Does this sound worth it?

ohyeahdollface · November 2011

www.1dental.com/careington

Does this sound worth it? Or like it would just be a pain in the ass and not save me much money? Dh and I have not been to the dentist in forever. Me four years, him about 6. I know I have a cavity.. and he thinks he may have one. My mouth fricken hurts all the time, and know I really need to get seen.

We do not have dental, and only have medical through his work.

What do you think?

It would cost me about $20 a month for the two of us, plus the expenses at the office. There is a dentist down the street that accepts this plan.

JaysonandKristin · November 2011

If I remember correctly, you'll need 6 PAs and 4 bitewings, an exam and a cleaning (prophylaxis) to get started.

Look at the fee schedule in your area, use the info I gave you above and decide whether or not it will benefit you financially. $20 per month across a year, versus how much savings you'll see for the above treatment/diagnostics.

On top of the stuff I listed above, you'll likely need fillings. Whether or not your DDS still uses amalgam is a question I would ask before deciding on which doctor you choose. Amalgam is cheaper, but it's also mercury. So, they can pack it in your face, but if they spill it on the floor they have to call in HazMat. Composite fillings are more expensive, but they're virtually plastic plugs and wear over time pretty easily. Not to say that one is better than the other, they just both have their faults.

Worst case scenario you need a root canal and a crown. Look at those costs as well.

If I had no other options, it would be worth it to me. Dental work can become expensive really quickly. And, before anything gets any worse, I'd go as soon as possible.

amdraza · November 2011

$20 a month doesn't sound bad, but it depends on what it covers. Usually preventative annual cleanings are covered at 100%, and then other services are covered at about 80%. Our plan also has a $50 deductible.

RunningMom08 · November 2011

JaysonandKristin:
If I remember correctly, you'll need 6 PAs and 4 bitewings, an exam and a cleaning (prophylaxis) to get started.
Look at the fee schedule in your area, use the info I gave you above and decide whether or not it will benefit you financially. $20 per month across a year, versus how much savings you'll see for the above treatment/diagnostics.
On top of the stuff I listed above, you'll likely need fillings. Whether or not your DDS still uses amalgam is a question I would ask before deciding on which doctor you choose. Amalgam is cheaper, but it's also mercury. So, they can pack it in your face, but if they spill it on the floor they have to call in HazMat. Composite fillings are more expensive, but they're virtually plastic plugs and wear over time pretty easily. Not to say that one is better than the other, they just both have their faults.
Worst case scenario you need a root canal and a crown. Look at those costs as well.
If I had no other options, it would be worth it to me. Dental work can become expensive really quickly. And, before anything gets any worse, I'd go as soon as possible.

I am totally hitting you up for dental advice in the future!!

NotSharknado · November 2011

Have you considered Care Credit? It's like applying for a credit card but for dental and other health related plans. Dh didn't have dental ins so he applied and was approved for $2000.00. We pay $60.00 a month. He was able to get root canals and two teeth pulled. Hope this helps.

indytara · November 2011

Doubtful. You are going to be paying $20 a month to get a "discount" on dental services. "20% to 60%" off major and minor dental work according to the website. So...if you get $100 worth of stuff done but only have to pay $80! Yay! Oh wait...I paid $20 for the "discount". hmmm...not so great now and then you keep paying $20...over and over and over again.

I'm wary of any program like this. Prepaid legal, discount dental...they all are pretty much the same crap for most people. Do they work out great for some, sure...but for everyone...not so much. My friend is a vet and participates in a program like this for discounted pet care. She loves it because for offering the percent off for being part of the program, she gets to advertise that she accepts the program which is like...mega referrals for her...so yeah..she loves it.

Plus, she gets more $$ out of cash customers than those with pet insurance, because insurance will only pay for the "usual and customary amount" and because of an agreement between her and that insurance provider, she agrees to waive the remainder because of the agreement. (and yes, according to her lots of people have pet insurance..lol...I've never had it for may pets...anywho...)The only person gaining anything is the provider.

Really, I'm not trying to be a debbie downer, just be careful and REALLY read that fine print. Also, its a little known fact that you can haggle with your medical providers if you are a cash customer. Go into your dental office and tell them what you need done, ask how much it will be and then ask if they will offer you any money off since you don't have insurance. After you get them down a bit...ask if you can get a little bigger discount if you are paying with cash (at least 3% because then they don't have to pay the merchant services company the credit card processing fees).

Really, I'm just trying to be helpful but be really careful.

JaysonandKristin · November 2011

indytara:
Also, its a little known fact that you can haggle with your medical providers if you are a cash customer. Go into your dental office and tell them what you need done, ask how much it will be and then ask if they will offer you any money off since you don't have insurance. After you get them down a bit...ask if you can get a little bigger discount if you are paying with cash (at least 3% because then they don't have to pay the merchant services company the credit card processing fees).
Really, I'm just trying to be helpful but be really careful.

This is VERY true. We gave at least 10% discount for cash. And, depending on how much you have to get done, you may be able to get a discount for paying for multiple services up front. There are plenty of options.

ohyeahdollface · November 2011

Thank you so much ladies!

megd06 · November 2011

Do you have a university near you with a dental school? H is at Ohio State in the optometry program, and their eye exams are pretty affordable--and the dental school's are too. Granted, they last longer--about 2 hours--and you'll have a student working on your mouth....but it's much cheaper.

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Does this sound worth it?

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