Can I Use Any Dentist With a Dental Savings Plan?

By The Dental Savings EditorsReviewed June 20263 min readWe earn commission when you enroll. We don't get paid to rank plans.

Updated June 2026 · 4 min read

Important: Check Before You Enroll

No — you must use a participating dentist. This is the #1 thing to verify before buying a plan. Check the dentist locator on any plan's website before purchasing. The discount only applies at in-network locations.

Network Sizes by Plan

PlanNetwork SizeCheck Your Dentist
Careington 500 Series200,000+ locationscareington.com/find-a-dentist
Aetna Dental Savings217,000+ locationsaetna.com/dse/search
Humana Dental Savings140,000+ locationshumana.com/dental
Cigna Dental Savings110,000+ locationscigna.com/find-a-doctor

How to Check If Your Dentist Is In-Network

  1. 1

    Go to the plan's website and find their "Find a Dentist" or provider search tool

  2. 2

    Enter your ZIP code and your dentist's name

  3. 3

    Confirm they're listed as a participating provider

  4. 4

    Call your dentist's office to double-check — plan databases aren't always current

  5. 5

    If they're not in-network, try a different plan or ask them to join

What If Your Dentist Isn't In Any Network?

You have three options:

1. Switch to a participating dentist

All major plans have searchable directories. In most metro areas, you'll find dozens of quality dentists in-network.

2. Ask your dentist to join the network

Call the plan's provider relations team. Many dentists will join when a patient specifically requests it — there's no cost to the dentist and minimal paperwork.

3. Check each plan's directory by your dentist's name

Search your dentist directly in the Careington and Aetna provider tools (linked above) before you enroll — that confirms which plan you can actually use without switching offices.

The Easiest Approach: Search by Dentist First

Don't guess — search your dentist before you pay for anything. Careington's directory has the widest reach (200,000+ locations), so start there: enter your dentist's name and ZIP code in careington.com/find-a-dentist. If they're listed, that's the fastest path to a plan you can actually use without switching offices. Our Careington review walks through pricing and how the discount works at the chair.

Find a Plan That Includes Your Dentist

Check all major plan networks in one place.