Frequently Asked Questions

Careington 500: Immediately

Since it's not insurance, Careington dental plan customers can use their plans immediately, with no waiting. You will receive a temporary ID at the completion of the application. This Temporary ID can be used at any of the plan's providers (Care500: 100,000+). You can see a dentist as soon as you have an appointment. Sometimes members join a plan and use it the very same day.

Dental Access: 7-10 business days

If you purchased the Dental Access Plan powered by the Aetna Dental Access® network, you can begin using the plan when you receive your permanent membership cards. These usually arrive in the mail within 7-10 business days of signing up.

For dental emergencies, we recommend the Careington 500 dental plan.

This plan can be used immediately. If you have a dental emergency, schedule an appointment with a Careington provider and start using your plan upon appointment. Inform your provider of your dental emergency when you call for an appointment.

Click here for more information on dental emergencies

With the plans we offer, you save 15% - 60% on dental work. Your exact savings depends on the plan you have and the work being done.

Click here to see which dental plans we offer.

Click here to compare dental plans.

Careington enables you to see a full fee schedule even before you become a member of a plan.

Click here to see the plans we offer.

Below is a pricing chart for dental plans we offer. Cost of membership is based on how many members you include in your plan. (Monthly plans are available for 17% more and a $30 non-refundable processing fee.)

Click here for more information for the plans we offer.

Click here to compare plans.

We are very confident that you will be satisfied with your dental plan membership. However, in the event that you are not satisfied, we offer the following refund policy:

You can cancel in 30 days and receive a full refund, less your processing fee.

Discount dental plans are a simple way to save money on dental work. A dental plan member goes to a dentist in the provider network and pays much less for the work being done.

For a basic description of the process, click here to see how dental plans work.

Yes! Businesses ranging from airlines to startups are adding this plan as part of their benefits packages.

Click here to Find out more.

Below is a pricing chart for dental plans we offer. Cost of membership is based on how many members you include in your plan. (Monthly plans are available for 17% more and a $30 non-refundable processing fee.)

Click here for more information for the plans we offer.

It takes about 5 minutes to become a member, either online or over the phone. We only need some basic information and payment to get your plan started.

Anyone living in your household can be included. You can include your parents or other family members if you are responsible for them.

Careington 500:

You can print the temporary ID immediately at the end of the online application process. You will receive your permanent ID cards in about 5 to 10 business days.

Dental Access Plan:

You should receive your ID cards in about 5 to 10 business days.

Unlimited! You can have your teeth cleaned as often as you wish.

Click here to find a dental provider

While they can complement each other, discount dental plans and dental insurance plans typically cannot be used on the same dental visit. However, that’s not to say you can’t own both plans and receive benefits from each.

Discount dental plans are great at supplementing what your dental insurance won’t cover. For example, they can be used during plan waiting periods; after you’ve reached your annual maximum; on cosmetic procedures like braces, dentures and more (an area most dental insurance plans don’t cover); and on procedures/treatments that your insurance plan only covers a small percentage of (use your discount plan instead to receive a greater discount).

Find out more about using dental insurance and discount dental plans on our blog.

Careington was founded in 1979 by two doctors who wanted to create a member network that helped both companies and individuals. It is one of the most prestigious and oldest dental plans in the country. Upon its establishment, Careington’s two founders were able to find a group of dentists to agree to charge lower fees for these members, and so began the Careington Dental Plan, which now has 15 million members using these plans.

Click here to see more about Careington