With the holidays approaching, families across the US recognize that one of the most expensive times of the year is upon us once again. The budgets will likely get tighter, while thoughts and resolutions turn to the new year, often with commitments to live healthier lives.
One important but often neglected method of living healthily is in regards to dental care. Many families struggle to afford the cost of routine dental work, which is all the more expensive without a comprehensive dental plan.
While dental work is technically a part of healthcare, standard health insurance plans omit coverage for oral care. However, dental work is provided as part of oral health insurance, or through an annual dental plan.
Believe it or not, there are notable differences between dental insurance and dental plans. There are typically more restrictions for you as a patient when you acquire dental insurance, along with high annual rates, and potentially long waiting periods to see a competent dentist.
On the other hand, a dental plan is more affordable and frankly, a much simpler option to maintain quality oral care. Most dental plans are independent from an insurer, which eliminates the administrative headaches of filing insurance claim forms, and paying for high clerical fees.
There are also discounts for most dental plan members, though you should verify that your dentist is part of the discount dental plan network. For families on a tight budget, particularly after the holiday season, this can be very important for the oral health of the children.
Coupons are big business. If you don’t believe me, you only need to look at your Sunday newspaper to understand the power of these little pieces of paper. Coupons have even gained pop culture status with the new reality TV shows featuring extreme couponers buying hundreds of dollars worth of groceries and other items for pennies on the dollar.
Scott Elling from 
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