Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of DentalHeroes.com.

Both of my parents are dentists and I joined them in practice about five years ago. Growing up in and around the dental practice, I always heard stories about Delta Dental and how they were founded by dentists for dentists in 1954. My parents and their dental friends also spoke about Delta Dental being the gold standard for dental insurance. However, I think dentists’ outlook on Delta is beginning to change. In my opinion, here’s why:

1. On June 15, 2011, Washington Dental Service (also know as Delta Dental of Washington) lowered all of the reimbursement rates for dentists in the state of Washington. The Premier fees were lowered by 15% and the PPO fees were decreased by 5%.

2. In the early part of 2011, Delta Dental of California froze all reimbursement rates at their current levels. Unfortunately, they did not officially announce the freeze until they sent a letter dated August 9, 2011, that stated the freeze was lifted. At our office, we submitted our fees a few days later. The results were bleak. Delta raised two or three of our procedures by $1. The rest of the fees stayed the same.

3. Within the past couple of weeks, news has trickled out from the CDA that Delta is now implementing a policy called contract adhesion. They are requiring all dentists who want to enroll in Delta Premier to also enroll in Delta PPO. As of right now, this is not affecting existing Premier-only contracted dentists. I have a hunch that might change in the future.

4. The latest actions by Delta are effective on November 1, 2011. According to ADA News, “Delta Dental of Idaho is cutting preferred provider organization reimbursement fees to dentist on regional basis by an average of 8 percent.”

Some Perspective

From Delta Dental’s prospective, I understand that they need to offer competitive rates on their policies so companies choose them over a different company. If they don’t, they won’t stay in business. In fact, Delta did state just that in their letter to California member dentists on August 9th. It explained that a majority, if not all of the policies they were selling were the PPO and they were trying to make the premier more competitive by implementing the freeze.

Have a Little Respect

However, it would be nice of Delta to treat their dental providers with respect. I think it alienates a lot of treating dentists when they announce that there was a freeze in their fees at the exact same time they announce that the fees are unfrozen. To follow that up with a fee raise of $1 on 2-3 fees makes their actions awfully suspicious.

I understand the economy is struggling and each dentist can choose to contract or not contract with each insurance company. Each provider needs to do what is best for their own individual practice. Likewise, Delta has that right to do what’s best for its business. Most dentists would say that they are the largest private dental insurer in the country; they are already the most competitive. However, I believe there is an additional reason why Delta is taking additional steps to be more competitive, even if it starts to alienate dentists.

Most dentists do not realize that the Healthcare Reform Act is going to have an affect on the field of dentistry. The law requires all medical insurances to cover dental services for children under the age of 21. I think this is great. It gives children access to dental services, and it is definitely needed. According to the National Institute of Dental and Cranial Research, 51% of 6-11 year olds have or had a cavity in their primary teeth.

From Delta’s point of view, they have a major reason to be concerned. First, they will be losing all of their customers under the age of 21. Delta Dental is one of the few stand-alone dental insurance companies. Most insurance companies have a medical insurance side to their businesses (ex. Aetna, Cigna, and MetLife). Someone from the CDA also mentioned this key point. If you are a medical insurance company and you are already providing dental coverage to the children in a family, wouldn’t you also offer the same dental coverage to the parents? It makes the companies with medical insurance and a dental insurance component more competitive. Delta is then standing on the sidelines losing their customer base.

There are going to be a lot of changes in the dental industry over the next few years. Some people think dentistry will become like medicine and become 100% insurance-based. Others think companies will start dropping medical coverage and dentistry will be primarily fee for service. I think only time will tell.

Your Thoughts

Do you have any thoughts regarding Jonathan’s understanding of Delta’s recent moves? Please leave your thoughts in a comment below.

For patients, the fear of having you poke at their teeth with a drill isn’t the only thing keeping them away.

In 2009, a Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll found that more than 50 percent of uninsured and 30 percent of insured Americans skipped necessary dental visits due to financial burdens. That same year, the American Dental Association said more than 50 percent of general practice dentists lost money and patients.

Some patients are asking you for ways to take a bite out of dental costs. Others might be headed to local dental schools, dental vacations or missing appointments to cut dental care from their budgets.

And some savvy patients have gone online, finding solutions to keep up with their dental care through DentalPlans.com. Like a Groupon, luring patrons and keeping tables filled for restaurant managers, the online discount dental plan resource is keeping dentists busy with patients.

