Best Dental Insurance Plans for 2024: Top 7 Picks

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In addition to brushing and flossing, having reliable dental insurance significantly contributes to maintaining the health of your teeth. Since 2016, the editorial team at Money has dedicated countless hours to thoroughly researching and evaluating the top dental insurance providers and their coverage options. Our extensive analysis includes a review of the most comprehensive policies from leading insurers such as Delta Dental, Guardian Direct, and Spirit Dental.

The Essential Guide to Understanding Dental Insurance

• The most effective dental insurance plans provide high reimbursement limits, comprehensive coverage, and no waiting periods for essential care.

• When evaluating an individual policy, consider not just the monthly premium cost but also the deductible, copays, coinsurance, and maximum benefit limits, especially given that the expenses can vary based on your oral health needs.

• Nonetheless, having dental insurance can greatly reduce the financial burden associated with costly restorative or emergency procedures like crowns, fillings, and implants.

Our Methodology for Selecting Top Dental Insurance Plans

The world of dental insurance options is vast and often complicated. Policies differ depending on the state, and the plans available in the individual market can vary significantly from those offered through state marketplaces or as part of employer-sponsored health benefits.

From the numerous companies we evaluated, we handpicked the plans that stood out in comparison to others. These selections typically represent the top-tier offerings from each insurer. While they may come with higher premiums, they also deliver the most robust coverage; our top selections cover 100% of preventative care without any waiting periods. Each plan we reviewed is an individual PPO plan, which generally allows for greater flexibility in choosing care providers, whether within or outside the insurer’s network.

We examined plans from nearly 20 different insurance providers, considering factors such as costs, waiting periods, coverage levels, and other essential criteria. You can explore our comprehensive methodology for a deeper understanding.

Discover Our Top Recommendations for Dental Insurance Plans

Why we selected this plan: We identified Denali Dental’s Summit PPO plan as our top overall choice, despite the higher premiums compared to our other recommendations. While premiums represent just one aspect of overall dental costs, we found that the benefits offered by Denali justify this expense, especially in the long term.

Similar to the other top picks, this plan guarantees 100% coverage for preventative care without requiring a waiting period. It offers 50% coverage for basic care, also with no waiting period; coverage levels increase progressively each year, reaching a generous 90% after three years. Additionally, the Summit plan provides 30% coverage for major work without any waiting period, with coverage for major procedures eventually reaching 60% after three years.

This plan features a tiered annual maximum, starting at $1,200 in the first year—an amount already higher than some of the options we reviewed. Over time, this maximum escalates to a substantial $6,000 after three years, making the Summit plan an excellent choice for individuals anticipating the need for significant dental work or those who simply wish to ensure their dental care needs are sufficiently covered.

Why we selected this plan: Delta Dental’s DPO Premium plan stands out as one of the few that include coverage for adult orthodontics. Although the best dental insurance for braces typically involves a significant out-of-pocket expense, this plan offers some of the most competitive coverage available. After a 12-month waiting period, it provides 50% coverage for orthodontics, up to a lifetime maximum of $1,500 per person. (A separate $50 annual deductible for braces applies.)

This comprehensive dental insurance policy does not skimp in other areas of coverage either: it guarantees 100% coverage for preventative care with no waiting period, covers basic care at 80%, and offers 50% coverage for major care. However, it does impose waiting periods of six and 12 months for coverage to begin on these services, respectively. The annual maximum is set at $2,000.

This plan is an excellent choice for those seeking both orthodontics coverage and teeth whitening benefits. After a six-month waiting period, it covers 80% of teeth whitening services.

Why we selected this plan: Spirit Dental’s Pinnacle PPO plan is recognized as our Best for Value choice. Starting in year three, this plan features a remarkably high annual maximum of $5,000. Even its year-one maximum of $1,200 is competitive with many other plans, and it increases to $2,500 in year two.

Alongside covering preventative care at 100% with no waiting period, this plan includes three cleanings annually—most competitors only cover two. While the deductible is set at $100 (compared to the more common $50 for many reviewed plans), it is a lifetime deductible, which offers significant value if you intend to remain with this plan long-term. Furthermore, it provides coverage for children’s braces up to a $1,200 lifetime maximum, and optional vision coverage is available at an extra cost.

Why we selected this plan: Ameritas is recognized as our top pick for dental plans that do not impose waiting periods. Like our other selections, its PrimeStar Complete PPO plan ensures 100% coverage for preventative care without a waiting period. Basic care is covered at 80% from day one, which is quite generous; while most plans require at least a six-month waiting period for similar coverage levels. This coverage percentage increases to 90% after one year.

Major dental work is covered at 20% immediately, which is on the lower side; however, most plans typically enforce a 12-month waiting period before covering major work. After one year, coverage for major work rises to 50%.

