We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.
- Insurance
- Health Insurance
By
Lindsay Frankel
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LindsayFrankel-0e50cf9508f64df899aea94f1640c276-2fc39a1b539547cba44e7b84423e2d0f.jpeg "Best Dental Insurance Companies for April 2024 (1)")
Full Bio
A freelance writer with more than three years of researching and writing about personal loans, insurance, credit cards, and more, Lindsay's work has appeared on sites such as Insurify, Bankrate, and The Simple Dollar.
Learn about our editorial policies
Updated March 29, 2024
Reviewed by
Samantha Silberstein
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200515171729630_COVER-SamSilberstein-8e793dbafa8845ebb749a0275c34bdef.JPG "Best Dental Insurance Companies for April 2024 (2)")
Reviewed bySamantha Silberstein
Full Bio
Samantha (Sam) Silberstein, CFP®, CSLP®, EA, is an experienced financial consultant. She has a demonstrated history of working in both institutional and retail environments, from broker-dealers to RIAs. She is a current CFA level 3 candidate and also has her FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses. Throughout her career, Samantha has used her expertise and various licenses and certifications to provide in-depth advice about household and business-specific financial planning, investing, credit cards, debt, student loans, taxes, retirement, and income strategies.
Learn about our Financial Review Board
Fact checked by
Michael Logan
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/michael-logan-dfd2643b24ea4fba87ff5ed5c28bd969.jpg "Best Dental Insurance Companies for April 2024 (3)")
Fact checked byMichael Logan
Full Bio
Michael Logan is an experienced writer, producer, and editorial leader. As a journalist, he has extensively covered business and tech news in the U.S. and Asia. He has produced multimedia content that has garnered billions of views worldwide.
Learn about our editorial policies
Delta Dental is our top pick for the best dental insurance provider due to its low complaint rate and great coverage for various dental services. The company also wins in several other categories. But depending on your preferred dentist, coverage needs, and budget, another dental insurance company may be a better fit. Dental insurance helps you pay for treatments that keep your teeth and oral health in good condition. It may pay for 100%, 80%, 50%, or 0%, depending on the treatment. Finding the dental policy that fits your oral health needs is important. To help you find the best dental insurance company, we researched 17 dental insurance companies, gathering 595 data points across 35 criteria, including cost for the value, coverage options, and customer satisfaction. We've been researching and reviewing dental insurance companies since 2000, and Investopedia has been a trusted source of financial information since 1999. Best Dental Insurance Companies for April 2024 Best Dental Insurance Companies for April 2024 Our Expert Pick Ways to Buy Dental Insurance What to Look for Average Dental Costs What Does Dental Insurance Cover? What Doesn't Dental Insurance Cover? Is Dental Insurance Worth It? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Investopedia's Rating 4.8 Based on Delta Dental’s lowest-cost, comprehensive PPO plan, Premium PPO: Why We Chose It Delta Dental earned top scores for its coverage levels for all three tiers of dental care (preventive, basic, and major), based on the sample plan we researched. It also has the highest maximum benefit of the plans we researched, and the company received a low number of complaints. To compare dental insurance providers, we gathered information about each company’s PPO plan that has the lowest premiums and offers coverage for preventive, basic, and major care (PPO is short for preferred provider organization). In Delta Dental’s case, the plan we researched is called Premium PPO, and, if offered in your state,it provides 100% coverage for preventive care—like exams and cleanings—before you meet the $50 to $100 deductible. After a waiting period of six to 12 months and after you meet the deductible, the Premium PPO plan covers other treatments. This includes 50% to 80% coverage for basic care (like fillings and simple extractions) and major care (like implants and orthodontics). Percentages depend on your state. Delta Dental’s Premium PPO plan also stands out for its maximum coverage limit, which ranges from $2,000 to $2,500 per person annually, depending on your state. That’s the most Delta will pay for all your care in a year. Serving 80 million policyholders, Delta Dental claims to offer one of the largest nationwide networks, making it more likely that your dentist of choice is covered. It says three out of four dentists nationally are part of the Delta Dental network. However, the plan’s average premiums are higher than what other companies charge for PPOs that offer all three categories of coverage. That can impact whether a Delta plan is worth it for you. For example, if you pay $65 monthly for dental insurance, your dental expenses must be $780 for the year just to break even. Note You may find very few Delta Dental plans available in some states and more plans available in others. When it comes to customer satisfaction, Delta Dental is a crowd-pleaser. The company received far fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size over three years, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index. Based on our analysis, Delta Dental was also the top-ranking company in the following categories. Delta offers the most PPO and health maintenance organization (HMO) plans with adult braces coverage, the highest lifetime coverage, and the best in-network and out-of-network orthodontics coverage of the companies we researched. For these reasons, Delta Dental wins the top spot on our list of the best dental insurance providers for braces. Delta Dental’s Premium PPO plan offers 40% to 50% coverage for implants while also offering a shorter waiting period, in some cases, than most other companies. That’s why it earned the top spot on our list of the best dental insurance companies for implants. The Premium PPO plan also offers great coverage for major care, like dentures and periodontal treatment. It scored highest for implant coverage, making it our top choice for the best dental insurance for older adults. Pros & Cons Pros Very low NAIC complaint rate Great coverage for preventive, basic, and major care Excellent coverage for implants and orthodontics Available nationwide Cons Relatively high premiums compared to competitors Limited plan options in some states Overview The Delta Dental Plans Association is a not-for-profit organization that offers nationwide coverage through 39 independent companies. The association was founded in 1966 to serve businesses with employees in multiple states, but Delta’s dental services