If you're like many dentists, your dental practice accepts copays from patients and receives reimbursements from insurance companies.

But did you know there is another way to let patients pay for your services that can attract new patients and boost patient loyalty?

Dental discount plans offer patients an affordable alternative to dental insurance by charging one annual fee instead of monthly premiums and in-office copays. Because patients have already paid for their year's worth of dental services upfront, they are more likely to schedule biannual cleanings and keep appointments.

A dental discount plan combined with a loyalty program, like Dental Intelligence's patient loyalty program, can boost revenue and secure repeat patients. Here's everything you need to know about how these plans work and how they can benefit your dental practice.

What Is a Dental Discount Plan?

Dental discount plans are becoming an increasingly popular way for patients to save money on their dental care. With discount plans, members pay a flat rate annual fee instead of a monthly premium like typical health insurance. 

At each dental visit, your patient presents their dental discount card, which locks in a lower price and often a range of discounts for certain services.

While typical dental insurance reimburses your practice, these discount plans don't. Instead, patients pay you directly.

Dental discount plans are often much less expensive than dental insurance, and patients don't have to worry about waiting periods or deductible amounts. According to recent data, 89% of patients without dental insurance are interested in a dental discount plan that is clear and affordable. You could have an untapped market of patients in your area who just need the incentive of an annual discount plan to encourage them to invest in their oral health. 

Dental discount plans are especially helpful for:

• Patients without health insurance
• Insured patients who need more work than insurance covers
• Patients with specific health conditions
• Older patients who aren't fully covered by Medicare

What Are the Advantages of a Dental Discount Plan?

A simple and transparent dental discount plan shows your patients that you care about their health and understand the barriers they may face in affording quality dental care. 

Benefits of a dental discount plan for your patients include:

• Affordable for uninsured patients
• Clear fixed cost, so no more unexpectedly high dental bills
• More convenient for patients than working through an insurance provider
• Discounts on services like preventive care, restorative care, and cosmetic dentistry

Because the cost of membership-based dental plans is transparent upfront, patients have a level of price certainty that helps them develop another layer of trust with you as their dentist.

Your practice also benefits from these plans in several ways:

• Improve patient retention
• Help patients commit to their oral health
• Patients accept more restorative care services
• Receive payment directly, so there is no need to contact the insurance company for reimbursement

By encouraging uninsured patients to see your benefit plan as an affordable, long-term option for their oral care needs, you can show your patients that you value their business and are committed to providing quality care. 

Do Dental Discount Plans Increase Patient Retention?

Building patient loyalty can be challenging, especially in today's competitive market. Many uninsured patients only visit the dentist once every two years and are less proactive with regular dental cleanings and follow-ups. 

Membership plans are statistically proven to keep patients committed to your practice. Data shows that a dental discount plan can lead to two to three times more visits from patients. Patients also accept up to 75% more treatments since they have comprehensive coverage.

In short, a dental discount plan provides your patients with member-only benefits that keep them happier and healthier, more likely to keep appointments, and more likely to refer you as an affordable, high-quality dentist.

Make oral care easy for your patients, and they'll keep coming back. Plus, they're more likely to refer their friends and family because you stand out from the crowd and offer something special. 

Start Retaining More Patients with a Dental Discount Plan

Patient loyalty is essential for your practice to succeed. Not only do loyal patients come back for regular checkups and cleanings, but they also refer their friends and family to your practice. Learn more about dental discount plans, dental giveaways, and ways to boost patient loyalty. 

At Dental Intelligence, we specialize in digital solutions to help dental practices grow their patient base and streamline day-to-day operations. Contact us today to schedule a free demo and start building better patient relationships.

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