The PrimeStar Complete plan boasts a $2,500 annual maximum in the first year, which is relatively generous, and this amount increases to $3,000 thereafter. Additionally, preventative care does not count towards the annual maximum, providing added value for those in need of extensive dental work.

Why we selected this plan: Guardian Direct is our top recommendation for those seeking a dental insurance plan that includes benefits for teeth whitening. While this procedure is considered cosmetic rather than medically necessary, an increasing number of dental insurance companies are beginning to cover it.

Guardian Direct’s Premier PPO plan also provides robust coverage for essential dental care needs. In addition to covering 100% of preventative care without a waiting period, it offers 80% coverage for basic care immediately, which exceeds what most plans allow; even those without waiting periods typically tier coverage levels, offering lower percentages until the policyholder has maintained the plan for a certain duration. There is a 12-month waiting period before the Premier plan covers major work, but once that period is over, it provides 60% coverage, which is among the highest rates we reviewed.

Alternative Dental Insurance Providers to Consider

The following providers did not meet our criteria for any of the “Best for” categories. However, they are still worth considering if our top picks do not align with your needs or are unavailable in your location.

Cigna

Cigna’s Dental 3000/100 plan (and similar options where that one is not available) offers lower premiums than many of its competitors. However, the benefits tend to be less substantial, with only 50% of basic services covered after a six-month waiting period and a higher-than-average $100 deductible.

DentaQuest

DentaQuest’s Personal Dental Plan Plus offers coverage comparable to many of our top picks but at lower premiums; unfortunately, the individual dental PPO plans from this company are not available in most states.

Physicians Mutual

Physicians Mutual’s Premier plan features higher premiums than most of our selected top picks, and enrollment in bank autopay is required to receive the best rate. However, this plan is noteworthy for its coverage of basic services at 70% with no waiting period, no annual maximums, and no in-network deductibles.

Key Considerations for Dental Insurance

The costs associated with dental care can vary significantly. Routine cleanings and X-rays typically range from $40 to $97. However, more complex procedures such as root canals and implants can amount to several thousand dollars. Having dental insurance is particularly beneficial in managing the costs of these expensive treatments.

In this section, we will clarify how dental insurance functions, the most common types of plans available, the costs associated with them, and where to obtain them. By the end, you should be well-informed to make a sound decision regarding dental insurance.

Understanding How Dental Insurance Works

A dental insurance policy typically covers expenses for checkups, routine cleanings, and other dental restoration procedures such as fillings, implants, and crowns. Many providers, including Humana, Cigna, and UnitedHealthOne, also offer packages that bundle dental, hearing, and vision insurance.

Insurance providers are regulated at the state level, which means that the availability of plans, benefits, and rates can vary significantly depending on your state.

Understanding Dental Insurance Waiting Periods

Once you have an active policy, insurance companies may impose a waiting period for certain services. While this ultimately depends on the type of plan and the company, standard waiting periods are generally as follows:

• Preventive services: 0 months
• Basic procedures: 3 to 6 months
• Major services: 12 to 24 months

Some dental plans exist without waiting periods for basic and major services, but they tend to be more expensive. Coverage may start small and increase annually. For instance, while implants are immediately covered, the insurer might only reimburse 15% of the total cost, which is minimal considering that a single implant can exceed $1,600. However, if a patient waits six months or more, the insurer may cover 50% of the same procedure.

Although classified as major work, orthodontic treatment is treated as a separate category by insurers. While finding coverage for child orthodontia is generally easier, the coverage amount is capped at 50% regardless of the patient’s age.

Additionally, insurers may impose a lifetime benefit limit, meaning they will only cover braces or aligners once throughout the policy’s duration, typically capping at $1,000 to $1,500.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment, we recommend reviewing our article detailing the costs of Invisalign and the available options.

What Dental Insurance Typically Excludes?

Pre-existing Conditions

Many dental insurance plans contain clauses relating to pre-existing conditions. For instance, coverage for missing teeth is usually excluded. This means if you had a tooth extraction prior to enrolling, your plan would not cover implants or bridges to replace those missing teeth. Some insurers may lift this clause after a certain period, potentially offering coverage for the pre-existing issue, but this varies by policy terms.

Cosmetic Dentistry Exclusions

Generally, dental insurance providers will not cover cosmetic procedures. Examples of cosmetic dentistry include teeth whitening, dental veneers, and orthodontic treatment that is deemed non-essential.

Furthermore, you may encounter limitations in coverage for tooth fillings. For example, while amalgam fillings (or silver fillings) are typically covered, ceramic and composite fillings may not be, despite being superior options in terms of aesthetics and durability.

