The cost of dental insurance has gone through the roof in recent years. It's now a proven statistic that approximately 70% of Americans have no dental coverage at all because of this. However, the most disturbing thing about this is that most dental insurance plans really don't provide much coverage.

Many people aren't even aware of what they're buying until they get to the dentist and have their claim denied because the procedure that they need to have done is considered to be pre-existing and dental insurance won't cover anything that's pre-existing. That means that if your spouse or daughter is in pain right now, and you don't already have insurance, you are on your own.

The best way to beat the high cost of dental insurance is to join what's called a discount dental plan. Many of these discount plans offer savings of as much as 60% off on most major dental care, as well as preventive care, such as cleanings, x-rays, etc. Since discount plans are not an insurance policy you can be seen for any reason, pre-existing or not. There aren't any exclusions, no age limits, no co-pays, no headaches.

This is how discount plans work. Find a dentist in your area that is a member of the discount network. Join the plan by paying the low annual fee. This is usually under $100.00 for an individual, which is much less than insurance.

Within 1-3 days you can see a participating dentist. Once you get your activation notice, simply make an appointment, get a check-up and x-rays, determine what needs to be done and what you can afford to pay that day and then get the work done. It's just that easy.

If you've been looking for affordable dental insurance you'll soon find out that it just doesn't exist, if you consider what you're actually getting for your money. I encourage you to look at both dental insurance (make sure to look at the "Exclusions") and discount dental plans. I think you'll be shocked at what you find.