Part II: Things to consider (and watch out for) when evaluating a dental discount plan.
Not all dental discount plans are set up the same.
You'll need to make sure that you thoroughly evaluate the financial considerations, as well as other terms and conditions, specified by each of the individual dental discount plans you are considering. While each will no doubt be very similar, there will almost certainly be differences too.
As we looked through several of these dental plans, we noticed the following points that we felt some people might not grasp the importance of, or even overlook totally. They are listed on this page in no particular order.
» Make sure that the fee schedule of the dental discount plan you are considering includes the procedures that you require.
You need to know for certain that the dental treatments and procedures that you require are included in the fee schedule of the dental discount plan you are considering, or have otherwise been arranged for. Make sure you have opportunity to see the plan's complete fee schedule. Or, if you know that you will need certain procedures and you don't see them listed in the plan's promotional materials, call the company and specifically ask if they are included.
With some discount plans, if a fee for a particular dental procedure is not found in the plan's fee schedule listing, the member's discount is based on a flat percentage of the dentist's usual fee (such as 25% off their normal fee). However, you absolutely cannot count on this being the policy with all programs. With some discount dental plans, if the procedure is not specifically listed in the plan's fee schedule it is not a discounted procedure (and you will have to pay the dentist's normal fee). Also, it is in your best interest to know under what conditions the company offering the plan can introduce changes into your plan's fee schedule.
» Check for any non-standard or hidden fees that the dentist can charge.
Make sure that the participating dentist must accept the discounted fee listed in the dental plan's fee schedule as payment in full. Certain procedures (such as crowns, bridges and full and partial dentures) involve dental laboratory expenses. Make sure that the discounted fee that the participating dentist is allowed to charge for these types of procedures includes this laboratory cost. These fees can be significant. If it is not included and must be paid by you, ask if there is a plan discount for this fee. We've also see discount dental plans where the dentist is allowed to tack on a "sterilization" fee.
» Does the discount dental plan provide for the services of specialists?
Some of the dental procedures you need may require the services of a specialist. If this is anticipated, you might inquire about the availability of this type of service provider. If for no other reason than they are fewer in number than general dentists, in some areas it may be difficult to locate specialists that have chosen to participate in a dental discount plan.
As a point to note, in some cases a dental plan may discount specialist's fees differently than those of a general dentist. Rather than utilizing a fee schedule, some plans may calculate the member's discounted fee as a flat percentage of the specialist's normal fees (for example, 25% off the specialist's usual fee).
» Other fee schedule related considerations.
It is possible that the precise discounted fee that a participating dentist is allowed to charge may be different than your plan suggests (due to the specific contract that the dentist has entered into with the company selling the discount plan). If you know which dentist's services you plan to utilize, it would be best to contact them directly and inquire about plan specifics.
» Some discount dental plans do contain exclusions.
Some discount dental plans have exclusions for some services. You must check and see. As an example, there may be exclusion of work currently in progress. Consider the following. While not a plan member you have root canal treatment initiated by a dentist that is a service provider for the plan. If you join the plan during that time frame during which you are undergoing the course of visits associated with your root canal treatment, you will not qualify you for a discount for that procedure.
