Empire State Today

Sally Pokorney, Practice Administrator at Babylon Dental Care, said that they offer a dental savings plan designed to assist patients without insurance.

"It's important to clarify our vision and mission as a practice: we aim to treat our patients like family by exceeding their expectations; everything we do should align with these two principles," said Pokorney. "One way we achieve this is through our dental savings plan, which is designed for uninsured patients. This plan significantly broadens our patient base, as approximately 58% of our patients currently lack insurance. This is a large population that may not receive the dental care they need without some form of financial access."

Dental savings programs are structured to provide an affordable alternative to traditional insurance, particularly for individuals lacking dental coverage. These programs allow patients to pay a flat annual fee, granting them access to various preventive services at no extra cost. According to the American Dental Association, patients using dental savings programs can often save significantly on routine cleanings, exams, and even more expensive treatments.

Pokorney emphasizes the impact of their dental savings plan on uninsured patients. "By paying an annual fee, patients receive essential services, including cleanings, exams, X-rays, and even oral cancer screenings, all at no additional cost."

Further elaborating on the program's benefits, she said, "For just $390 per year, patients receive nearly $1,000 worth of services. This encourages them to visit the office regularly, allowing us to catch and treat issues before they become major problems." Pokorney notes that this program aligns with Babylon Dental Care's mission of treating patients like family and exceeding their expectations.

According to Consumer Health Alliance, about 10% of dental patients in the U.S. use discount dental plans, including dental savings programs. These programs provide significant savings, with more than 70% of members saving over 40% on services and median savings of around 50-60%. Additionally, dental savings plans have gained traction as a popular alternative to traditional insurance for uninsured individuals or those seeking lower monthly costs.

According to the Babylon Dental Care website, Sally Pokorney began her journey with the practice in 1985. She currently serves as the Practice Administrator after having taken on various roles throughout her tenure.