Find the Best Dental Savings Plan
No dental insurance? A dental savings plan gives you 10–60% off at the dentist — with no waiting periods, no claims, and no annual limits. Plans start at $8.95/month.
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2026 Dental Savings Plan Comparison
All prices verified February 2026. Sorted by our editorial ranking.
| Plan | From/mo | Savings | Network | Waiting Period | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 Pick Careington The most widely-used dental discount network | $8.95 | 20-60% | 100,000+ dentist locations | ✓ None | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | Read Review → |
DentalPlans.com The largest dental savings plan marketplace | $7 | 10-60% | 70%+ of all US dentists | ✓ None | ★★★★☆ 4.6 | Read Review → |
Aetna Dental Access Major insurer's dental savings plan with large national network | $8 | 15-50% | 217,000+ dentist locations | ✓ None | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | Read Review → |
Cigna Dental Savings Plan Cigna's discount dental plan with strong PPO network | $10 | 20-50% | 155,000+ in-network locations | ✓ None | ★★★★☆ 4.1 | Read Review → |
Humana Dental Savings Plan Medicare-friendly dental savings with competitive pricing | $9 | 15-50% | 350,000+ network dentists | ✓ None | ★★★★☆ 4.0 | Read Review → |
Prices shown are individual plan minimums. Family and couple pricing varies. See full reviews for details.
How Dental Savings Plans Work
Not insurance. No claims. No waiting. Just discounts.
Join for $99–$149/year
Pick a plan, enroll online. Activation takes 3 business days. Most plans are $8–14/month billed annually — less than a single tube of whitening strips.
Find a participating dentist
Look up in-network dentists on your plan's directory. Most major dental chains (Aspen, Western Dental, etc.) participate. Over 100,000 locations for top plans.
Show your card, pay less
Tell the dentist you have a dental savings plan. They look up the pre-negotiated rate and you pay that — usually 20–60% less. No forms, no claims, no reimbursements.
Our Top Picks
Based on network size, real savings rates, pricing, and user reviews.
Careington
★★★★☆ 4.4The most widely-used dental discount network
DentalPlans.com
★★★★☆ 4.6The largest dental savings plan marketplace
Aetna Dental Access
★★★★☆ 4.2Major insurer's dental savings plan with large national network
The Math Is Pretty Straightforward
A Careington family plan is $149/year. Here's what typical dental work costs with and without it.
* Based on national average procedure costs and reported member savings. Your actual savings depend on your location and dentist.
Find My Best Plan →Why Trust Dental Savings Guide?
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We check plan pricing every quarter. The numbers you see are what you actually pay — not stale promotional rates.
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Every review includes honest cons. If a plan has a weak network in rural areas or slow customer service, we say so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a dental savings plan and dental insurance?
Dental insurance has monthly premiums ($30–50+), annual deductibles, waiting periods (6–12 months for major work), and annual maximums ($1,000–2,000). A dental savings plan is a membership — you pay $99–149/year and get pre-negotiated discount rates at participating dentists. No claims to file, no annual limits, no waiting periods.
Are dental savings plans worth it?
For most people without employer dental insurance, yes. A Careington family plan is $149/year. Two routine cleanings plus X-rays at typical discount rates saves $150–250 alone — you're already ahead. For major work like crowns ($400–700 with a plan vs $1,000–1,800 without), the savings are significant.
Can I use a dental savings plan with my existing insurance?
Often yes, depending on the plan and your insurance. Careington specifically allows stacking — you use your insurance first, then apply the savings plan discount to your remaining balance. Check with your insurer before enrolling.
How do I find a dentist that accepts my savings plan?
Every plan has an online directory. Enter your zip code, and it shows participating dentists near you. Most major dental chains (Aspen Dental, Heartland, Western Dental) participate in multiple plans. Rural areas may have fewer options.
What does 'no waiting period' actually mean?
Dental insurance often makes you wait 6–12 months before covering crowns, root canals, or major restorative work. Dental savings plans don't — you can use your discount for any covered procedure as soon as your plan activates (3 business days for most plans).
Learn More
Dental Savings Plan vs Insurance: Which Is Better in 2026?
The honest comparison — when a savings plan wins and when you actually need insurance.
Are Dental Savings Plans Worth It? A Realistic Look
We ran the numbers across 6 common dental procedures. Here's when it makes sense.
Best Dental Savings Plans for Seniors in 2026
Medicare doesn't cover dental. Here's the best coverage for seniors on a budget.
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