<p>Anyone here on cc who are not covered by an employer plan and have their own dental plan? If there is a previous discussion on this subject, please help by sending a link. I tried but couldn’t find what I was looking for.</p>
<p>Most private plans are very expensive I think, should one opt to just take a chance and pay the actual costs of dental work rather than paying costly premiums, co-insurance with low maximum benefits allowed for any given year? </p>
<p>Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>We have not had a dental plan for over 10 years. We met with our dentist and came up with a plan for handling payment. We pay the bill at the end of every visit in full - but we do receive a discount for services. This discount was negotiated at the meeting we had. So the dentist gets paid immediatley (in sharp contrast to having to wait for insurance to pay) and we get a discount on the fee. </p>
<p>When we initially apporached him, it was to ask for a recommendation for a dental plan (and we wanted to choose one that he participated in). He said that they are all very expensive and why not work out an arrangement. This has been beneficial for both of us. </p>
<p>A person who needs a lot of dental work done may benefit from a dental plan, but that’s it. We have 4 kids and after doing the math, determined that we made the right chose to not purchase a plan. ( we get regular cleanings, xrays and the occasional filling - no major work to date). </p>
<p>When my son needed his wisdom teeth pulled, I spoke with a few area specialists (my dentist does not do this) and I asked about price as I explained that we did not have insurance and so needed to ask about the specific costs. None were uncomfortable doing so and all gave me a cost breakdown. I don’t know if dental ins would have covered this. </p>
<p>Both my kids had their wisdom teeth extracted the summer of their senior year in HS. I believe it was covered my our major medical insurance with some dental insurance kicking in.</p>
<p>Many dentists offer “no-interest payment plans.” Since certain types of work can be pricey, they let you pay over time. As long as you pay off the bill within the designated number of months, and make your monthly payments on time, there is no interest. Some offer their own “insurance” style of plan where you make a monthly payment–sort of like pre-paying for work to be done–and receive a discount on your appointments/work. Ask your dentist if he or she has these types of plans, and which would be best for your situation. Most dental insurance isn’t that great. It will cover cleanings and checkups, and then only a percentage of any work to be done. (Like 80% of fillings, 50% of crowns. . .) And there is a yearly limit per person, so you can’t get a lot of work done in one year. For many years we didn’t have insurance. There is a balance between trying to take good care of your teeth/avoiding appointments, and letting things go too long–thus requiring more expensive procedures. Been down that road a few times. . .so if you need work done–go get it done! Most dentists will be happy to arrange payment plans in advance.<br>
(D works for a dentist.)</p>
<p>My kids all 4 wisdom teeth were extracted and paid by the insurance. A little bit from the health insurance because it covers it and the rest from dental. I think the total was $2000+. Luckily she did this before the dental insurance went away at age 22. We are paying for her dental directly with the dentist. So far it covers 2 checkups per year for about $180. It works out to $15 a month. So far so good. No problem yet.</p>