Careington and DentalPlans.com are the two most popular dental savings options in the US, but they work differently. Careington is a single direct-to-consumer network — you join and get immediate access to their 200,000+ provider list. DentalPlans.com is a marketplace that lets you compare 30+ plans from multiple providers (including Careington itself) and pick the one that works for your dentist and budget. If you already know what you want, Careington is faster and simpler. If you want to shop around — especially to find a plan your dentist already accepts — DentalPlans.com gives you more leverage.
The most widely-used dental discount network
★★★★☆4.4From $8.95/mo · 200,000+ network dentists
The largest dental savings plan marketplace
★★★★☆4.6From $7/mo · 70%+ of all US dentists
| Feature | Careington 500 Series | DentalPlans.com |
|---|---|---|
| Individual/month | $8.95/mo | ✓From $7/mo |
| Family/month | $13.95/mo | ✓From $13/mo |
| Annual individual | $99/yr | ✓From $80/yr |
| Network size | 200,000+ dentists | 70%+ of US dentists (via 30+ plans) |
| Typical savings | 20–60% | 10–60% (varies by plan) |
| Activation time | 3 business days | ✓3 days (some same-day) |
| Waiting period | None | None |
| Annual maximum | None | None |
| Ortho discounts | Yes | Yes (plan-dependent) |
| Find dentist by plan | No (single network) | ✓Yes (filter plans by dentist) |
| Plan type | Direct savings plan | Plan marketplace |
| Cancellation | Anytime | Anytime |
Careington is the better direct choice; DentalPlans.com is better if you want to match a plan to your existing dentist.
You want the largest single network (200,000+ dentists), the lowest flat individual price ($8.95/mo), and a simple one-plan experience. Careington is ideal if you don't have a strong dentist preference and just want easy access to a nationwide discount network with no complications.
You have a specific dentist you want to keep, want to compare multiple plans side by side, or need same-day emergency activation. DentalPlans.com's "find by dentist" search is its killer feature — enter your dentist's name and see exactly which plans they accept. Plans start slightly cheaper too.
Our 2-minute quiz matches you with the best dental savings plan based on your dentist, budget, and what dental work you need.
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