1Dental.com Discount Dental Plan Review

1Dental.com - Overview

1Dental.com offers dental discount plans (sometimes called dental savings plans) that have served more than 10 million members since 1979. Differing from traditional dental insurance, discount dental plans function like a membership club. Dentists opt into the plan on the provision they will obtain clients by offering discounted rates through 1Dental.com. When the patient joins 1Dental.com, they then get access to discounts within the provider network.

Customers pay just $99 a year for either of 1Dental.com’s plans: Care 500 and Dental Access Plan.  As a member, they pay a lower fee at the dentist for any treatment they receive. Differing significantly from insurance, the discount plan allows members to see the dentist as often as needed—this means they get unlimited usage of their plan, even for preexisting conditions.

All dentists in 1Dental.com’s network have passed thorough background checks and have state licenses in good standing. Additionally, dentists must pass a 5-year work history evaluation. 

Who Can Use a Dental Savings Plan?

Dental discount plans are a low cost option where members pay a discounted rate to the dentist directly. Customers do not have to fill out insurance forms or wait for reimbursements. Where traditional insurance has monthly premiums, deductibles, and various limits on procedures and number of visits permitted per year, discount plans feature none of these. Customers pay the fee stipulated on their benefits schedule and can see the dentist for any procedures as often as they like.

With that in mind, dental discount plans are ideal for those who:

• Do not have dental insurance through their employer
• Have conditions that require immediate attention
• Have reached annual or per-condition limits of their existing plan
• Desire to save on dental work

Services and Features

1Dental.com’s plans are priced based on the number of members subscribed. One member is $99/year, two is $149/year, and three will cost $179/year. Monthly payment options are also available.

Plans provide savings on the following types of procedures:

• Routine & Diagnostic (Oral exams)
• Preventative (Annual cleanings)
• Restorative (Fillings, crowns)
• Endodontics (Root canals)
• Periodontics (Gum treatments)
• Prosthodontics (Dentures, bridges)
• Oral Surgery
• Orthodontics
• Adjunctive Services

Below is a select list of the discounts available on some of the most common types of dental work.

CARE 500 PLAN - This option provides the strongest discounts available, which are determined by the zip code where services are offered.

¹ Discounted Schedules are for General Dentists. All schedules vary based on location.

DENTAL ACCESS PLAN – This option gives access to the largest network of dentists, but cannot offer flat prices, only estimated discounts.

Members will have access to discounted services and in most cases, can save 15% to 50% per visit on everything from general dentistry to root canals, crowns and orthodontia at over 158,000* available dental practice locations nationwide.

*Dental Counts as of July 2015 Aetna Enterprise Provider Database.

¹ Actual discounts will vary based on the geographic location of the dental provider and the services provided.

Dental Discount Plan with 1Dental.com

1Dental.com provides two plans that could be serious alternatives to dental insurance for people in certain situations.

First, they are ideal for anyone who has a pre-existing condition. Most dental insurance companies go to great lengths to exclude those with prior problems, and also feature lengthy waiting periods before customers can even file a claim. 1Dental.com plans have none of these drawbacks. Members pay the premium and go to any in-network dentist regardless of treatment required. Also, as many employers do not feature dental insurance as part of their health benefit programs, it is a great option for employees of these companies as well.