I do not have current dental insurance and very little money. My dentist told me I needed dental work on my teeth, so I started looking for dental insurance. Right now, insurance seems too costly for me, but some friends tell me to avoid dental discount plans because they are not insurance. Is this true? 

Reply:  Dental discount plans are not insurance, but they can still be a great option for those needing dental care and looking for ways to save money. With a dental discount plan, you pay a membership fee to a dental network that has contracted with dentists to offer discounted rates to plan members. These discounted rates can range from 10% to 60% off the regular price of dental services.

However, it’s important to note that not all dentists participate in every dental discount plan. So, before signing up for a plan, check with your dentist to see if they are a provider for the plan you’re considering. If your dentist is not a provider, you may need to switch to a different dentist in the plan’s network.

Dental HMO plans are an excellent option to consider if you’re looking for dental insurance. These plans are more affordable than traditional dental insurance plans and typically have low or no deductibles. However, they require you to choose a primary care dentist who is part of the plan’s network, and you may need to get a referral from your primary dentist if you need to see a specialist.