PLANTATION, FL -- (Marketwire) -- 01/21/13 -- Today, DentalPlans.com announced the start of its "Ultimate Dental Makeover Contest" to award $5,000 for dental care and give away 10 free Discount Dental Plans in 2013.

Beginning Monday, Jan. 21, through Monday, April 1, DentalPlans.com will host its short essay contest (400 words or less) at Facebook.com/DentalPlans, where fans can enter to win by sharing why they need a dental makeover in 2013.

At the end of each week during the 10-week contest, DentalPlans.com will award one Discount Dental Plan for the story with the most votes by Facebook fans. At the conclusion of the "Ultimate Dental Makeover Contest," the top 10 stories will be reviewed by a panel of DentalPlans.com judges to determine the grand prize winner of $5,000 towards his or her dental costs in 2013.

"Our contest is a great way for us to help someone get the dental care they might not be able to afford otherwise, and, introduce more people to Discount Dental Plans through social media," said DentalPlans.com Chief Marketing Office Carla Hudson. "Not everyone knows that these plans are the perfect alternative to dental insurance and its annual maximums."

Currently, more than 130 million Americans have no dental insurance, according to a report released by the Senate Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging. In addition, it's estimated that 50 percent of the $110 billion spent each year on dental bills is paid for out-of-pocket.

"Many people think there is no other option to cover their dental care beyond traditional insurance, Medicare or Medicaid," said Hudson. "So, their dental care goes on the back burner to prioritize and budget for other health costs and household expenses."

As an easy-to-use alternative to dental insurance, Discount Dental Plans work like a Costco or Sam's Club membership. Members pay an annual fee for an individual or family plan that offers discounts at the dentist all year long. Plans have no annual limits, restrictions or waiting periods, and can include discounts on orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry.

Those interested in joining DentalPlans.com's "Ultimate Dental Makeover Contest" can enter at Facebook.com/DentalPlans. For more information about Discount Dental Plans and how they work, visit DentalPlans.com.

About DentalPlans.com
Founded in 1999, DentalPlans.com is the nation's largest online comparison shopping tool for Discount Dental Plans. DentalPlans.com partners with over 30 trusted dental carriers and more than half of the dentists across the country to help people shop for Discount Dental Plans to save money on dental care and maintain their oral health. An affordable alternative for the 130 million Americans without dental insurance, Discount Dental Plans have no annual limits or waiting periods.

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