Careington Dental Plans Review

Based in Frisco, Texas, Careington delivers discount dental plans to clients at local, regional, state, and national levels, providing more than 15 million members with access to their networks, products, and services. In addition, its dental network can also be accessed throughout the United Kingdom. Founded in 1979 by a team of two dentists, the company became a fully licensed and approved Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) in the state in 1985.

What’s Included with Careington

Instead of providing dental or health insurance policies, Careington takes a different approach by offering a series of discount plans. These plans don’t require prior dental exams of extensive waiting periods. Moreover, they enable people with pre-existing conditions to get affordable dental care.

• A nationwide network of certified dental professionals
• Discounts that are immediately available at the time of service
• Cost transparency thanks to fee schedules
• Affordable monthly and annual rates
• Individual and family plans
• No administrative forms or complicated documents to file
• No limits on the use of the plan
• Compatibility with HSAs, FSAs, and HRAs

Searching for a Provider

Careington's provider search is a simple, three-step questionnaire that can help members find network providers near them. First, plan members are asked to identify what type of provider they are looking for. This includes options for dental professionals, hospitals, physicians, and more. Then, they are requested to narrow their search further by supplying the dental's specialty—if any—and/or the provider's name. Lastly, Careington asks them to limit their search to an area or location by entering a city and state or zip code, as well as the mile range.

When contacting a Careington network provider, plan members must first identify themselves as a member of said network.

Careington plans are not available in the states of Vermont and Washington.

Plan Reviewed

500 Dental Savings Plan

The most popular of Careington's offers, the 500 Dental Savings Plan can save customers an average of 20% to 60% off the standard fees of dental procedures, including routine and preventative dental care, major dental work, specialty treatment, and cosmetic services.

• Pay an average of just $39.00* per cleaning
• 20% off of orthodontics, including braces
• Average of just $508.00* per root canal
• Plans start at $8.95/month or $89.00/year
• Family pricing options available
• Cancel in 30 days for a full refund***

*Fees and averages represent the plan equivalents in the Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago, and New York City metropolitan statistical areas.

**Regular cost based on national average of the 80th percentile usual and customary rates as detailed in the 2016 FairHealth Report in the Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago & NYC metropolitan areas.

***Minus your $20 processing fee

Summary

Careington's dental savings plans make for a good alternative to traditional dental insurance policies, especially for those who can't qualify for affordable dental insurance rates. Furthermore, family options make it a feasible alternative for more than just individuals. And because it's compatible with HSAs, FSAs, and HRAs, those who already have an insurance policy can combine them for an even greater level of coverage. With a variety of plans—including some that cover vision and prescriptions drugs, too—nationwide access to dental practitioners, and largely positive customer feedback online, Careington is a strong competitor in the dental care market, and one we can fully recommend.