Different Types of Dental Insurance Plans

Currently, there are three main types of dental plans: dental preferred provider organization (DPPO or PPO) plans, dental health maintenance organization (DHMO or HMO) plans, and fee-for-service plans:

Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO)

DPPO plans feature a larger network of dentists and offer patients more freedom in selecting their healthcare providers. Patients can see both in-network and out-of-network providers, but the best rates are typically found within the dental provider network.

This flexibility comes at a higher cost; premiums for DPPO plans are generally more expensive, with higher out-of-pocket expenses.

Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO)

A DHMO plan operates within a specified dental provider network. Members usually pay a fixed copayment for each visit, and premiums tend to be more affordable. Moreover, these plans typically do not have annual maximum limits.

However, DHMO members have a more limited selection of providers and must choose a primary care dentist from within the network. Out-of-network coverage is not available, and referrals are needed to see specialists.

Fee-for-Service Plans

Fee-for-service plans pay a flat rate for eligible services, allowing patients more flexibility in choosing their providers.

On the downside, out-of-pocket costs can be higher. Patients may be required to pay a copayment directly at the dentist’s office or pay upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement with their insurance provider.

Dental Discount Plans

A dental discount plan is distinct from dental insurance. It operates as a membership program that charges either a monthly or annual fee in exchange for discounts on eligible dental services provided by participating providers. Companies such as 1Dental and many dental insurance firms offer these plans.

Discount plans typically have no waiting periods on any services, and most procedures benefit from reduced rates, including orthodontics. With this type of plan, uninsured individuals can still access dental care at a lower cost. However, discount rates can vary from 10% to 60%, and the network of participating dentists may be more limited.

In addition to dental discount plans, consider investing in supplemental products to enhance your dental hygiene. Devices like electric toothbrushes and water flossers can help prevent cavities and gum disease.

The Cost of Dental Insurance

Dental plan premiums can range from $17 to $96, with costs varying based on plan type, coverage level, and state of residence.

Plans with the lowest premiums typically cover preventive dental care but offer minimal or no coverage for basic and major services. Conversely, plans with the highest premiums often feature shorter or no waiting periods, high annual limits, and extensive coverage for preventive, basic, and major dental work.

If acquiring a dental insurance plan does not align with your financial circumstances, consider lower-cost alternatives such as dental school clinics and state assistance programs for dental care.

Average Costs for Common Dental Procedures

The costs associated with dental care can vary widely based on the provider, location, and whether the patient is insured.

To provide readers with a general understanding, we examined the average costs of common dental procedures as reported in the Survey of Dental Fees published by the American Dental Association (ADA). We then calculated how much these procedures would cost with an insurance policy that covers 100% of preventive care, 80% of basic dental work, and 50% of complex procedures.

Here’s a summary of our findings:

Additional Costs to Consider When Choosing Dental Insurance

Policyholders are responsible for monthly premiums, but this is not the sole expense to consider.

Understanding Deductibles

A deductible is the amount that must be paid out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage becomes effective. Most dental insurance companies set annual deductible rates at around $50 per person and $150 per family. Some providers may charge a one-time deductible, but plans with this type of deductible generally have higher premiums and deductibles (ranging from $100 to $200 for individuals and over $400 for family plans).

What is Coinsurance?

Coinsurance refers to the percentage of dental care that a policyholder must pay out-of-pocket after meeting the deductible and once insurance coverage is active.

For example, if you require a root canal that costs $1,000 and your dental insurance covers 80% of the procedure, you would be responsible for the remaining 20%. If you have already met your deductible, your coinsurance for the root canal would be $200 (20% of the total cost). If you have yet to meet the $50 deductible, the total cost for the procedure would be $250.

Understanding Copayments

A copayment (or copay) is a fixed fee that policyholders pay each time they access specific services or products, such as prescriptions or office visits, regardless of whether they have met their deductible. Copayment rates should be detailed on your insurance card or policy document.

Annual Maximum Limits

A policy’s annual maximum limit establishes the maximum dollar amount that the insurance provider will cover for dental care within a calendar year. Most policies set limits between $1,000 and $1,500, depending on the plan type and services. Certain services, such as orthodontics, may have separate payout caps.

Once you exceed the benefit maximum, any additional dental expenses will be the responsibility of the policyholder. For family plans, the annual maximum limit applies to each individual separately.

Evaluating the Value of Dental Insurance

Individual dental plans—those purchased directly by individuals instead of through employer group plans—can sometimes lack value. You may find yourself spending more on premiums, deductibles, and copays if the level of coverage does not align with your dental care needs.

Most plans offer 100% coverage for preventive care without any deductibles, copays, or annual limits, making such benefits valuable. However, the savings can diminish significantly when it comes to coverage for basic and major work.

