Dental discount plans can be a better deal for some people. Unlike dental insurance, the discount plans never make any payments on your behalf. Rather, they simply negotiate prices with the dentist that contract with the plans. These prices are often less than half of what you would otherwise pay. These plans are typically paid for on a yearly basis, with the pricetag being around $100-130.
Often they are effective almost immediately, whereas dental insurance may have substantial waiting periods for most services. For people needing major treatment immediately, the discount plans are probably the best bet.