The difference between dental insurance and dental discount plans

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.² 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

Feature	Dental Insurance	Dental Discount Plan
Cost	Monthly Premium1	Membership fee1
How you pay for care	Plan pays a portion or all of covered services; you pay remaining share (if any)1	You pay discounted fee directly to dentist1
Preventive care	Most plans pay 100% for in-network preventive care (twice yearly exams included)1	Discounted but not 100% covered1
Deductibles, waiting periods and annual benefit maximums	Often apply1	Not applied1
Provider network	Includes in-network savings, some plans allow out-of-network care. Delta Dental has the largest network, making it easy to find a provider	Must use participating dentists for discounts1

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.¹

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.

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

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

back to Top Could your sinus infection actually be a tooth problem? Your upper back teeth sit directly below your maxillary sinuses. That close relationship means inflammation, pressure or infection in that area can sometimes travel between your teeth and sinuses. This can make it hard to determine the source of the problem.1,2 Tooth and sinus infections, although they can occur nearby each other, are different: A tooth infection (also called a dental abscess) develops when bacteria enter a tooth and reach the nerve. This can cause pain, swelling and sensitivity.2 A sinus infection happens when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed, leading to congestion, facial pressure and discomfort.2 Sometimes, bacteria from a dental infection or advanced gum disease may cause sinus issues. On the flip side, swollen sinus tissue can press against nearby teeth and cause tooth pain.1,2 Tooth problem or sinus problem? Here are some clues Only a dental or medical professional can diagnose the underlying cause of your pain, but certain symptoms may offer hints. It’s more likely a dental issue if you notice:1 Pain focused around one tooth Sensitivity to hot, cold or chewing Gum swelling or tenderness It’s more likely a sinus-related if you notice:1 Pressure across several upper teeth at once Facial fullness or cheek pain Nasal congestion or a runny nose Pain that worsens when you bend forward Sometimes symptoms overlap, which is why it’s important not to ignore pain that sticks around. Getting to the root cause will help avoid the infection from getting worse, so call your dentist or doctor if pain won’t go away.1,2 Protect your mouth and sinus health A few daily habits can help reduce harmful bacteria and support overall wellness:2 Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste Floss once daily to remove plaque between teeth Ask your dentist whether an antimicrobial mouthwash is right for you Drink plenty of water to support saliva production Avoid smoking and other irritants that can affect both your mouth and sinuses Have twice yearly preventive dental exams Don’t wait to make the call If you have upper tooth pain along with congestion, facial pressure or other unusual symptoms, contact your dentist. A dental exam may help identify whether the issue is oral, sinus-related or something else entirely. Getting answers early will help you feel better faster and avoid complications, such as a worsening infection.1,2 Need help finding dental care? Delta Dental of Iowa’s online Find a Provider tool can help you connect with an in-network dentist near you. REFERENCES: UT Health San Antonio. (2023, May 2). Sinusitis, dental infection or both. https://news.uthscsa.edu/sinusitis-dental-infection-or-both/ Delta Dental. The link between tooth and sinus infections. https://www.grinmag.com/2025-news/the-link-between-tooth-and-sinus-infections/ This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your dentist, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional for advice about your specific health needs.