The difference between dental insurance and dental discount plans

Posted on October 1, 2026 in Healthy You

When you’re looking for affordable dental care, you will likely come across two options: dental insurance and dental discount plans (sometimes called dental savings plans). These options might sound similar, but they work in different ways.

Dental insurance and dental discount plans can help lower the cost of dental care.¹ The right choice depends on your budget, how often you visit the dentist and whether you expect to need more than preventive care.

What is dental insurance?

Dental insurance is a benefit plan that helps pay for covered dental services in exchange for a monthly fee, called a premium. Depending on the plan, you may also have a deductible (what you pay out of pocket before insurance pays), copay (fixed out of pocket fee for services) or coinsurance (percentage of the cost of a covered service paid out of pocket), and there may be an annual benefit maximum (total dollar amount that will insurance will pay over the course of a year).¹

Dental insurance plans place a strong emphasis on preventive care, helping members stay ahead of more costly issues later.

Coverage varies by plan, but common covered services include:

• Preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays)
• Basic services (fillings, simple extractions)
• Major services (crowns, root canals, dentures)
• Sometimes orthodontic (braces) coverage

What is a dental discount plan?

A dental discount plan is a membership program that offers reduced fees directly from participating dentists. You typically pay a membership fee and then pay the dentist at a discounted rate when you receive care.¹

Discount plans often:

• Have lower upfront costs than insurance¹
• Don’t include deductibles or annual maximums¹
• May allow immediate access to discounted pricing
• Require you to use participating providers to receive savings¹

Side-by-side: Dental insurance vs. dental discount plans

Which option makes sense for you?

There’s no overall “better” option, just the option that better fits your needs.

Dental insurance may be the right choice is:

• You want help budgeting for preventive and restorative care
• You expect regular dental visits
• You want more financial support if unexpected dental needs arise
• You want more choice of providers

You might consider a dental discount plan if:

• You want a lower-cost entry point¹         
• You don’t expect frequent dental care
• You’re comfortable paying discounted fees directly at appointments     
• Your preferred dentist offers a discount plan option

Take time to compare before you choose

Before choosing any dental coverage option, consider your expected dental needs this year, whether your preferred dentist participates, total costs beyond premiums or membership fees and coverage details like waiting periods. Also, consider the importance of regular preventive care, which is important to protecting both your oral and overall health. All Delta Dental of Iowa plans include twice yearly preventive exams at no additional cost.

If you’re exploring dental insurance, Delta Dental of Iowa offers several plans designed to fit different budgets and oral health needs. You can conveniently compare available options and find coverage that works for you and your family by shopping for plans online.

REFERENCES:

1. HealthInsurance.org. (2025, November 4). What’s the difference between dental insurance and dental discount plans? https://www.healthinsurance.org/faqs/whats-the-difference-between-dental-insurance-and-dental-discount-plans

For complete details of coverage, including exclusions, limitations, and out-of-network coverage on your plan, call 877-423-3582.