Brush Up On Discount Dental Plans

The free, dentist-friendly solution provides plan listings and locations for potential patients to access online, as well as marketing tools to retain, reactivate and reach those who are out-of-resources for out-of-pocket dental costs.

Dentists also use discount dental plans to increase their online and offline exposure through free customizable web banners, postcards and brochures to promote their practice and plans.

With nearly half of all Americans without any dental benefits, dentists offer discount dental plans as an affordable alternative to insurance to help patients keep up with appointments.

Members and visitors of DentalPlans.com have access to more than 30 of the leading regional and national discount dental plans, from industry leaders such as Aetna and Careington, at more than 100,000 participating dentist listings in combined networks nationwide.

While some practices are coming up with ways to reduce those “dental chair nightmares” their patients have (Wall Street Journal article), discount dental plans have become one simple way to help with financial fears.

Refer A Patient

If you’re a dentist looking to help your patients save money and keep up with appointments, refer them to use coupon code DPP10 for 10 percent off a discount dental plan that they purchase through DentalPlans.com.

5 Reasons

In short, the reasons she states for using your dental insurance before the end of the year are as follows:

• Yearly Maximum – unused benefits do not typically rollover, so you should try to meet your annual maximum if possible.
• Deductibles – This could increase next year, so using your insurance now will ensure that you’ve locked in the current deductible until the end of the year.
• Premiums – You’re paying your premiums right? Most people pay them through via employment benefits. Why not take advantage of your benefits? Besides, regular visits to the dentist(2x per year) is recommended. So, go.
• Dentist Fee Increases – This is no shocker, and is likely given the current state of the economy. Dentists may increase fees for services next year, so take advantage of their current fees before the end of the year.
• Dental Problems Could Worsen – You may not think you have any dental problems right now, but unless you visit a dentist, you don’t know. Why take the chance that a possible condition right now could turn into something much more serious, and expensive, later?

To visit the original article written by Tammy Davenport, you can read it here: 5 Reasons to use Your Dental Insurance Before the End of the Year

Your Thoughts

Do you plan on using your dental insurance before the end of the year?

Before we get to Tammy’s list, it’s important to define just what a cavity is. In simple terms, a cavity is the erosion of tooth enamel due to the synergistic effects of sugars/starches combining with the plaque covering our teeth. It is the acids that are produced by this synergistic effect that erodes our tooth enamel.

So, how do we prevent these nasty cavities from forming?

1. Brush your Teeth

Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a toothpaste containing flouride. You may be saying, “Duh”. However, it still amazes me how many people simply don’t brush their teeth twice per day.

2. Floss Daily

I hate it. Many of you hate it. However, flossing, or using another type of interdental cleaners is a must for cleaning out food particles stuck between your teeth. If these food particles are not removed, the sugars and starches from these particles combine with your plaque to create cavities.

3. Eat Healthy

I know, I know. This is no fun. However, eating foods low in starch and sugar is helpful in the counterattack against cavities. Besides, eating healthy has obvious benefits beyond the prevention of cavities, so it’s just a good idea.

4. Visit your Dentist

Many experts recommend visiting your dentist twice per year assuming you have good oral health. If your oral health is less than good you may have to visit the dentist more often. The important thing to note here is that dentists have specialized equipment such as x-rays that can help to indicate problems with your teeth prior to an actual cavity developing. Additionally, regular cleanings at the dentist are an important cavity prevention measure as well.

5. Place Sealants

Have dentists apply sealants to the protect your teeth from bacteria and plaque. Sealants are most often applied to newly growing permenant teeth in children, but Davenport advocates sealants for adults as well.

Diligently follow these 5 cavity-reducing tips and kiss the thought of future fillings goodbye.

What do you think?

Do you have any additional suggestions for reducing the occurrence of cavities?

With access to quality, affordable dental care increasingly limited, I find it vitally important to discuss the cost-saving benefits of what is known as a discount dental plan. But, before I do, let me explain why.

100+ Million Americans Without Dental Coverage

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 100 million Americans are currently living without any form of affordable dental care coverage. This is certainly an alarming number considering the widely accepted link between dental health and overall health.

The National Association of Dental Plans(NADP) considers discount dental plans as a viable, cost-effective alternative to traditional dental insurance: “With an estimated 45 percent of Americans not having any type of dental coverage, and the dental insurance marketplace offering few, affordable dental products for individuals, discount dental plans are an attractive answer to the need to reduce consumer out-of-pocket costs and increase access to care.”

