Dental Discount Plans Beat Insurance Everyone wants to sell you dental insurance. But a discount plan is a better bet per Forbes Magazine study. November, 2009

Buy dental plan or dental insurance? Dental insurance cost of $30 to $75 per month generally gives you $1,200 in benefits. Dental plan cost of $8 to $17 per month generally saves you 20 to 60% off normal fees.

Cost comparison # 1 You had a really bad year Premium (12 mos x $65) $780 Exam $ -0- X-Rays $143 Cleaning $ Root Canals $1,794 2 Porcelain Metal Crowns $1,970 Sub Total $4,687 Insurance Payment ($1,200) Out of pocket cost $3,487 Membership (12 mos X $16.95) $203 Exam $ 22 X-Rays $63 Cleaning $ 39 2 Root Canal $902 2 Porcelain Crowns $1,214 Out of pocket cost $2,443 Annual Savings - $1,044 Dental InsuranceAmerican Dental Group

Consumers select a new dentist based upon intangibles. 1. Chair side manner 67% 2. Convenient scheduling 37% 3. Gentle: no pain 37% 4. Outcome of work 23% 5. Front office staff is friendly 17% 6. Low or reasonable costs 10% 7. Use of latest technology 7% 8. Dentist has lots of experience 3%

How does American Dental Group qualify its dentists? 1. Recommendations from our members re: dentist 2. Qualifications, i.e. education, certifications, license, etc. 3. Office and equipment inspections 4. Review of the dentist’s insurance 5. Interviews of Dentists and staff