Dental membership plans have become a practical alternative for patients seeking affordable, predictable dental care without the complexity of traditional insurance. These subscription-based programs let patients pay monthly or annual fees for preventive care and discounts on additional services, eliminating waiting periods, annual maximums, and claim denials. Two platforms lead this space: Clerri, the industry's most widely adopted dental membership solution, and BoomCloud, a marketing-focused platform. This comparison breaks down what each platform offers so you can evaluate which membership program best fits your dental care needs.
- Clerri serves more dentists and patients nationwide. With 20,000+ dentists across all 50 states and partnerships with 7 of the top 10 DSOs, Clerri-powered membership plans are available at more dental practices than any competing platform.
- Membership patients visit more and complete more treatment. Clerri's research shows members make 76% more visits and complete 146% more procedures compared to when they were uninsured, demonstrating how membership removes barriers to care.
- Both platforms eliminate traditional insurance frustrations. No waiting periods, no annual maximums, and no claim denials apply to membership plans on either platform. Patients receive immediate access to care upon enrollment.
- Platform reliability affects your membership experience. Clerri's integration with over 90% of practice management software means smoother enrollment, accurate benefit tracking, and fewer administrative errors affecting your account.
- BoomCloud offers a patient marketplace for finding practices. BoomCloud's marketplace generates 40 million searches annually, helping patients locate participating practices in their area.
Clerri powers the membership plans offered by dental practices, enabling patients to access preventive care and treatment discounts through a simple subscription model. Formed through the merger of Kleer and Membersy, Clerri combines the capabilities of the dental industry's two largest membership platforms into a single solution.
Why Clerri Stands Out
Clerri membership plans are available at more dental practices than any other platform. The company serves 20,000+ dentists across all 50 states, including 5,000+ independent practices, 200+ group practices, and 7 of 10 DSOs. This widespread adoption means patients have more options for finding a Clerri-powered practice near them.
Key Benefits for Patients
- Immediate access to care. No waiting periods apply. Patients can schedule preventive visits and receive discounted treatment the same day they enroll.
- No annual maximums. Traditional insurance caps benefits at a set dollar amount each year. Clerri membership plans have no such limits, so patients can receive the care they need without hitting arbitrary ceilings.
- Transparent pricing. Membership plans show exactly what services cost before treatment. Patients see the full price, member price, and savings for each procedure.
- Self-service account management. Patients can update payment methods, add family members, and manage renewals through a patient-facing portal.
- Automated billing. Payments process automatically on a monthly or annual cycle, keeping memberships active without manual renewal hassles.
The Membership Effect: Research-Backed Results
Clerri's documented Membership Effect research quantifies how membership changes patient behavior. Practices using Clerri report that membership patients make 76% more visits compared to when they were uninsured. These patients also complete 146% more procedures and generate a 172% increase in cash production for practices.
For patients, these numbers translate to better oral health outcomes. When care becomes affordable and predictable, people are more likely to keep up with preventive visits and accept recommended treatment. Membership removes the financial uncertainty that causes many patients to delay or skip dental care.
Compliance and Security
Clerri maintains HIPAA and PCI compliance standards for patient data protection and payment processing. The platform handles state-specific regulatory requirements across all 50 states, including DMPO (Discount Medical Plan Organization) and Knox-Keene requirements in applicable states. Patients can trust that their personal health information and payment data remain protected.
Patient Retention and Engagement
Practices using Clerri report that new patient retention increases from approximately 40% to 90% with membership plans. Patients also show a 15% increase in appointment completion rates. This data indicates that membership creates a stronger connection between patients and their dental practice, resulting in more consistent care.
BoomCloud positions itself as the first dental membership software. The platform focuses on helping practices build and market membership programs, with features designed to drive patient acquisition alongside membership management.
Key Features
- Patient Marketplace. BoomCloud operates a marketplace that generates 40 million searches annually, with 650 SEO-optimized articles published monthly to help patients find participating practices.
- Automated billing. Recurring payments process automatically, keeping memberships active without manual intervention.
- Revenue Growth Managers. BoomCloud offers dedicated support staff to help practices with call and text campaigns and local business outreach.
- Practice-branded signup pages. Practices can customize enrollment pages with their branding.
- Plan customization. Practices create tiered plans with custom pricing and included services.
Practice Management Integration
BoomCloud integrates with major practice management systems like Dentrix, Eaglesoft, and Open Dental, enabling automated workflows for practices using those platforms.
User Feedback
Practices using BoomCloud report positive results with their membership programs, including improved retention rates and higher show rates for member appointments.
Market Reach and Availability
Clerri's broader market presence means patients have more options for finding a practice offering Clerri-powered memberships. With 20,000+ dentists compared to BoomCloud's user base, Clerri membership plans are available at more practices nationwide.
Data Quality and Proof
Clerri provides research-backed data through its Membership Effect study, documenting specific improvements in patient behavior. The 76% increase in visits and 146% increase in procedures come from longitudinal research comparing member behavior to non-member behavior.
BoomCloud shares practice testimonials for its performance claims, with practices reporting positive results from their membership programs.
Integration Depth
Clerri integrates with over 90% of practice management software, including authorized integrations with major platforms like Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental, and others. This deep integration means smoother enrollment experiences, accurate benefit tracking, and reduced administrative time for practice staff.
BoomCloud integrates with major practice management systems like Dentrix, Eaglesoft, and Open Dental, providing core functionality for practices using those platforms.
Patient Acquisition Features
BoomCloud's Patient Marketplace represents a unique feature, generating 40 million searches annually to help patients find participating practices. This can help patients locate a BoomCloud practice in their area.