What is a Discount Dental Plan

Though, I’ve written several posts in the past about discount dental plans, I’ll briefly mention the essentials. A discount dental plan is a discount plan, not insurance, that entitles you to discounts on most dental procedures at a local dentist. Depending on the plan you select, you can save 10%-60% on most dental procedures. The savings can add up quickly even on x-rays and fillings.

There are no forms to fill out, everyone is accepted, you can choose from over 100,000+ participating dentists, and there are more than 30+ high quality plans to choose from. If you don’t have traditional dental insurance, or your self-employed, you can see how helpful a discount dental plan could be for you.

So, how much do they cost? Typically, for an individual plan you’ll pay around $80/yr and $130/yr for a family plan. With just a few visits to the dentist its easy to see that you’ll have more than payed off the cost of the plan for the entire year. Well worth it in my opinion.

How to Find a Local Plan

Believe it or not, finding a discount dental plan is actually really easy. I would recommend, however, that you take the time to browse the benefits and restrictions(if any) associated with each plan. Also make sure that the plan you choose has dentists in your area that accept your plan.

Step 1

Visit DentalPlans.com(Aff)

Step 2

Enter your zip code into the zip code search box on the right side of the homepage.

Step 3

Browse and compare plans available in your area. Be sure to look at each plan’s fee schedule to determine which dental procedures receive discounts and the extent of the discount. Choose a plan.

Step 4

Once you have selected a discount dental plan, click the big blue “Join this Program” button.

Step 5

After clicking the “Join this Program” button, you’ll be brought to this screen. This is just notifying you that you’ve added a discount dental plan to your cart. On this screen, you’ll also see the plan type you selected(individual or family), as well as the final price of the plan. Make sure that this information is correct and look down the page to the “Apply Discount(Optional) form on the left.

At this point, type in DPP10 in the coupon code box to save 10% off the final price of your plan – compliments of DentalHeroes.com

Click the “New Member Checkout” button to enter the billing information page.

Step 6

Finally, fill out the billing information form and choose to pay by credit card, eCheck, or by mail. You’re Finished! Within 1 to 3 days your plan will be activated so you can begin receiving the discounts according to your plan’s fee schedule at any participating dentist that accepts your plan.

Get Started

To get started, visit ourDental Plan Card site.

Important Note: DentalPlans.com is the premier discount dental plan broker on the net. They’ve contracted with more than 30 national and regional discount dental plan providers to provide you with an environment where you can quickly and easily access an compare information for each of the plans.

The Coast-to-Coast Vision Plan is a comprehensive solution that helps to bridge the gap where your current insurance plan fails, or for non-existent insurance coverage.

At one point in our lives we are all likely to need vision care services of one kind or another, and Coast-to-Coast ensures that affordable services are available to all.

The benefits of the Coast-to-Coast Vision Plan include:

• Savings of 20% to 60% on prescription eyewear
• Also, save 10% to 20% on contact lenses (excluding disposables) at participating retail locations
• Savings of 10% to 30% on eye exams

and much more…

Furthermore, Coast-to-Coast operates in conveniently-located independent optical centers and national chain locations such as Pearle Vision, JC Penney Optical, Sears Optical, LensCrafters, and EyeMasters stores. Leading Ophthalmologists and Optometrists are also included in the Coast-to-Coast network.

To view additional Coast-to-Coast Vision Plan benefits and costs for individual and family plans, please visit the Coast-to-Coast Vision Plan Page.

If you’re interested in purchasing a discount dental plan through DentalPlans.com, you’ve made a good decision.

But before you do, why not save an additional 10% off the already low prices of any of the more than 30 discount dental plans available on DentalPlans.com?

To redeem this 10% off offer, simply go to our trustedDental Plan of the month site and enter the following coupon code at checkout: DPP10.

The AVIA Dental Plan is worthy of our “Dental Plan of the Month” distinction for several reasons.
Just have a look at some of this plans’ benefits below:

• Affordable dental plans starting at only $8.00 a month
• Acceptance Guaranteed- No one will be denied
• No Wait! Sign up today-start receiving discounts immediately
• Save up to 50% on your dental expenses, our fee schedules are lower than most dental plans
• No limits on the number of visits to your dentist

However, the benefits doesn’t stop there. In fact, it also offers discount prescription and discount vision services as well.

The best part is, the AVIA Dental Plan is available to virtually everyone – individuals, families, and groups of all sizes.

