When it comes to paying the cost of dental care, you have options. You can choose dental insurance, something you can get as an individual or through your employer. Or you can take your chances with a discount dental plan.
Discount dental plans explained
Discount dental plans aren’t the same as dental insurance. These plans involve paying an annual or monthly fee to access a network of dentists who have agreed to provide services at a reduced rate. Unlike insurance, there are no copayments or deductibles. Members pay the discounted fee directly to the dentist at the time of service.
Discount dental plans don’t have waiting periods, or annual maximums, and there are also no claims or risk pools, covered treatments, provider networks, or flat-rate costs. Instead, members receive variable savings on the cost of their treatments. Everything is an out-of-pocket expense.
Discount dental plans compared to dental insurance
Unlike discount dental plans, dental insurance operates on a traditional model where individuals pay a monthly premium in exchange for coverage. Insurance plans often come with deductibles, copayments, and annual maximums. They typically cover a percentage of the dental treatment costs after the deductible is met.
Another difference between dental insurance and discount dental plans is that dental insurance operates under a preventive care model. Plans are designed to help you prevent health concerns before they start. If that doesn’t happen, dental insurance benefits can help you to quickly identify and resolve them before they get any worse—or more expensive.
Annual exams and cleanings, routine x-rays, and fluoride treatments are considered preventive care items that are designed to keep you healthy and happy, and they’re often completely covered for free or at a significant discount with dental insurance.
How to get dental insurance in Hawaii
Hawaii Dental Service offers the largest network of dentists in the nation, all of whom have agreed to discounted and predetermined pricing on dental services to provide members with the best experience. And once you’ve met your plan’s deductible, you’re only responsible for a portion of the cost. Hawaii Dental Service covers the rest.
For more information on Hawaii Dental Service plans, click here. To find an in-network provider in your area, use our search tool.
*Updated March 2024
