Here's a real example comparing dental discount plans with dental insurance.  Although these plans aren't beneficial for everyone, they are an excellent solution for a lot of people.

Dental Insurance

In 2008, an insurance client of mine had a dental insurance plan for his young family of five.  His monthly premium for the five people in his family was $94.00.  He paid $1,128 for his insurance plan for that year.  Each member of his family went in for a cleaning twice that year, which cost $100 in copays.  His son and daughter both needed fillings for cavities which cost $104 total, after the insurance paid their portion.  Other than the two fillings, the family's teeth remained healthy.  His total dental costs for the year equalled $1,332.

If He Had a Discount Plan

If he would have had a discount plan instead he would have paid $178 for the annual plan cost, $77 for each filling and $500 for his family's cleanings that year (slightly more, but I will use $500 for easy math).  His total cost for the year would have been $732.

The Savings

He would have saved $600 that year; enough to pay for a crown or root canal under his dental discount plan if one of his family members needed one.  Or, he could have saved the $600 if no one else in his family needed dental work. 

The Bottom Line

The bottom line?  If you or your family have healthy teeth and only need occasional dental work, consider switching to a dental discount plan.