We urge you to have a look for youself at the AVIA Dental Plan, our “Dental Plan of the Month”.

With 108 million Americans still without any form of dental care coverage, the addition of a Spanish discount dental plan site can only be a step in the right direction.

Visit the DentalPlans.com Spanish Site

Dental Plans are still a relatively unknown alternative to traditional dental insurance. After all, everyone has dental insurance right? Wrong. In fact, according to CDC.gov, more than 108 million Americans are without dental insurance. Why are so many people living without dental insurance. There are several reasons, but the most common are unemployment and the hefty cost of being insured.

Dental Plans were created to make dental care affordable for the 108 million Americans whom could not afford traditional dental insurance. Think of dental plans as savings plans. You pay for a discount card once(usually around $80-$150/yr) and enjoy discounts on most dental care procedures. The savings vary from procedure to procedure, but are usually very significant.

Dental Plans are beneficial in numerous other key areas as well – here are my top 5.

1) Affordability

Most dental plans start at around $80 for individuals and can run up to around $150 for family plans. Not bad at all if you consider how expensive premiums can be for traditional dental insurance.

2) Savings

With a discount dental plan you will save anywhere from 10% to 60% on most dental care procedures. This varies from plan to plan, but often includes cleanings, fillings, and x-rays. Many plans even offer discounts for tooth extractions and root canals. Depending on the plan you select and the procedure undergone, your savings can amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

3) No Health Restrictions

A big problem with traditional dental insurance is the health restrictions many companies enforce to keep their costs low. With a dental plan, you are not subject to any health restrictions. You are discounted according to the same fee schedule whether you have pre-existing health conditions or not.

4) Large Local Dentist Selection

Dentists across the United States participate in dental plan programs. In fact, the dental plan network we recommend offers access to 100,000+ participating dentists across the United States. In most areas, you have several possible dentists to choose from.

5) Immediate Online Enrollment & Quick Activation

DentalPlans.com also offers immediate online enrollment in the plan of your choice, and a short 1-3 day activation period.

The benefits don’t end there. If you’re interested in learning more about how a dental plan can make sense for you and your family, I urge you to visit what I consider to be the top dental plan site on the net – Dental Plan Cards

My plan has paid for itself many times over in just ten months. I saved over $1,000 on cleanings, fillings and wisdom tooth extraction.

Offer Summary
At DentalPlanCards.com, we can do just that. In fact, with our special coupon code, you can enjoy 10% off ANY of the 30+ plans offered on DentalPlans.com!

To take advantage of this offer, simply visit DentalPlans.com, browse plans available in your area, and enter the coupon code: DPP10 in the appropriate box at checkout.

Detailed 10% Off Redemption Instructions:
Click on the “Save 10% off Dental Plans” link below. You will be automatically transferred to the DentalPlans.com zip code search. There, simply enter your zip code and wait for available plans and participating dentists in your area to pop up. We suggest taking your time to compare plans so that you find a plan that best suits your needs (all plans are a little different).

Once you have chosen a plan, click on the large blue “Join this Program” button. You will now be transferred to the Step 3 screen. Look on the left side of your screen midway down for the box next to the words “Coupon Code.”

**IMPORTANT** Here you will enter the following coupon code: DPP10. Then click “apply.” This will apply a 10% discount to your order total. That’s all there is to it.

Save 10% off Dental Plans

If you’re looking for a first class affiliate program, look no further than that at DentalPlans.com

Many online affiliate programs are plagued by poor management and support, poor affiliate tools, and poor products.

However, the DentalPlans.com affiliate program continues to impress me. Not only is it beautifully managed by several full-time staffers, but the creatives(website templates, banners, and keyword lists), support, products, and commissions are second-to-none.

Other important program features include:

* No sign up fees or obligation
* Live support from dedicated and experienced affiliate managers (Dawn & Josh are great)
* Original and regularly updated online creatives (banners, website templates, etc.)
* Keyword list of more than 300,000 dental related words and phrases
* Commission and Traffic Stat Tracking
* Print Portal offering customizable printed materials
* Unbeatable product selection of over 30 plans reaching all 50 states

How Much Will I be Payed?
Starting at $40/dental plan sale and increasing very quickly thereafter, you can being to see how you’ll make incredible money with this program. On a personal note, I must admit that this program was the very first that I made ANY money with – and my checks are still getting larger each month.

