How Can I Get Discount Dental Work In My Area If No Dentists Are On The Plans?

Standard dental health coverage (which some refer to as "dental insurance only) and discount family dental plans (which aren't insurance) have one thing in common: They require the dentist to discount dental work in cases where the patient is part of the network. This discount off of the normal dentist rates can range from 10% to 40% on restorative dental work (fillings, crowns, bridges, etc.) and more on preventative work (exams, x-rays, cleanings). In fact the preventative dental work discount can be 100% if the dentist provides free exams or xrays which they sometimes do as you will shortly see.

The point is, if you can't find any dentists participating in a discount dental plan or even dental insurance that you can work in your favor, you may still benefit from a discount on dentists rates. Here's how: (Continued After Table...)

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1. Dentistry is a schedule-driven business, help them fill their schedule. Getting a discount on dental work in a given period of time is one strategy. Coming in on short notice as others cancel or when the schedule can't be filled can earn you discount dental work from a little calling and negotiating. Dentists have "ASAP" lists, waiting lists and ucompleted work lists they consult when trying to fill the schedule. Calling around and discussing your needs, plus scheduling an examination (which you may be able to negotiate a discount dental exam as well, maybe even free), then waiting for an opening can be a way to make your own dentist rate reduction.

2. Pay in cash, pay at time of service or even pay ahead. Dentists have to wait a long time to get their payments from dental insurance, only to find that there are other barriers to getting paid such as challenges to their diagnosis, treatment or paperwork submission. Agreeing to pay in cash at the time of service can automatically earn you a discount, typically in the 5-10% range. However, coupling this technique with others can earn you more. One way to earn the dentist's trust, plus make it easier to manage is to setup a pre-payment program where the discount dental work is "earned" by paying the anticipated fees before service is rendered. Of course some dentists take post dated checks or credit cards in advance or sometimes even after service is rendered.

3. Find a new dentist office. Much like dentist's office that finds their schedule open on occasion, a new practice is in that situation sometimes for months or even years after starting up. A new dentist practice doesn't mean an inexperienced dentist. Most dentists must work in other dentist's office before opening up their own, so their experience level is higher than someone "fresh out" of dental school. You certainly can ask how many years since graduation and check with the state dental board to make sure they are telling the truth about their experience level if you are concerned.

If none of these methods of getting discount dental work meet your needs, or if you are shy about negotiating, you can always first check about finding a discount dental plan in your area. You'll pay a small fee, usually between $100 and $150 per year, for the plan to find agreeable dentists that provide discount dental work in your area, but sometimes that's worth the time, effort and any personal embarrasment. The below table provides some sample fees for these types of programs on a national basis. Clicking on the item will provide you with an area to receive custom quotes for your geographic area.