Updated June 2026 · 4 min read
No — you must use a participating dentist.
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.
| Plan | Network Size | Check Your Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Careington 500 Series | One of the largest U.S. networks | careington.com/find-a-dentist |
| Aetna Dental Savings | 262,000+ locations | aetna.com/dse/search |
| Humana Dental Savings | 135,000+ dentists | humana.com/dental |
| Cigna Dental Savings | 110,000+ locations | cigna.com/find-a-doctor |
Go to the plan's website and find their "Find a Dentist" or provider search tool
Enter your ZIP code and your dentist's name
Confirm they're listed as a participating provider
Call your dentist's office to double-check — plan databases aren't always current
If they're not in-network, try a different plan or ask them to join
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.
Don't guess — search your dentist before you pay for anything. Careington's directory has among the widest reach, 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.
No. Dental savings plans are discount networks — you must use a participating dentist to receive the discounted fee. Using an out-of-network dentist means you pay full price. Always search the plan's dentist locator before enrolling to confirm your preferred dentist participates.
Major plans have large national participating-dentist networks. Careington has one of the largest networks, though it publishes no location count. In urban areas, you'll typically find dozens of participating dentists within a few miles. Rural areas may have fewer options.
You have a few options: (1) switch to a participating dentist, (2) ask your current dentist to join the network, or (3) choose a plan that includes your dentist. Most dentists are willing to join networks if you ask — the plan's provider relations team can help facilitate this.
Yes. You can ask your dentist to join the network. Call the plan's provider relations number and ask them to reach out to your dentist. Many dentists will join if a patient requests it, as there's minimal administrative burden compared to insurance.
Check all major plan networks in one place.