Discount dental insurance provides many people with an alternative to traditional dental insurance. If you're self-employed or you work for a company that doesn't provide dental insurance, you have the option of a discount dental program.

These discount dental services aren't insurance in the usual sense--you don't pay monthly premiums and your carrier doesn't pay for some of your dental bill. Instead, you pay a yearly fee, usually about $100, giving you access to dental care at reduced rates. You pay for these services yourself as you need them.

Advantages of Discount Dental Insurance

The advantages to a dental discount program versus a traditional plan include:

• No deductible: Many traditional dental insurance plans require a deductible--a certain amount paid out of pocket before the benefits begin. With discount dental services, there's no deductible and your benefits start immediately. Some people with traditional insurance never meet their deductible and pay their premiums yearly without benefit.
• No premiums: Discount dentistry plans have no monthly or quarterly premiums. Instead, you pay a yearly fee, much like you would at a discount food store. This yearly fee is often less than what you would pay in premiums.
• No qualifying exam: Discount dental insurance doesn't require qualifying dental examinations. As such, you won't be turned down for coverage due to preexisting conditions or any other reason.

Disadvantages of Discount Dental Insurance

You should know the disadvantages to discount dentistry before buying, as well:

• Smaller provider networks: Because a dental discount program requires dentists to lower their fees to patients, some dentists aren't willing to participate in these programs. As a result, finding a dentist you like with this type of insurance can be more difficult.
• Specialty care more expensive: Traditional dental plans often provide benefits of up to 50 percent of your costs for visiting specialists, such as oral surgeons or orthodontists. Discount dental insurance may only offer discounts of 20 or 25 percent. Thus, discount dentistry may be a good option for you if your dental needs are less demanding.