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A dental savings plan (also called a dental discount plan) is a membership. You pay a monthly fee, show your card at a participating dentist, and pay a reduced fee for the visit. The plan doesn't pay the dentist anything. It isn't dental insurance.
Important: a discount health care program is NOT insurance. THIS PLAN IS NOT INSURANCE and is not intended to replace health insurance. It provides discounts at participating dentists and vision providers. It does not make payments to providers; you pay the entire discounted rate. The program does not guarantee the quality of the services or products offered by individual providers. Discount program operator: Careington International Corporation, 7400 Gaylord Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034.
For many Texas households that buy their own health plan, it's the missing piece. Health sharing doesn't share routine dental work, only dental injuries from an accident, and it doesn't share glasses or contacts. A discount plan fills that gap for a few dollars a month.
How a discount plan differs from dental insurance
| Dental savings plan | Dental insurance (in general) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays the dentist | You pay a reduced fee | The insurer pays part under the policy |
| Monthly cost | Usually low | Usually higher |
| Annual maximum | None to track; you pay the discounted fee | Many plans cap what they pay each year |
| Waiting periods | Check the plan | Common for bigger work |
| Dentists | Participating dentists only | Network rules vary |
Neither is better for everyone. If you expect a lot of major dental work and your employer offers dental insurance, compare that. If you mostly need cleanings, fillings and the odd crown, a discount plan is often simpler and cheaper.
The plan we recommend
We work with Careington. As of October 2026, its plans start at:
- 500 Series Dental Savings Plan: from $8.95 a month, with discounts on preventive, routine and major dental work.
- Dental & Vision Savings Plan: from $9.95 a month, adding vision discounts for glasses and contacts.
There's a one-time $20.00 processing fee. You can cancel within 30 days for a refund, less a small fee. Prices shown are "starting at"; family prices vary.
See Careington plans Opens Careington's site. We may be paid if you join.
Five things to check before you join
- Your dentist participates. Search the plan's dentist list or call the office and ask by plan name.
- The fee schedule for the work you expect. Ask what you'd pay for a cleaning, a filling and a crown. That's more useful than a percentage.
- Specialists. If you might need an orthodontist, oral surgeon or periodontist, check whether any near you participate. In smaller Texas towns the list can be short, so check before you rely on it.
- Household price. Prices start lower for one person. Ask for the price for your household.
- Cancellation. Know the refund window (30 days, less a small fee, as of October 2026).
When dental insurance may be the better choice
If your employer offers dental insurance at a low cost, or you already know you need major work and a plan would pay a share of it after any waiting period, compare that first. A discount plan never pays your dentist; it only lowers the price you pay. For many self-employed households and early retirees without an employer plan, though, the discount plan is the simpler and cheaper way to keep up with cleanings and fillings.
Where it fits in the bigger picture
Most of the households we help pair three things: a virtual primary care membership for everyday care, health sharing for big unexpected bills, and a dental savings plan for teeth and eyes. See what the full combination costs.
Common questions
Is a dental savings plan the same as dental insurance?
No. It gives you reduced fees at participating dentists, and it doesn't pay the dentist. THIS PLAN IS NOT INSURANCE.
How much is a dental savings plan in Texas?
As of October 2026, Careington's 500 Series starts at $8.95 a month plus a one-time $20.00 fee. Dental and vision together start at $9.95.
Does health sharing cover dental?
Health sharing doesn't share routine dental care, only dental injuries from an accident. That's why we suggest a dental savings plan alongside it.
Can I use it at any dentist?
Only at participating dentists. Check that yours participates before you join.
Sources
Want to see what this would cost your household?
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