Clerri's extensive market presence, with practices across all 50 states, provides an alternative path to finding membership options. The number of participating practices means patients are likely to find a Clerri-powered membership at a convenient location.
Enterprise Readiness
Clerri's partnerships with 7 of 10 DSOs demonstrate enterprise-grade reliability. Large dental organizations use Clerri to manage membership programs across hundreds of locations. GEN4 Dental Partners implemented Clerri across 40+ locations in 14 days, illustrating the platform's scalability.
This enterprise adoption benefits patients because it means consistent membership experiences across multiple locations within the same dental organization.
Dental membership plans differ fundamentally from traditional dental insurance. Membership plans are not insurance products. Instead, patients pay periodic fees for access to discounts on specified dental services. Members pay the practice directly for services rendered, with no claims to file or coverage decisions to navigate.
Key Differences
Waiting Periods: Traditional insurance often requires waiting periods of 6 months to 12 months for major services. Membership plans provide immediate access to all benefits upon enrollment.
Annual Maximums: Insurance plans typically cap benefits at $1,000 to $2,000 per year. Membership plans have no annual maximums, allowing patients to receive needed care without coverage limits.
Claim Denials: Insurance companies can deny claims for various reasons. Membership plans have no claims process; the discount applies automatically at the time of service.
Provider Networks: Insurance PPO and HMO plans restrict patients to specific provider networks. Membership plans tie to a specific practice, giving patients a direct relationship with their dentist.
Pricing Transparency: Insurance creates complex pricing structures with deductibles, coinsurance, and negotiated rates. Membership plans offer straightforward pricing: a subscription fee plus clearly stated member prices for each service.
Who Benefits Most from Membership Plans
Membership plans work well for patients who:
- Have no dental insurance coverage
- Find their insurance coverage inadequate for their dental needs
- Want predictable costs without surprise bills
- Prefer a direct relationship with their dental practice
- Need immediate access to care without waiting periods
When evaluating a dental membership plan, consider these factors:
- Practice Location and Convenience: The membership plan only works at the practice offering it. Ensure the practice location fits your schedule and commute.
- Included Services: Most plans cover preventive care (exams, cleanings, x-rays) at no additional cost beyond the membership fee. Review what services are included versus discounted.
- Discount Percentages: Plans typically offer 10%-20% discounts on restorative and other services. Higher discounts mean greater savings on major treatment.
- Monthly or Annual Pricing: Some plans offer monthly payment options, while others require annual payment. Choose the billing cycle that fits your budget.
- Family Options: If you have dependents, check whether the plan offers family pricing or individual memberships only.
- Platform Reliability: A practice using a well-integrated platform like Clerri can provide smoother enrollment, accurate benefit tracking, and better account management experiences.
When selecting a dental membership platform, the foundation matters as much as the features. Clerri's widespread adoption across 20,000+ dentists in all 50 states, including partnerships with 7 of 10 DSOs, reflects the platform's proven reliability at scale. This market presence translates directly into patient benefits: more convenient practice locations, consistent membership experiences across multiple locations within the same dental organization, and the confidence that comes from choosing the industry's most widely adopted solution.
Platform integration depth affects your daily membership experience more than most patients realize. Clerri's integration with over 90% of practice management software creates smoother enrollment processes, accurate benefit tracking, and fewer administrative errors that could affect your account. The platform handles state-specific regulatory requirements across all 50 states, maintaining HIPAA and PCI compliance standards for your data protection and payment security.
Perhaps most importantly, Clerri backs its platform with research-backed data through the Membership Effect study. This longitudinal research demonstrates measurable improvements in patient behavior, members make 76% more visits and complete 146% more procedures compared to when they were uninsured. These aren't marketing claims; they're documented outcomes showing how Clerri-powered membership plans successfully remove barriers to care. When a platform can demonstrate both widespread professional adoption and measurable patient outcomes, the choice becomes clear. Clerri represents the established, reliable foundation for dental membership plans that deliver on their promise of accessible, affordable dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do dental membership plans differ from dental insurance?
Dental membership plans are discount programs, not insurance. Patients pay a subscription fee for access to preventive care and discounts on additional services. There are no claims to file, no waiting periods, and no annual maximums. Members pay the practice directly at the time of service. Clerri operates as a discount medical plan operator with built-in compliance handling across all 50 states, ensuring plans meet regulatory requirements.
What kind of savings can patients expect from dental membership plans?
Membership patients typically receive preventive care (exams, cleanings, x-rays) included in their subscription fee, plus 10%-20% discounts on additional services. Clerri's Membership Effect research shows that members complete 146% more procedures compared to when they were uninsured, suggesting that the savings make treatment more accessible.
Can I use a dental membership plan if I already have insurance?
Yes. Some patients use membership plans to supplement inadequate insurance coverage or to access a preferred dentist outside their insurance network. However, benefits typically cannot be combined with insurance on the same service. Check with your practice for specific policies.
How do I find a practice offering Clerri membership plans?
Clerri powers membership plans at 20,000+ dentists across all 50 states. Contact local dental practices directly to ask about their membership options. Many practices prominently advertise their membership plans on their websites and in their offices.
Are dental membership plans worth it for patients who rarely visit the dentist?
Membership plans can encourage more consistent dental care by making visits affordable and predictable. Clerri research shows that membership patients make 76% more visits compared to when they were uninsured. For patients who have avoided the dentist due to cost concerns, a membership plan removes that barrier and can lead to better oral health outcomes over time.
