, we believe that everyone should have access to basic preventative care and general dentistry services. For this reason, we offer an affordable dental membership program so you can maintain your and your family’s oral health.
What is Nottingham Dental’s Membership Plan?
At Nottingham Dental, we offer a dental membership program in Texas called the “Smile Savers Plan.” See more details about our dental plan’s costs, offerings, and benefits.
What is the annual cost of the plan?
$195 per year
What preventative dental care does the plan include?
- 2 dental cleanings per year
- Preventative exams (oral cancer screening)
- X-rays
- 1 fluoride application per year
What treatment benefits does the plan include?
- 25% off all treatment
- 15% off of all products
- 15% off of orthodontics
What else should I know about the dental discount plan?
- There are no waiting periods, no maximums, and no deductibles!
- The plan cannot be combined with insurance or other offers.
- Treatment done by specialists is not included.
Is a Dental Membership Program Worth It?
Depending on your dental care needs, a dental membership program in Texas may very well be worth it. Here are a few reasons why:
1. No Waiting Periods
Unlike dental insurance, dental membership plans don’t have waiting periods. According to The Balance, waiting periods are essentially boundaries that dental insurance companies put in place to prevent patients from only “buying dental insurance when they have piled up a lot of dental procedures they want covered.”
This is to protect the insurance company, not necessarily the patient. Furthermore, in-house dental plans don’t follow these policies. With Nottingham Dental’s plan, for instance, there are no waiting periods – and you can sign up at any time!
2. More Patient Control
One of the key benefits of a dental membership program is that it gives patients more control. Would you like more control over your dental care costs? Would you like more of a say in the dentist you choose to take care of your dental procedures? Then a dental membership program might be worth it for you.
It ultimately all depends on the type of support you’ll require for your teeth. Let’s say you know you’re going to need extensive dental work. You might wonder whether dental insurance or a dental plan might be right for you. In that case, you may want to avoid a dental insurance plan due to it likely having various benefit caps and maximums.
3. Less Surprises
Have you ever gone to the dentist, got some work done that you thought was the average amount of work typically done when you visit the dentist, only to get a bill for triple what you usually pay? That likely happened to you because sometimes what’s covered and not covered in your insurance plan may change on an annual basis.
The benefit of a dental membership program is there are less surprises when it comes to billing. One of the best parts of a dental membership program is you’ll be working directly with your dental clinic as opposed to a third party like a dental insurance company.
4. More Regular Appointments
Imagine going to the dentist for two teeth cleanings at any point during the year rather than having to wait six months at a time. Imagine getting a consultation from your best dentist in Katy, TX, about whether you need a crown or a root canal procedure. That’s the type of regular consistency you’ll be able to experience with Nottingham Dental’s Smile Savers Plan.
It’s understandable then that the more regular your appointments with your dentist, the healthier your dental hygiene will be in the long run.
Why Do Dental Clinics Offer Dental Membership Programs?
According to a 2016 study conducted by the health journal Health Affairs, dental care presents the highest level of financial barriers for patients, compared to other types of health care services.
So it’s no surprise why some dental clinics have decided to offer their own in-house dental membership programs as dental coverage alternatives. These plans are reliable alternatives to dental coverage due to their focus on convenience, flexibility, lack of rigid restrictions, and discounted costs.
Conclusion
If you’re considering a discount dental plan in Texas, we recommend that you contact our dental office and ask our talented team all the pertinent questions you can think of that relate to your dental needs. Find out the annual charge, the benefits, the process, and exactly what type of dental treatment or dental procedures will be covered. In many cases, a dental membership plan might be the perfect option for you.
Contact us today: (281) 578-0211
