Is a dental membership plan in Granite City right for you?

Everybody needs dental care. However, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that only half of Americans have access to dental insurance. This leaves many looking for alternative options so they can afford dental care.

A dental membership plan in Granite City could be right for you and your family. Here are six tips to help you decide what type of dental health plan to choose.

1. Do you have access to insurance options?

First, consider whether you already have access to dental insurance. Many employers offer reduced-cost dental insurance plans to workers and their families. In addition, some government programs provide basic coverage under certain conditions.

If you already have good insurance, a dental membership plan in Granite City likely won’t benefit you. But if you have only basic or partial coverage, take a look at your deductibles and other details to determine whether a membership plan could be in your best interest.

2. What are your typical oral health needs?

A membership plan isn’t necessarily the right choice for everyone. One of the key benefits is that membership plans clearly lay out what they offer so you can see how much you might save on treatment.

Membership plans at Metro East Dental Care include a routine cleaning and exam every six months, along with oral cancer screening. You’ll also have access to X-rays as needed. Plans also cover one emergency exam per year.

This plan is a great way to save on basic care and encourage you to follow through with routine appointments. Regular visits help save money by identifying issues early and preventing tooth decay through cleanings. A 10% discount on additional treatments also helps you save.

3. Do you need care for the whole family?

Whether you need dental care for yourself or your entire family will also be an important factor in your decision. If you don’t have access to dental insurance, even basic costs can start to pile up when supporting a family.

At Metro East Dental Care, you can take advantage of family discounts with our dental membership plans. We offer successive discounts of up to 15% for additional family members registered on a plan.

4. Can you keep your favorite dentist?

Many insurance policies have strict requirements for where you receive care. They may only allow for treatment within their established networks, which means you might not be able to stay with your favorite family dentist near Granite City.

While Metro East Dental Care works with most insurance providers, your provider might require you to choose a different dentist. This can disrupt the relationship you and your family have built with your dentist over the years, which is a serious concern when it comes to dental anxiety in children.

Providers also have certain requirements regarding specialty treatments, such as restorative or cosmetic dentistry. A dental membership plan will allow you to stick with the dentist you know while getting a discount on these and other treatments.

5. What do the numbers say?

When determining the impact a dental membership plan can have on you, calculating the actual costs for your specific case may be in order. You can determine what you would pay for routine cleanings and exams without the plan and with the plan, along with the costs of other potential treatments.

If you have access to insurance, evaluate the premiums and deductibles to see what you would be paying. While you can’t always predict what treatments you will need, looking at the numbers will give you a better idea of what to expect.

6. Are you aware of all your options?

When making such an important decision, it’s important to understand all of your options. Metro East Dental Care provides a range of membership plans for adults and children. We’ll be happy to discuss your options with you and determine which of our plans can meet your needs.

Alternative financing options can also provide support for more extensive treatments. Many dedicated dental and health care lenders provide accessible payment plans with low or zero interest.

You’ll be able to afford your care at Metro East Dental Care.

Metro East Dental Care is a family dentist near Granite City that helps patients take advantage of a range of options to afford quality dental care for themselves and their families. Our practice works with most dental insurance providers and can help you make the most of any coverage you have available.

Financing options, such as CareCredit and LendingClub, are also available. We provide a range of plans for both general care and specific needs, along with family discounts. Register for your dental membership plan in Granite City and get started today.