When looking for a new dentist in Aurora, patients must consider a variety of factors. The location of the office and the services offered are important for determining whether a practice is a good match, but one detail that cannot be overlooked is affordability. A good practice will offer patients different options for reducing the cost of their care by accepting different dental insurance plans while offering a dental discount plan of their own. There are several key differences between insurance and a discount plan, but one thing they have in common is that they can both make it significantly easier for families to pay for care.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance in Aurora is likely the first option that many people think of when trying to limit the costs of oral healthcare. Unlike regular health insurance that focuses on covering treatment once some kind of health issue occurs, dental insurance places more emphasis on prevention. As such, restorative procedures are usually only partially covered while checkups and other preventive services may receive full coverage.
Each dental insurance plan will outline the type of treatments that the company is willing to pay for. Once the patient meets their deductible, they can start applying their insurance benefits towards applicable treatments. There is a set amount called the annual maximum that limits the amount that the insurance company can pay for care during a year’s time; once that maximum is met or exceeded, patients will have to pay any remaining dental costs out of pocket.
Dental Discount Plans
Many practices have a dental discount plan for uninsured patients and their families. Unlike dental insurance, a dental discount plan does not involve premiums, annual maximums, or deductibles. There is only a set membership fee that the patient will have to pay; once they do, they will be entitled to the benefits of the plan. The details of the plan depends on the practice, although usually checkups, cleanings, and X-rays are covered by the initial fee. Also, other services (including those that would not be included under a typical dental insurance plan) may be available at a reduced price.
Key Differences Between Dental Insurance and Dental Discount Plans
A dental insurance plan may offer greater discounts, but there are certain services it may not apply to, and patients need to keep an eye on the annual maximum. Dental discounts plans, on the other hand, are limited to one practice but have fewer variables to worry about and usually include most if not all of a practice’s services.
Dental practices should offer their patients flexibility when it comes to paying for their care. An office that takes insurance and has an in-house discount plan is one that values making quality dental care accessible to families with many different financial situations.
About the Practice
At Grand Dental – Aurora, our highly qualified team prides itself in its ability to provide extraordinary, personalized care. We are an in-network partner for many of the leading dental insurance plans; we also offer the Grand Advantage Plan, under which our patients can enjoy a 20% discount on implants, dentures, cosmetic treatments, and a variety of other services with no annual limits. To schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (630) 898-3610.