College Students Still Need Dental Care: Here’s How to Keep Them Covered

Heading off to college marks a big life change for students and their parents. Between packing dorm supplies and planning class schedules, dental care usually isn’t at the top of my mind. But it should be.

The truth is, many students lose dental coverage the moment they leave home. Maybe they’ve aged out of a parent’s plan, switched to part-time jobs without benefits, or are simply too far away from their usual provider. That doesn’t mean their dental care should fall by the wayside.

This is where your membership plan comes in. 

You have the opportunity to offer students an easy, affordable way to stay connected to care, whether they’re on campus or in between semesters.

Why Dental Coverage Often Ends with Graduation

Many insurance plans, especially those tied to employment, don’t follow students to college. Parents might assume their kids are covered, only to find out that network restrictions, age cut-offs, or gaps in eligibility leave students with no options.

Even for those with some form of coverage, navigating provider networks in a new city or state can be confusing and expensive.

So what happens? Routine care gets skipped. Small issues go unnoticed. And by the time winter break rolls around, those skipped appointments turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems.

A Better Solution: Student-Friendly Membership Plans

Membership plans offer something students and parents both want: simplicity and peace of mind. Instead of dealing with networks or surprise fees, students get a clear, affordable way to stay on top of their care, with preventive services already covered.

Whether they stay in town or go to school out of state, your membership plan can offer:

• Preventive coverage: Cleanings, exams, and x-rays at regular intervals
  
• Budget-friendly monthly payments: Easy for students and parents to manage
  
• Add-on options: Include discounts on treatments or emergency care when needed
  
• Continued connection to your practice: So students know where to go, even after graduation
  

If they’re going away for school, you might even offer a modified plan that includes remote support, referrals, or instructions on what to do if they experience a dental issue far from home.

How to Promote It to Students and Parents

When students come in for a final checkup before college, or parents call to transfer records, it’s the perfect moment to introduce your membership plan as a solution.

Here’s how to position it:

“A lot of our college-aged patients are joining our membership plan. It gives them access to preventive care and peace of mind, whether they’re in town or away at school.”

“Even if you’re not coming in as often, this plan helps you keep up with your care, and it’s way simpler than insurance.”

Promote it on your website, in your back-to-school reminder emails, and on social media using language like:

• “Going away to school? Don’t leave your dental care behind.”
  
• “Affordable dental coverage for students—no insurance needed.”
  

Resource: Build a Student-Friendly Plan

Want to attract more young adults and keep your current patients covered through college? Offer a plan just for students. We’ve created a quick guide to help you build and price a student-friendly membership option that works for your practice.

[Download the guide] or book a call with our team to get started.