whats the difference in dental plan and dental insurance? which is better and why?

self employeed and living in louisiana
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A dental plan sells you a list. They don't PAY anything. They don't COVER anything. Allegedly, the providers on the list will give you a "discount" on services rendered, but if they won't, you don't get your money back from the "plan". Dental insurance COVERS you. They PAY, a limited amount. I haven't seen a private dental insurance policy that pays out more than it takes in. When I did NOT have access to group dental insurance, and I "ran the numbers", I was better off paying out of pocket.
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