Quick Answer
The Aspen Dental Savings Plan costs $49/year for the primary member, plus $29/year for each additional household member — a family of four pays $136/year. It's billed as one annual fee (no monthly option), with no deductible, no waiting period, and no annual maximum. The catch: it only works at Aspen Dental offices.
| Membership | Annual cost |
|---|---|
| Primary member (individual) | $49/year |
| Each additional household member | +$29/year |
| Couple | $78/year |
| Family of four | $136/year |
There is no monthly payment option — it's a single annual fee. Beyond the fee, there are no premiums, no deductibles, and no claims: you pay the discounted rate directly at the chair.
What it does not include: specialist services (endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery) are excluded entirely, even at Aspen offices — and the plan works at Aspen Dental locations only. There are 1,000+ Aspen offices across the U.S., but if you want to keep your own dentist, this plan won't help you.
One discounted major procedure clears the $49 fee several times over. Net savings after the fee on common work:
| Procedure | You save (20% off) | Net after $49 fee |
|---|---|---|
| Crown | $180–300 | $131–251 |
| Root canal (general dentist) | $180–280 | $131–231 |
| Implant | $600–1,000 | $551–951 |
| Full denture (per arch) | $200–600 | $151–551 |
For a family of four at $136/year, free exams and X-rays (2x/year per person) plus 30% off cleanings apply to everyone — one discounted procedure clears the whole family's fee.
Individual dental insurance typically costs $30–60/month ($360–720/year) with a deductible and a 6–12 month waiting period for major work — Aspen's $49/year plan is far cheaper, with no waiting period. But insurance pays a percentage at any dentist it's accepted; Aspen's plan only discounts services at Aspen offices. If your employer subsidizes dental insurance, take the insurance.
Against open-network discount plans, the comparison is scope vs. price: Careington's 500 Series costs $99/year ($8.95/mo) and works at 200,000+ dentists including specialists — about double Aspen's fee, but usable almost anywhere. If you already go to Aspen and like them, Aspen's $49 is the better deal. If you want dentist choice, Careington wins. See the full Aspen vs. national plan comparison or our cost breakdown across all plans.
Skip it if you want to keep your own dentist, need specialist work, or might move away from an Aspen location — the plan has no portability. Full details in our Aspen Dental Savings Plan overview and full Aspen review.
Most readers do better with Careington
Careington rates 4.4★ — the highest of any plan we review — with 200,000+ network dentists, so you’re likelier to find an accepting dentist near you. From $9.95/mo, 20-60% savings, no waiting periods.
Aspen still fits if you already use and like a nearby Aspen Dental office — but its plan only works at Aspen locations, so without one close by, Careington’s 200,000+ nationwide dentists are the better deal.
See Careington →