What is a Dental Discount Card used for anyway? Well, Dental discount cards are an alternative to dental insurance and are just what they sound like, Discount Cards. These type of plans, unlike dental insurance, accept patients for pretty much all pre-existing conditions, such as root canals, cavities, broken teeth, extractions and other types of repair work. Some plans will also allow you to use your card to get discounted rates on cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening procedures. This is how it works.