Is Discount Dental Plan Good?

There are many websites that sell discount dental plans. A discount dental plan is not a dental insurance. Members of a discount dental plan don't have to pay premium. But they have to pay member fees. Members will get great discount in return if they show their member cars at discount dental plan providers. It is said that members can save a lot of money while they still get good services without buying a dental insurance. There are a lot of other advantages according to some online promoters. Following is a comparison between discount dental plan and traditional dental insurance:

DISCOUNT DENTAL PLAN Characteristics Include:

No limits – plan members have discounts on most dental care services all the time.
Quick activation -  activate within a few days
Less paperwork – members just need to show their discount dental plan card at a participating dentist office
No health restrictions
Select plans include discounts on dental specialties, including cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics
Available directly to individuals, families, businesses and groups

DENTAL INSURANCE Characteristics Include:
Limitations, deductibles and annual maximums
Waiting periods for major dental procedures
Tedious and time-consuming written claims process
Limitations/exclusions on pre-existing conditions
Certain dental specialties, such as cosmetic dentistry, are rarely covered
Consumers pay expensive monthly premiums for defined coverage
Typically inaccessible to individuals and families unless provided by their employer

Looks like there are a lot of benefits from discount dental plan. But the key question is: Does the money worth it? My personal experience and my common sense tell me no.  My family used to buy some similar discount health plan. It was not expensive, only a few hundred dollars a year. But it doesn't save our money at all. Some doctors or dentists usually give some discount to one who does't have a insurance. And they couldn't give additional  discount  any more even if you are a member of a discount dental plan. The money for a doctor visit varies a lot depending on doctors. Some doctor visits cost much less money than others even one doesn't have any discount dental plan membership. So it doesn't make sense to buy a discount dental or health plan to save money for me. If one really wants to save money, try to find a good doctor or try to find a good insurance plan at eHealthinsurance. You don't need a agent. It is easy and quick. I use it myself and it is good.