If you ask those who’ve been in the affiliate marketing game for any length of time, you’ll notice that they consistently attribute their success to two critically important components of an affiliate program: (1) support & (2) superior products. The DentalPlans.com affiliate program excels in both of these areas. But, don’t just take my word for it – ask any of their more than 22,000 affiliates!

How do I get started?
Before you sign up, remember that it is completely free to do so. You have no obligations in any way to proceed with marketing the DentalPlans.com dental plans once you have signed up. However, all you need to do is look around in the affiliate members area, and you’ll immediately see how the DentalPlans.com affiliate program is unlike any others out there – it really is a no-brainer.

To sign up directly through DentalPlans.com, simply click the following link and click on the big blue “sign up” button: Become a DentalPlans.com Affiliate

Our most current coupon is for 10% off any of the great discount dental plans offered by DentalPlans.com. They offer more than 30 plans for you to choose from – all of which offer you from 10%-60% savings on most dental procedures at a participating dentist in your local area.

Plans start at just $79.95 for individuals, and $119.95 for families. This, of course, varies from plan to plan because some plans offer a discounts on a greater variety of dental procedures than others. In any case, the selection is so great that you are sure to find one that fits your budget and your oral care needs.

With our coupon code, you will save 10% off the published price of any DentalPlans.com discount dental plan. Furthermore, they’ll throw in 3 additional months of discounts free. So, you’ll receive a discount card valid for 15 months for the price of a standard 12 month card. If you’re in need of dental care discounts, now is the time to purchase a card for you and your family.

How to redeem your 10% discount:
1) Click on the link at the bottom of this post that says “Redeem DentalPlans.com 10% Off Coupon”

2) You’ll be transferred to DentalPlans.com automatically.

3) Enter your zip code in the appropriate box once you arrive at DentalPlans.com

4) Browse and compare available plans in your area, and ensure that there are participating dentists near you that accept the plan you decide is right for you

5) Click the big blue “Join this program” button one you find a plan that suits your needs

6) *IMPORTANT* Place the coupon code: DPP10 in the ” Apply Discount (Optional)” field

7) Click the big blue “New Member” button and follow the resulting instructions to complete your purchase

Done!

Make sure that the 10% discount has been applied to the purchase price of the discount plan you select.

That is all there is to it. You will then be given instructions to access the members area where you will find documentation specific to the dental plan you chose – including fee schedules and coverage information.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions if you are having any problems using our coupon code.

Redeem DentalPlans.com 10% Off Coupon

Overview
First, a little bit about who Vital Savings by Aetna� is, and why we�re excited to be a part of their team. Vital Savings by Aetna is unique to dentalplancards.com in that is offers not only dental care discounts for individuals and families, but it also offers discounts on pharmaceuticals, long-term care, and even fitness and vision products and services. Each program gives you access to a network of participating providers whom offer you a discounted fee for their high-quality services.

Dental
Vital Savings by Aetna provides you with access to more than 69,000** dental practices around the country which offer discounts ranging from 15%�50%* on everything from general dentistry and cleanings to root canals, crowns and orthodontia.

*Actual costs and savings vary by provider and geographic area.
**According to the Aetna Enterprise Database as of October 1, 2006.

Pharmacy
Vital Savings by Aetnaalso provides pharmaceutical discounts ranging from 10%-40%* off the average wholesale price of prescription medications at leading pharmacies including Rite-Aid and CVS

*Actual costs and savings vary by provider and geographic area.

Long-Term Care
Vital Savings by Aetna takes their leading healthcare discount initiative to yet another level by offering long-term care discounts regardless of age or medical condition. This is not possible with traditional insurance. With the Vital Savings long-term care coverage you will be given access to approximately 4,370 high-quality, long-term care providers within the HealthCare Synergies Inc. (HSI) network. Average discounts range from 5%-30%* off a variety of long-term care solutions.

*Actual costs and savings vary by provider and geographic area.

Additional Services
Included with the purchase of a Vital Savings by Aetna health and dental discount plan are: savings on Vision, Fitness, Alternative Health Care and Oral Health Care Products.

Conclusion
DentalPlanCards.com is excited to offer the Vital Savings by Aetna plan to our customers because it is to this date the most comprehensive discount plan we offer. We currently offer dental, vision, and prescription discount plans, but none of our current plans offer all three under one plan. Individuals, and especially individuals with families know how expensive dental and healthcare can be without traditional insurance, and we believe the Vital Savings by Aetna discount plan is a great way to reduce your expenses and find comfort in the fact that you and your family are supported by such a high-quality plan.