According to the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP), about 96 percent of dental benefits are currently provided through the workplace or other group coverage, such as AARP.

If you don't have the option to buy group dental coverage, plans are readily available online — mainly discount-card plans, described below. Make sure weigh the cost vs. benefits, and find out all the restrictions, such as annual maximums and provider networks that you must use.

As for your children, if they qualify for your State Children's Health Insurance Program, they might be provided with dental benefits. SCHIP plans are not required to offer dental treatment, but all states have chosen to include it. Out-of-pocket costs for SCHIP dental programs are allowed but limited.

Dental insurance vs. discount plans

There are four main types of dental benefit plans, according to NADP:

Dental HMOs provide comprehensive dental coverage and you must use their defined network of providers. Some dental HMOs will let you use a provider not in the network but at reduced coverage. Dental providers are paid by the insurer on a "capitation basis," meaning they receive a fixed payment per plan member no matter how much service the member needs. You pay a fixed monthly premium to be a member.

Dental PPOs have a fixed network of providers who are contracted to provide services at a discount. Members receive value from these discounts when they see a network provider. You can see an out-of-network provider but you'll have a reduction in coverage. Providers are paid by the insurer on a fee-for-service basis.

Dental indemnity plans are contracts where you can see anyone you wish and providers are reimbursed by the insurer on a fee-for-service basis.

Dental discount plans are programs in which certain dental providers agree to offer their services at a discount. These are not insurance plans. In exchange for a fee, members get discounts on a variety of dental services, such as fillings, braces, exams and routine cleanings. Members typically receive about 30 percent off standard out-of-pocket prices and pay the provider directly.

Some typical features of dental-discount plans:

• An initial enrollment fee.
• A monthly fee to the dental-discount company.
• Discounts on cosmetic procedures that are excluded from most dental insurance plans.

Be aware that dental discount plans are not regulated by state insurance departments. That doesn't mean these plans aren't legitimate, but you should take precautions when buying a dental-discount plan.

Researching a plan

According to the NADP, these are some questions you should always ask when considering a dental insurance or discount plan:

Are you licensed to offer this plan in this state? True dental insurers must be licensed in your state to sell dental insurance.

Are you registered with the Better Business Bureau? The BBB maintains a large database of companies, where they operate, contact information and complaint data.

Where are you located and what is your address? A bogus dental plan is likely to be hesitant to give you this information or will give you an address that is nothing more than a post office box.

Can you mail me specifics on the plan before I sign up? Fraudulent plans are more likely to collect your "membership fee" before they will send you any information. All legitimate plans will have marketing materials that they will be more than happy to send you.

Do you have a Web site with more information? Most legitimate dental plan companies have extensive Web sites that outline their plan benefits, the costs for all procedures and the providers accepting the plan in your area.

Can I get a list of providers on the plan? Avoid any plan that cannot provide you with a list of dentists who accept their plan.

Can I think about it and get back to you next week? Bogus plans use high-pressure techniques to get you to join the day you call.

Direct reimbursement plans

The direct reimbursement plan is a plan (not insurance) in which an employer pays for dental care with its own funds, rather than paying premiums to an insurance company. You, the patient, pay the full amount directly to your dentist, then get a receipt for the services. You then give the receipt to your employer and are reimbursed for part or all of the dental costs, depending on your specific benefits.

Some features of a direct reimbursement plan:

• Neither you nor your employer pays monthly premiums.
• You can choose any dentist.
• The employer's cost depends on the number of employees and benefit caps.
• Benefits are usually capped at $500 to $1,500 annually.

Have your employer help

If you aren't happy with these dental plans, or they aren't available in your area, you have another option. Ask your employer to help out. Many insurance companies have devised creative ways for employers to offer dental benefits without reaching into their own wallets. Most dental plans can be offered through what is known as a "voluntary group plan" by your employer. You and your colleagues who want to participate pay all the premiums or fees, not your employer. Your employer merely acts as the conduit through which the plan is offered.

Not only do you get access to a dental plan, but you also get it at the lower-cost group rate.