Subscription-Based Dentistry: Is It the Future of Affordable Oral Health?
Jessica Levco
February 13, 2025
Let’s examine how subscription-based dentistry is changing affordability and access to dental care.
Subscription-based dental plans offer patients an alternative to dental insurance, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA says subscription dental plans, dental membership plans and dental discount plans make access to oral care easier and more affordable for Americans without dental insurance.
The subscription-based model is not new. Business.com highlights four industries that have followed the model for several years:
Online learning
Streaming entertainment
Beauty and health products
Food and beverage
Understanding Subscription-Based Dentistry
In 2022, 45% of Americans visited the dentist and 62% of U.S. adults had dental insurance, according to the ADA. But for those without insurance, care costs can be high, which is where subscription dental plans, dental membership plans and dental discount plans are helpful, the ADA says.
A dental plan subscription offers a cost-efficient way to access comprehensive coverage, with a low monthly cost, Dental Economics reports. Plans fully cover preventive services like cleanings, exams and X-rays and offer discounts on other procedures.
Remember, routine cleanings are essential to your health. Altogether Dental, a dental savings plan, is one option if you’re considering a dental subscription for affordable dental care. Our Aetna dental savings plan gives you access to 260,000+ choices of in-network general and specialty care dentists.
Benefits of Subscription-Based Dental Care
If you’re wondering “are dental savings plans worth it?” consider the benefits. According to HealthInsurance.org, dental savings plans are not insurance: They don’t cover dental costs, but offer lower prices at participating dentists.
Altogther Dental’s rates start at $7.50 per month, and this makes even a few discounted treatments cost-effective. Dental membership plans help you budget, too, because your monthly fee is set. With our membership, you’ll enjoy discounts of 15-50% on all dental procedures — everything from cleanings, fillings, orthodontia, dentures and more.
These plans can foster stronger relationships between patients and dentists through regular visits, according to Dental Economics, which reports that by eliminating barriers to care, patients are more likely to visit their dentist for routine care.
Comparing Subscription-Based Dentistry to Traditional Insurance
Subscription-based dentistry provides dental insurance alternatives. Dental insurance is a contract between you or your employer, the dentist providing care, the insurance carrier and sometimes a third-party administrator responsible for handling claims and payments, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Outside of preventative care, dental insurance usually includes deductibles, co-pays, waiting periods and policy maximums, HealthInsurance.org reports. In contrast, dental discount plans do not cover any dental expenses on your behalf. Instead, they offer reduced rates at participating dentists.
The Impact on Dental Practices
If you’re worried about adding a dental savings plan and how it might affect your relationship with your dentist, the best thing you can do is ask if the practice takes the plan. As Dental Economics reports, dental professionals aim to provide the best care, but traditional insurance can create challenges with rules, coverage limits and costs that make treatment harder for patients to afford.
Dental membership plans allow practices to improve care and efficiency. Dental Economics suggests four benefits for practices:
Removing cost obstacles and improving treatment acceptance
Enhancing preventive care and fostering lasting relationships
Simplifying the patient experience without insurance complications
Boosting practice growth and strengthening patient loyalty
Research from the ADA Health Policy Institute shows that making preventive care more accessible by reducing financial barriers results in healthier patients and fewer emergencies. Offering a membership plan allows practices to encourage proactive health management.
How Patients Are Saving Money
Angela says…
“I learned about Altogether Dental from a friend who liked it and decided to give it a try,”
“I got an exam, X-rays, a cleaning and needed a filling. The discount I received was over $200, which is outstanding considering the low cost to become a member.”
It’s easy to find a dentist in your area and schedule an appointment with Altogether Dental.
Taylor says…
“I just signed up for the family plan, which is really affordable. Knowing how complicated and non-transparent the American insurance system is, I am excited to have an alternative way of getting my dental work done.”
Even if you have dental insurance, you can supplement your coverage with dental membership plans. Keep in mind that with an Altogether Dental membership, you’ll enjoy discounts of 15-50% on all dental procedures — everything from cleanings, fillings, orthodontia, dentures and more.
The Future of Dental Membership Plans
Dental care can be expensive, but skipping routine visits can lead to more costly emergencies. Dental Economics suggests that dental plan subscription services are a cost-effective way to manage your oral care. Dental Economics reports that patients benefit from these memberships because:
They will have fewer financial barriers to care, like high deductibles and insurance limitations.
By seeing their dentist for routine care, they build a relationship and your dentist can monitor your oral health.
They can avoid insurance hassles.
Altogether Dental’s customer service representatives go the extra step to help you find care near you. Our customer service team can help match you with a dentist in your area and schedule consultations, cleanings and procedures on your behalf at your request.
Taylor said his experience showed how the team put his family’s needs first.
“Paloma was an excellent support member via the live chat on their site. She also went the extra mile to help me figure out if my former dentist was connected to Altogether (it wasn't), and which provider closest to me accepts their plan.”
