What Is the Membership Plan?
Alameda Dental’s Membership Plan is an in-house dental savings program designed for patients without traditional dental insurance. By paying an annual membership fee, you gain access to routine preventive care and discounts on a wide range of dental treatments at our Aurora office. The plan eliminates common insurance frustrations — no deductibles, no annual maximums, no pre-authorizations, and no claim forms. It is not insurance, but it offers a straightforward way to budget for dental care and save on both essential and elective procedures.
We created this plan because we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality dentistry, regardless of insurance status. Whether you are self-employed, retired, between jobs, or simply prefer to pay for care directly, our membership plan helps make regular visits predictable and affordable.
How Our Membership Plan Works
When you join, you pay a flat annual fee that covers a set of routine preventive services at no additional charge. These typically include regular oral exams, cleanings, and necessary X-rays according to professional guidelines. For any additional treatments you need — from fillings and crowns to cosmetic procedures — members receive a percentage discount off our usual fees. There is no limit on how many discounted services you can use during the year.
Your membership activates immediately upon enrollment. You can schedule appointments right away and begin using the benefits. At each visit, we simply apply your member discount to the treatment provided. No forms to submit, no waiting for reimbursements, and no surprises when you check out.
What’s Included in the Membership Plan
While the exact services may vary slightly by membership tier, most plans include: - Routine cleanings (usually two per year for healthy patients) - Periodic oral exams - Necessary diagnostic X-rays (bitewings, periapicals) - Fluoride treatments when clinically indicated - Oral cancer screenings at each exam - Discounts on all other dental procedures, including restorative, endodontic, periodontal, and cosmetic treatments - Reduced copay for emergency visits
We offer individual plans for adults and children, as well as couple and family plans. Each plan is structured to make preventive care essentially prepaid, while offering substantial savings on any additional work you may need throughout the year. Ask us about the specific details for your plan type when you enroll.
Who Is a Good Candidate for the Membership Plan?
The membership plan is open to all patients who do not currently have dental insurance or who prefer a direct-pay model for their care. It is especially beneficial if: - You are uninsured or your insurance plan has limited benefits. - You want to simplify dental care without navigating insurance networks or paperwork. - You anticipate needing more than just routine cleanings — for example, if you have ongoing restorative needs or are considering cosmetic treatment. - You value predictability in your dental care costs. - You are a family looking for an affordable way to cover everyone’s checkups and cleanings.
There are no age restrictions, no health prerequisites, and no waiting periods. You can join at any time, even if you are currently in the middle of treatment. If you already have dental insurance, the membership plan may not be the best financial fit — we can help you compare benefits during your visit, but we do not double-bill or coordinate with outside insurance for members.
Benefits of Joining the Membership Plan
The primary benefit is straightforward savings on dental care without the complexity of insurance. Beyond lower costs, members enjoy: - No deductibles or annual maximums — use your discounts as often as needed. - No claim forms, reimbursement delays, or network restrictions. - Immediate eligibility for treatment; no waiting period for most procedures. - Access to care at our convenient Aurora office, with a team you know and trust. - Priority scheduling and a dedicated plan coordinator to help you make the most of your membership. - Peace of mind that you can address dental problems early, before they become more extensive and expensive.
Regular attendance under a membership plan often leads to better oral health outcomes because barriers to care are reduced. You are more likely to keep routine appointments and pursue recommended treatment when costs are transparent and manageable.
Realistic Considerations
While the membership plan delivers significant value, it is important to understand what it is not: - It is not dental insurance. It does not provide coverage outside of Alameda Dental. If you seek care from another provider, you will not be able to apply any membership benefits. - It does not coordinate with or supplement existing dental insurance. If you have insurance, you should evaluate whether continuing with that plan is more cost-effective. - The plan is an annual commitment; fees are non-refundable. However, if you receive planned treatment throughout the year, the savings typically far exceed the membership cost. - Some procedures (such as laboratory fees for crowns, bridges, or dentures) may have separate lab charges that are not discounted, though the professional fees are reduced. We will always outline any such distinctions before treatment.
Our team discusses all these details during enrollment so you have a clear picture of what your plan includes and how it works.
How to Sign Up and What to Expect
Enrolling in the membership plan is simple. You can sign up over the phone, in person during your next visit, or by completing a short form when you book an appointment. We will ask for basic contact information and payment for the annual fee. Once enrolled, you can immediately schedule your first preventive visit or any needed treatment.
At each appointment, we verify your active membership and apply your benefits automatically. There’s no paperwork for you to handle. If a service is not fully covered by the plan’s routine care component, we will provide a detailed breakdown of the member-discounted fee before starting any work, so you always know your out-of-pocket cost.
We recommend that members maintain their regular recall schedule — typically twice a year for cleanings and exams — to get the most from the plan. If you have periodontal disease or other ongoing conditions, your recall frequency may be different; your membership still applies and you only pay the discounted rate for those additional visits.
Cost and Payment Options
The membership plan is designed to be affordable. The annual fee varies depending on whether you enroll as an individual adult, a child, a couple, or a family. We can provide the current fees over the phone or at your initial consultation. Payment of the annual fee is due at enrollment and is non-refundable. You may pay by cash, check, or major credit cards.
For any treatments received beyond the included preventive services, you simply pay the discounted member rate at the time of service. We do not offer in-house financing for the membership fee itself, but we do work with third-party lenders for larger treatment plans if needed. Rest assured, we will never surprise you with hidden fees — every charge is discussed up front.
If you have any questions about the financial aspects of the plan, call (303) 343-7072 and our front-office team will walk you through all the details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask
Dental Terminology
- Prophylaxis
- The professional dental cleaning performed for patients without periodontal disease, removing plaque, tartar, and surface stains.
- Fluoride
- A naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps reverse early decay before a cavity forms.
- Dental Sealant
- A thin protective resin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay in deep grooves.
- Bitewing X-ray
- A diagnostic image that shows the crowns of upper and lower teeth in one area of the mouth, used to detect cavities between teeth.
- Caries Risk Assessment
- A clinical evaluation of a patient's likelihood of developing cavities based on factors such as diet, saliva, hygiene, and history.
- Oral Cancer Screening
- A visual and tactile examination of the tongue, cheeks, palate, and throat for abnormalities that could indicate early cancer.
- Plaque
- A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and must be removed daily through brushing and flossing to prevent decay and gum disease.
- Xerostomia
- Chronic dry mouth from reduced saliva production, which increases cavity risk and is often caused by medications or systemic conditions.