In 2004 the average American family paid $907 a month or $10,884 a year in healthcare fees! These statistics are forcing employers, as well as, consumers to review their options. Employer's, whos shared premiums are rising, are dropping some insurance or some benefits to control costs.

A dentist friend of mine makes $365,000 a year, without working weekends. The dental hygienist makes $150,000 a year. No wonder we cringe when we or our children get a bad toothache. We can't afford "not" to have dental coverage... but let's not be ripped-off.

Let's explore dental insurance plans first.

Dental insurance plans has been around for 120 years. It's evolved into an alphabet soup of providers. HMO's, DHMO's, PPO's, and Indemnity plans to name a few. Without an employer co pay, these plans can be very expensive. When you are looking for dental insurance, or reviewing your policy, look for the "limitations". These include; yearly deductibles, yearly spending limits, waiting periods, and exclusions. Some have limits on pre existing conditions. Your review of the policy will tell you if you are being ripped-off. Premiums can range between $40 to $100 a month for an individual or a family plan.

Let's now look at dental plans.

Dental plans are consumer driven alternatives to dental insurance and its higher costs. This industry is still in its infancy, having been around only 15 years. The last 5 years there has been an explosion of providers. Dental plans are much easier to explain. The dentist gives you a discount on dental services between 25% to 80%. Most discounts are in the 50% to 80% range. Why you ask? They don't have to hire a fulltime person to fill out all the paperwork or wait 3 months for their money. Plus its good business, people will come for routine care because they can afford it. Fees range between $9 to $20 a month, for individual or family plans.

The Benefits Include:

1. No waiting period

2. No yearly limits on visits or services

3. Instant savings

4. No age limits

5. No paperwork

6. All specialists included

7. All ongoing dental problems accepted (except braces in progress)

8. Cosmetic dentistry is included

9. Orthodontics(braces) included for both children and adults

10. You can change dentists without notifying anyone

The better dental plans include added benefits, such as, prescription and vision discounts at no extra cost. You are the best judge of whether you are being ripped-off. When reviewing companies plans, look for these extra benefits along with their providers in your area.

You know sooner or later you or your child will be forced to visit a dentist. Take the fear and stress out of this decision. There is no reason that 70% of us don't have dental coverage. You now know you can afford it!