Teeth are one of our most defining features, and make a huge difference to our appearance. However, keeping your teeth healthy and white isn’t just a cosmetic concern; dental problems can be extremely painful and distressing, not to mention expensive to treat.
Dental plans enable you to spread the cost of oral care, with regular check ups and treatment to help you look after for your teeth and gums. We’ve got some tips on how to choose a dental plan that combines a great service with value for money.
Customer Service
At first glance, the dental plans offered by local clinics in your area may look quite similar. However, when it comes to visiting your dentist, customer service is critical. How easy is it to make an appointment with your clinic, and do you receive a friendly, helpful service during your visit? If you’re searching for a family dental plan, you want a dentist who will be patient with your children, and make these bi-annual visits as painless as possible.
If you’re not already a patient at the clinic, ask around for feedback from family and friends, or look at testimonials on their website. Alternatively, book yourself in for a one-off visit first, to give you a feel for the dentist before you sign up to a yearly contract.
Calculate the Costs and savings
A dental clinic may draw you in with an offer of ‘only £10 per month’, but to work out whether you’re getting a fair package, calculate the individual cost of the treatments and services included. How much would your dental examinations, insurance, x-rays and emergency treatment cost you individually? Set this against how much you will be paying over the year, to assess whether the plan is worth signing up to.
Are you insured?
Spreading the cost of your check-ups and hygienist appointments is a smart idea, but if you’re not insured against medical emergencies then the price of a dental examination will pale in comparison to the cost of emergency treatment. Many dentists offer insurance as part of their plan; take them up on the offer if you want peace of mind about your teeth.
Member benefits
Finally, does your dental plan give you access to other member benefits that aren’t available to non-members, like discounts on cosmetic dentistry? If you’re considering treatment such as teeth whitening or veneers, a member discount could make your dental care more cost-effective, an affordable way to achieve the perfect smile.
Signing up to a dental plan is a smart choice for anyone wanting to prioritise oral health. However, if you want to get the most out of your investment, it’s essential to compare the options available before you commit to a dental clinic. Whilst price is important, read between the lines to see what your dental plan really covers. Work out how much you’ll be saving and how well patients are treated, to help you find the best dentist in the area.
This article was written by Kelly Gilmour-Grassam with useful information from Eccleshill Dental. Kelly loves travelling and eating out and you can follow her on Twitter at @KellyGGrassam.
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