- How do dental discount products work?
- What are their key features?
- What do you get when you sign up for a dental discount product?
- What types of dental discount products are out there?
- Who can benefit from using a dental discount product?
- How do you sign up for a dental discount product?
- Are dental discount programs a good fit for you?
If making a dentist appointment is something that tends to fall off your to-do list, you are definitely not alone. Many Americans find it challenging to see a dentist regularly.
In 2023, about 65% of American adults ages 18 and older had gotten a dental exam or cleaning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).1That’s roughly a third of adults missing out on essential dental care.
One hurdle is cost. In 2023, for instance, 13% of people reported that they couldn’t get dental care because of the price of cleanings and other services, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).2 That’s more than double the rate for other types of medical care, where roughly 5% face financial barriers, the ADA reports.2
If you’re one of these folks, a dental discount product (also known as a dental discount program or membership) might be the solution you need. These programs are not insurance, but they offer a way to lower the cost of dental services — whether you have dental insurance or not.
The key is understanding how these dental discount products work, how to use them, and what they provide. That way, you can plan for the care you need.
Haven’t seen your dentist in a while? If costs are holding you back, see how you can save with a dental discount product today.
Dental discount products are a lot like membership-based clubs. When you join one, you get lower prices on products. In the case of a dental discount program, you get discounted fees on dental care from dentists who are participating in the network. But to get these discounts you need to become a member of the program.
When you sign up, you pay a fee. You’ll receive an ID card that you’ll show when you go to the dentist. In return, they’ll charge you a lower price for a range of services. This can include routine cleanings, fillings, crowns, and, sometimes, orthodontic treatments.
At the end of the visit, you pay the dentist directly. There’s no need to file claims or wait to be reimbursed. Just remember that you will be paying out of pocket — although some dental discount programs let you pay via credit card or in installments.
Dental discount products typically offer several important features.
- They provide access to dental providers who have agreed to discounted fees on a range of dental services, with no copays, deductibles, or claims to file.
- Many plans allow family members to join. They typically will cover your children up to age 26.
- Lower prices on common procedures. While the discounts vary according to the discount program, they usually include cleanings, X-rays and even fillings and other dental work.
- These plans usually have no yearly limits or maximums. You can use your discounts as needed.
- They’re also often available to a wide range of people, with minimal or no health questions required for enrollment.
If you are considering choosing a dental discount program, check for the following features:
- A large network. The more dentists in the network, the more likely you are to find one near your home or workplace.
- Decent discounts. Look for programs that offer significant discounts on the services you need or use the most.
- A reasonable membership fee. You want a program that fits your budget. Luckily, the fee to join and the monthly membership fee are much lower than other healthcare premiums.
- Additional discounts. Some dental discount programs offer discounts on other health-related care, like vision or hearing.
Joining a dental discount program can provide several perks, especially if you don’t have a dental plan. For one, these discount programs can save money on dental care. Discounts mean lower prices on routine care as well as fillings.
You usually know how much you’ll pay upfront. That can help you plan your healthcare budget. You also don’t have to worry about deductibles or copays.
What if you already have dental insurance? You can still sign up for a dental discount program. That way, you can save money on services that your dental insurance doesn’t cover. One example could be braces.
Learn how a dental discount product might help you save money on basic dental care — and on hearing aids and vision care too.
There are several types. Some may be group plans offered by labor unions or employers. Sometimes students can get them through their universities.
When you join a dental discount program, you could save more than 50% on basic procedures like routine checkups and cleanings.
You also get discounts on other services, like root canals and fillings. And because there are no yearly limits or maximums, you can use these discounts as often as you need.
Dental discount programs are ideal if you don’t have dental insurance. By joining one, you and your family members will have access to regular checkups and cleanings at discounted prices. After all, seeing a dentist at least once a year can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.3
They’re also good for people with chronic conditions, like diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that makes it hard for people to control blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can raise the chances of gum disease. But regular cleanings during the year might help lower blood sugar and keep your mouth healthy, according to the CDC.3
Luckily with a dental discount program, you can use your discounts as often as you like, whether you have a chronic condition or not.
Even if you have dental insurance, theses discount memberships can help you save:
- If you go over your yearly maximum on your dental insurance plan
- Your dental insurance plan pays for yearly exams and cleanings, and you need to be checked more often
- Someone in your family will need braces soon or some other type of treatment (if the membership offers discounted rates for these) and your dental insurance doesn’t cover it
To sign up for a dental discount product, visit the provider’s website. It’s common for a health insurance company to offer a dental discount product through a third party called a Discount Medical Plan Organization (DMPO). You’ll typically need to enter your ZIP code and see if there’s a membership plan in your state. If there is, you can usually complete a short enrollment process online and pay a monthly or annual membership fee as well as a one-time processing fee (usually $30 or less).
Once you’re enrolled, you will get access to the discounts and savings offered. Typically, you are given a short window of time to review the product (usually 30 days). It’s important to read the materials and make sure you understand how to use the product and if it’s what you’re looking for. If you decide it’s not for you, you can cancel within this period and receive a refund of the membership fees. However, in most states, the one-time processing fee is not refundable.
To answer that question, consider your and your family’s oral health needs and financial situation. If you don’t have a stand-alone dental insurance plan or need services not covered by your plan, a dental discount program makes sense.
Then do your research. Compare different programs, paying attention to what they offer and how much they cost. If you can, read reviews from other members. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you find out.
A dental discount product can be paired with dental insurance. To find out more, call 844-211-7730 and talk to a licensed insurance agent who can help you find the plans that meet your needs.
For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare, and/or one of its affiliates, and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics. “Oral and dental care.” Last reviewed June 26, 2025. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/dental.htm
- Health Policy Institute/American Dental Association. “National trends in dental care use, dental insurance coverage, and cost barriers.” September 2024. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/research/hpi/national_trends_dental_use_benefits_barriers_2024.pdf
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Oral health tips for adults.” May 15, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/oral-health-tips-for-adults.html
