Woman at dentistTaking care of your teeth is an essential part of overall health, but for many, dental care can feel like a financial burden. Check-ups and treatments come with costs, making hard to budget and putting some people off regular dentist visits.

 

This is where dental patient plans come in. A dental patient plan is a membership or subscription that provides a structured, cost-effective way to get regular dental care. At our clinic in Wortley, Leeds, our dental plan helps patients spread the cost of dental care, whilst keeping up with regular appointments.

 

In this post, we’ll consider 6 major benefits of dental patient plans. We’ll include what you can expect if you sign up to one, and how they can save you money.

 

1. Cost-effective for preventative care

Preventative care is the foundation of good dental health. Professional cleaning, dental exams and regular x-rays help dentists catch problems early – before they become extensive and expensive. Without a dental patient plan, paying for these routine visits can add up quickly.

 

Dental patient plans normally offer an affordable monthly payment which includes preventative care, meaning patients get the care they need without worrying about the immediate cost.

 

For example, our Indigo Dental Plan includes two dental health assessments and two hygiene appointments per year, while our Indigo Hygiene Plan offers an additional two hygiene appointments. Appointments include regular x-rays, plus access to the Worldwide Dental Emergency Assistance Scheme.

 

By spreading the cost into regular monthly payments, patients avoid the large up-front expenses that come with individual visits. This predictability in pricing allows individuals and families to budget for their dental care, reducing financial stress.

 

2. No waiting periods, deductibles or exclusions

One of the biggest frustrations with traditional dental insurance is the waiting period for certain procedures. Many insurance plans have a waiting period of several months before they’ll cover procedures like crowns,root canals or orthodontics. This means if you need treatment right away, you’re either stuck waiting or paying out of pocket.

 

Additionally, most insurance plans have deductibles that must be met before coverage kicks in, further delaying financial assistance. They normally exclude pre-existing conditions, meaning you can’t claim for dental issues you had before you took the insurance.

 

With a dental patient plan, there are no waiting periods. As soon as you sign up, you can begin receiving the benefits included in the plan. This is helpful for patients who need immediate treatment or those who prefer flexibility when planning dental care. Even better, dental patient plans typically don’t have deductibles or exclusions, so pre-existing conditions are covered.

 

3. Transparent and predictable pricing

Dental patient plans offer clear, upfront pricing. Unlike dental insurance, where coverage limits and exclusions can be confusing, a patient plan outlines exactly what is covered and what discounts apply. This transparency helps patients understand what they’re paying for and avoids unexpected costs.

 

For instance, dental insurance often has complex clauses about what is covered and how much the insurance company will pay, leaving patients to cover the difference. With a dental patient plan, patients know in advance what treatments are discounted or included, allowing them to plan accordingly. Some patient plans offer a discount on certain services, providing straightforward savings without surprise fees. For example, we offer 20% off all treatments on our Indigo Dental or Hygiene Plan (excluding ClearCorrect, dental implants, and tooth whitening).

 

4. Better access to care

Not everyone has access to dental insurance through work, and NHS dentists can be very difficult to find. Dental patient plans provide a great alternative for those without insurance, allowing them to receive comprehensive care at an affordable rate. Many dentists offer patient plans directly through their clinics, making it easy for uninsured patients without an NHS dentist to sign up.

 

For those who would otherwise avoid dental visits due to cost, a patient plan can encourage regular check-ups, leading to better oral health outcomes. Preventative care and early intervention are key to avoiding more serious and expensive dental issues down the road.

 

5. Encouraging preventative and routine care

One of the major benefits of a dental patient plan is that it encourages routine dental care. Since preventative services like cleanings and exams are typically included or offered at a discounted rate, patients are more likely to book regular visits. This is critical because early detection of dental issues, like cavities or gum disease, can prevent more significant problems in the future.

 

Overall health and dental health are closely linked. Regular dental check-ups can catch early signs of oral cancer and diabetes, among other conditions. With a dental patient plan, patients are motivated to stay on top of their dental care, with improved long term health outcomes.

 

6. Supports a relationship with your dentist

Dental patient plans are often available directly through your own dental practice, meaning patients can build a relationship with their dentist and dental team over time. This continuity of care improves the quality of treatment, as your dentist becomes familiar with your dental history and can offer personalised advice and care. Being on a patient plan with your dentist makes it easier to schedule appointments and access care.

 

Our patient dental plans

Our team of dental professionals is always looking for ways to improve access to our services and to encourage better dental health. That’s why we offer three patient dental plans at our clinic. We believe this is the best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums. We’d love to discuss our two adult plans and our plan for children, so please just ask!

 

See what our patient dental plans include here:

 

Indigo Dental Plan – £17 per month:

 

Indigo Hygiene Plan – £27 per month:

 

* Excludes ClearCorrect, dental implant, and tooth whitening.

 

Indigo Children’s Plans – free for under 3s then £7.50 or £9 per month

 

We believe these plans offer excellent value for our patients, and we know from experience that they are effective in ensuring patients keep up with ongoing dental care.

 

Over one year, when taking advantage of the dental health assessments and hygiene appointments alone, patients on the Indigo Dental Plan will save at least £24, and those on the Hygiene Plan at least £34. If you have additional treatments, you save even more with the 20% discount. You can see our full price list here, including treatment costs for those on our dental plans.

 

In summary

In today’s healthcare landscape, dental patient plans offer a practical and affordable alternative to pay-as-you-go or dental insurance. They encourage regular visits to the dentist, offer transparent pricing, and eliminate many of the frustrations associated with insurance (such as waiting periods and exclusions).

 

Whether you’re seeking predictable costs or looking for a way to keep up with regular dental appointments, a dental patient plan may be the best solution for you. By joining one, you’re investing in your long-term oral health, which is an integral part of your overall wellbeing. To find out more about our affordable dental patient plans, visit our website or speak to one of our friendly team.

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