Anyone got any insight into a good individual dental plan?

[hamsterjill]

I work for a small business. We've got health care coverage, but not dental.

I've just always had bad teeth. Had to have a root canal and crown last Christmas and that set me back an enormous amount. I'm trying to find a reasonable dental plan for an individual. There's not much out there that I see that really offers much coverage.

Anyone on DU got any insight? We've got an insurance agent working on this for me, but he's doesn't seem very excited about putting much effort into something that probably isn't going to get him much of a commission. I'm in Texas and I'm in my fifties.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[Suich]

1. The only plans I've ever seen,

cost about $600 a year and have a cap of $1000 worth of work per year.

I think some things, like cleaning, and x-rays, are provided for free.

I have yet to find a plan that is worthwhile.

Some have suggested applying at a Dental School.

Good luck!

[dolphinsandtuna]

2. I have never found a good dental plan, and I have looked.

I think there are none, unfortunately.

Maybe when you have to have more work, you can ask your dentist about a payment plan.

[Paper Roses]

3. Check this post and replies. Some good advice.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/11831153

[rurallib]

4. Is there a dental school anywhere nearby?

If so, it would sure be worth checking in to.
Been going to our local one for a couple of years and think I am getting great care.

[Major Nikon]

5. I've never seen a "good individual dental plan"

There are some employer provided plans which aren't bad, but individual plans generally suck because most people don't get them until the need them and once they are no longer needed they are dropped. This means the likelihood that you get more out of them than you pay in is slim.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

6. I have yet to find a good one and I have been looking, too.

Dentistry ... I am not impressed with their philosophy at this time.

I know an Office Manager for a Dental Firm in my area. The Dentists sent her to a Seminar where the goal was to show them how to be Millionaires as quickly as possible.

She came back and quit her job. She was disgusted.

I just cancelled my crappy plan and am looking for a Reputable Dentist in my area who understands that it is my Mouth, My Teeth and My Money and I am the fucking boss. I hired him ... not the other way around.

Dentistry is quickly getting a bad rep for being a bunch of scam artists and frauds and all the little girls running around in the front does not help the atmosphere.

Good luck.

[dolphinsandtuna]

7. plus now a lot of the caps and bridges

are made in China. Even the dentist may not know that, as labs lie and say they make it onsite but don't. So the work is ill fitting and fragile. My reputable dentist clued me into this.

[Number9Dream]

8. Avoid Delta Dental if possible

We've had a few battles with them in the past, but they're what my employer provides.
Good luck.