Typically, most providers cover only 50% to 80% of these procedures and impose annual maximum limits that rarely exceed the $1,000 to $2,000 range. A patient requiring major work may quickly reach this limit and incur substantial costs on top of their monthly premiums. However, enrolling in a dental plan gives you access to negotiated fees and rates at the dentist’s office, which could lead to savings.

Steps to Acquire Dental Insurance

Many individuals gain access to dental insurance through their employer. However, those who are uninsured or underinsured—such as Medicare beneficiaries—must purchase a standalone policy to obtain dental coverage.

Our guide on “How to Get Dental Insurance with Medicare” can assist you in navigating this process.

You can also purchase a standalone dental plan directly from the insurance company or through a marketplace. Dental plans available on Healthcare.gov must meet the standards established by the Affordable Care Act, including provisions for pediatric dentistry, emergency services, and prescription drugs.

Acquiring dental insurance is straightforward if you adhere to these guidelines for selecting the best dental plan provider:

Identify Your Dental Care Needs

A young adult with healthy teeth requires a different level of dental care than a child with misaligned teeth or an older adult suffering from tooth decay or gum disease. We recommend documenting the dental care needs of yourself and your family to simplify the process of finding providers that cover these necessary procedures.

A useful guideline is to seek plans that offer coverage structured as 100/80/50: 100% for preventive care, 80% for basic work, and 50% for major work. Nevertheless, ensuring clarity on what is included in each coverage percentage is crucial. A policy that covers 50% of major work but excludes implants may not be beneficial if your primary concern is replacing missing teeth.

Review the Various Dental Plan Types

In our section on types of dental plans, we provide insights into common plan structures. Review each option to see which aligns best with your coverage needs and budget.

Check Available Plans in Your State

Not all dental plans are available in every state. For example, while Delta Dental offers five plans nationwide, the sample quotes we obtained for California, New York, and Miami revealed only three options.

Verify the Provider Network

Ensure that your preferred dentist or specialist is included in the insurer’s provider network before making a commitment to enroll.

If you have a chosen dentist or specialist, confirm their inclusion in the insurer’s provider network prior to enrollment. Even if you do not have a specific dentist, we recommend checking the insurer’s online dentist directory to gauge the accessibility of their provider network. You can search by name, specialty, or location to discover how many in-network dentists and specialists are available nearby.

Compare Costs Against Value

In addition to evaluating premium rates, consider deductibles, coinsurance, and annual limits, as these factors all contribute to the overall cost of dental care. Sometimes, patients may overpay for dental insurance and receive minimal coverage in return, particularly concerning preventive and basic services.

To determine whether the plan is worthwhile, calculate the total insurance costs and compare them to the coverage benefits and your estimated annual dental expenses.

Verify Providers with Regulatory Agencies

Investigate the companies you are considering (and their subsidiaries, if applicable) with state regulatory agencies. You can also find licensed insurance providers through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), which compiles and analyzes consumer complaint data from across the country.

Our Comprehensive Methodology

To determine the best dental plans available, we evaluated:

• Coverage benefits for preventive, basic, and major services – Our top picks guarantee 100% coverage for all preventive services without any waiting period. We prioritized plans that feature shorter or no waiting periods for basic and major coverage, with coverage levels reaching at least 80% for basic services and 50% for major services after the waiting period.

• Annual maximum limits – Most dental plans impose annual payout limits of $1,500 or $2,000. Providers that establish annual limits below $1,000 were not included in our recommendations, and we prioritized plans offering limits of $3,000 or more.

• Premium rates – While comprehensive PPO plans generally have higher premiums than more basic options or HMO plans which restrict you to in-network dentists, we evaluated plan premiums in the context of their coverage scope. Premiums vary depending on geographic location and may also vary based on age and gender; we used consistent criteria for comparing each plan, obtaining sample quotes for individual plan premiums based on the profile of a 30-year-old woman residing in the Houston metropolitan area. (Although cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago are larger than Houston, state-specific regulations complicate direct comparisons of plans.)

Latest Trends in Dental Insurance

As the cost of dental care continues to escalate, an alarming 92% of participants in a recent survey indicated they would consider postponing dental care due to financial reasons. Approximately 62% of adults under the age of 65 possess private dental insurance, as reported by the American Dental Association. The organization found that individuals with insurance are significantly more likely than those without coverage to visit a dentist—by an impressive 32 percentage points.

Traditional Medicare does not cover dental insurance for seniors, prompting many private Medicare Advantage plans to incorporate dental coverage. However, a recent study revealed that the majority of Medicare Advantage dental coverage falls short, and the additional costs seniors incur for Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage do not yield improved outcomes.

Final Thoughts on the Best Dental Insurance Plans