The two most popular models of individual issue dental plans are referral or discount plans, and insured plans.

Referral or discount plans are usually purchased on the Internet where, for a monthly fee, a person or family can select a dentist by zip code that will provide listed dental services at a highly discounted fee. This is not dental insurance, but rather a method of securing low cost dental care. Persons should be cautioned that there are usually many restrictions, limitations and exclusions related to these types of low cost dental plans.

Insured plans are offered by insurance carriers that specialize in these types of plans. Usually these plans have many restrictions, limitations and exclusions. Monthly premiums can also be quite high with these types of plans.