With rising PPO write-offs, unpredictable insurance reimbursements, and more patients seeking affordable, transparent care, many dental practices are turning to in-house membership plans as a way to take back control.

But the big question remains:
Do dental membership plans actually work—and should you consider creating one in your office?

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Dental Membership Plan?

A dental membership plan is a subscription-based model where patients pay a monthly or annual fee directly to your practice in exchange for a set of preventive services (like exams, cleanings, and x-rays) and discounts on additional treatment.

It’s essentially “insurance-free insurance”—no third-party red tape, no waiting periods, no claim denials.

Are They Working for Practices That Offer Them?

Yes—and here’s why.

Many practices that have implemented well-structured membership plans report:

Increased Case Acceptance

Patients with a plan feel like they’re “invested” and are more likely to follow through with treatment recommendations—especially when they get 10–20% off restorative work.

Improved Patient Retention

Membership plans create loyalty. Patients on a plan are more likely to return for routine visits and refer others.

Revenue Predictability

Even if you have gaps in the schedule, membership fees continue to come in monthly or annually—providing stable, recurring revenue.

Freedom from PPOs

Some dentists are using membership plans as a tool to phase out low-paying insurance plans, offering patients a clear, affordable alternative.

Better Access for the Uninsured

Many patients—especially retirees, freelancers, and young adults—don’t have dental insurance. A membership plan gives them a reason to commit to your office for the long haul.

Why Membership Plans Work for Practices

What makes them especially effective is that you control the fees, services, and structure. You’re not at the mercy of an insurance company deciding your value.

Instead of accepting 40% write-offs from PPOs, many dentists find they can earn more per patient through a direct-pay model—even at a discount.

What to Include in a Membership Plan

Most successful plans are simple and easy to understand. A basic adult plan might include:

• 2 cleanings per year

• 2 exams

• Annual x-rays

• 1 emergency visit

• 10–20% off additional treatment

Plans typically cost $25–40/month or $300–500/year, depending on your market.

You can also create specialized plans for:

• Periodontal maintenance patients

• Families

• Seniors

• Children

How to Launch One in Your Practice

1. Assess Your Patient Base

   • How many patients are uninsured?

   • How many are on low-paying PPOs that you’d like to reduce reliance on?

2. Price It Strategically

   • Base pricing on your UCR fees and desired profit margins.

   • Keep it competitive with the cost of private dental insurance.

3. Keep It Simple

   • Avoid confusing tiered packages or complicated exclusions.

   • Use clear, patient-friendly language.

4. Choose a Platform (Optional)

   • Consider using tools like BoomCloud, Kleer, or DentalHQ to help manage plans, automate payments, and stay compliant.

5. Train Your Team

   • Make sure your front desk and clinical team can explain the plan confidently and answer common questions.

6. Promote It

   • Mention it on your website, in new patient calls, on social media, and during financial presentations—especially for uninsured patients or those considering dropping insurance.

Is It Right for You?

You should seriously consider a membership plan if:

• You want to reduce dependence on PPOs

• You serve a large uninsured or underinsured population

• You’re looking for recurring revenue streams

• You want more control over your fees and patient relationships

Even practices that are heavily PPO-driven can benefit by offering a membership option for out-of-network patients or those you transition off low-paying plans.

Bottom Line: Membership Plans Work—When Done Right

Dental membership plans are not a magic bullet, but for many practices, they’ve become a powerful tool for improving profitability, increasing patient loyalty, and breaking free from insurance limitations.

If you’re ready to own the financial relationship with your patients, keep more of what you earn, and offer flexible options for care—then yes, developing a dental membership plan could be one of the smartest moves you make this year.

With rising PPO write-offs, unpredictable insurance reimbursements, and more patients seeking affordable, transparent care, many dental practices are turning to in-house membership plans as a way to take back control.

But the big question remains:
Do dental membership plans actually work—and should you consider creating one in your office?

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Dental Membership Plan?

A dental membership plan is a subscription-based model where patients pay a monthly or annual fee directly to your practice in exchange for a set of preventive services (like exams, cleanings, and x-rays) and discounts on additional treatment.

It’s essentially “insurance-free insurance”—no third-party red tape, no waiting periods, no claim denials.

Are They Working for Practices That Offer Them?

Yes—and here’s why.

Many practices that have implemented well-structured membership plans report:

Increased Case Acceptance

Patients with a plan feel like they’re “invested” and are more likely to follow through with treatment recommendations—especially when they get 10–20% off restorative work.

Improved Patient Retention

Membership plans create loyalty. Patients on a plan are more likely to return for routine visits and refer others.

Revenue Predictability

Even if you have gaps in the schedule, membership fees continue to come in monthly or annually—providing stable, recurring revenue.

Freedom from PPOs

Some dentists are using membership plans as a tool to phase out low-paying insurance plans, offering patients a clear, affordable alternative.

Better Access for the Uninsured

Many patients—especially retirees, freelancers, and young adults—don’t have dental insurance. A membership plan gives them a reason to commit to your office for the long haul.

Why Membership Plans Work for Practices

What makes them especially effective is that you control the fees, services, and structure. You’re not at the mercy of an insurance company deciding your value.

Instead of accepting 40% write-offs from PPOs, many dentists find they can earn more per patient through a direct-pay model—even at a discount.

What to Include in a Membership Plan

Most successful plans are simple and easy to understand. A basic adult plan might include:

• 2 cleanings per year

• 2 exams

• Annual x-rays

• 1 emergency visit

• 10–20% off additional treatment

Plans typically cost $25–40/month or $300–500/year, depending on your market.

You can also create specialized plans for:

• Periodontal maintenance patients

• Families

• Seniors

• Children

How to Launch One in Your Practice

1. Assess Your Patient Base

   • How many patients are uninsured?

   • How many are on low-paying PPOs that you’d like to reduce reliance on?

2. Price It Strategically

   • Base pricing on your UCR fees and desired profit margins.

   • Keep it competitive with the cost of private dental insurance.

3. Keep It Simple

   • Avoid confusing tiered packages or complicated exclusions.

   • Use clear, patient-friendly language.

4. Choose a Platform (Optional)

   • Consider using tools like BoomCloud, Kleer, or DentalHQ to help manage plans, automate payments, and stay compliant.

5. Train Your Team

   • Make sure your front desk and clinical team can explain the plan confidently and answer common questions.

6. Promote It

   • Mention it on your website, in new patient calls, on social media, and during financial presentations—especially for uninsured patients or those considering dropping insurance.

Is It Right for You?

You should seriously consider a membership plan if:

• You want to reduce dependence on PPOs

• You serve a large uninsured or underinsured population

• You’re looking for recurring revenue streams

• You want more control over your fees and patient relationships

Even practices that are heavily PPO-driven can benefit by offering a membership option for out-of-network patients or those you transition off low-paying plans.

Bottom Line: Membership Plans Work—When Done Right

Dental membership plans are not a magic bullet, but for many practices, they’ve become a powerful tool for improving profitability, increasing patient loyalty, and breaking free from insurance limitations.

If you’re ready to own the financial relationship with your patients, keep more of what you earn, and offer flexible options for care—then yes, developing a dental membership plan could be one of the smartest moves you make this year.

Benjamin Tuinei

Founder - Veritas Dental Resources, LLC
Phone: 888-808-4513

Services:
PPO Fee Negotiators | PPO Fee Negotiating | Insurance Fee Negotiating
Insurance Credentialing | Insurance Verifications

Websites:
www.VeritasDentalResources.com | www.VerusDental.com