organizations have been operating in some states since 1954. In California and Texas (the states we reviewed), Delta Dental offers two PPO plans and one HMO plan. One of Delta Dental’s more basic PPO plans does not cover major services like implants. In other states, Delta Dental may offer up to six different plans. The company also offers a plan for veterans in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. You can learn more about Delta Dental on the company’s main website or contact your member company directly. Delta also has an app, online portal, and live chat for policyholders. Dental Plans Overview While Delta Dental’s plans differ by state, to give you an idea of the kinds of plans and coverage it provides, we gathered information about plans in Los Angeles. The quotes below are for PPOs for a 30-year-old female applicant living there, and are rounded to the nearest dollar. Investopedia's Rating 4.3 Based on Physician Mutual’s lowest-cost, comprehensive PPO plan: Why We Chose It The Physicians Mutual Economy Plan has no coverage limit, a $0 deductible, and a relatively low premium, giving it the best overall cost-to-value score of the companies we reviewed. Coverage of some sort is offered in most states, and the company has a large network of dental care providers. The Economy Plan is a good deal particularly if you just need preventive care. But it only pays around 25% of dental expenses for basic and major services on average. Three of the company’s plans typically pay dentists a flat amount for each service, with minimal coverage for basic and major benefits. For example, they might pay around $23 toward a metal filling, which can cost $253. While Economy has the best overall cost score, the Premier plan is Physician Mutual’s most comprehensive and expensive plan, offering 70% in-network coverage for basic procedures and more expensive major dental procedures such as crowns. This may make it a better value for people who need those services than some other plans. Furthermore, NAIC data shows Physicians Mutual has had a slightly higher complaint rate on average over the past three years than expected for a company of its size. Ameritas, the company’s underwriter, also ranks last out of nine insurers in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Dental Plan Satisfaction Study. These are both indicators of poor customer satisfaction. Pros & Cons Pros Best overall cost-to-value score Offers $0 deductible plans Offers four different PPO plans that include major coverage Cons Relatively low coverage for basic and major care One-year waiting period for major services Unimpressive customer satisfaction ratings Overview Physicians Mutual was founded in 1902 and provided health insurance coverage to physicians and surgeons. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It now offers a wide range of insurance products to the general public, including life insurance, Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans, and pet insurance. Physicians Mutual offers four PPO dental insurance plans that cover over 400 dental procedures. You can learn more about Physicians Mutual on the company’s website, where you can request a dental information kit. The company also offers an online portal and mobile app, and you can reach support at the phone numbers below: Dental Plans Overview The plans offered by Physicians Mutual vary by state. But to provide a sampling of what the company has, we looked at plans in Los Angeles and collected quotes for a 30-year-old female applicant there. We rounded premiums to the nearest dollar. You may find other plans in your state. Investopedia's Rating 4.3 Based on MetLife’s lowest-cost, comprehensive HMO plan: Why We Chose It MetLife won the top spot on our list of the best dental insurance with no annual maximum coverage. Most no-annual-maximum plans are HMO plans, so for this category, we looked mostly at HMOs instead of PPOs. MetLife offers two dental HMO plans with low premiums, no annual benefit limits, and no waiting periods. The HMO plans go by the names “DHMO-LOW” and “DHMO-HIGH.” The DHMO-HIGH plan offers lower copays in exchange for a higher monthly premium. However, MetLife’s HMO plans are only available in California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Texas, and most covered services (including preventive cleanings and office visits) require a copay. As with most HMO plans, these have far more limited dentist networks than PPO plans. You must select an in-network dentist who you’ll get your care from. If that dentist doesn’t do specialized work, you may pay as much as 75% of a contracted provider’s fee. MetLife scored below average in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Dental Plan Satisfaction Study, but ranked higher than some other providers. Given its market share, the company had fewer complaints with the NAIC over the last three years than the expected. Pros & Cons Pros Offers HMO plans with no coverage limit Affordable plans Offers PPO plans in every state Cons HMOs are only offered in five states You must work with your HMO provider Overview MetLife was founded in 1868 and focused initially on providing life insurance policies. Today, the company is in over 40 countries and and sells dental insurance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It offers PPO and HMO dental insurance plans, as well as a dental discount program called MetLife Discount Dental Program. and primarily provides coverage via group (employer) benefits. MetLife also offers offers plans that individuals and families can purchase directly. If you live outside of an HMO-available state, you can buy one of MetLife’s individual TakeAlong PPO plans from the insurer’s website. You can also shop for six MetLife PPO plans provided through NCD, one with implant coverage and a $10,000 maximum benefit. NCD plans are available in 38 states. You can find out more about MetLife on the company’s website. You canemail customer service or get dental insurance support by calling 1-800-942-0854. The company also has a mobile app and online portal for policyholder customer service. To buy an NCD plan, call 469-780-4044. Dental Plans Overview The quotes below are based on a 30-year-old female applicant in Los Angeles looking for a no-annual-maximum plan. Prices are rounded to the nearest dollar.Other plans, including PPO plans, are available in other states. Investopedia's Rating 4.1 Based on Anthem's lowest-cost plan with no waiting period for preventive, basic, and major dental care: Why We Chose It Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) stands out as the best dental insurance company for no waiting periods because of its cost-to-value proposition, high annual maximum benefit, and strong coverage for basic and major dental care. Anthem’s Essential Choice Incentive plan allows you to use your dental benefits right away for preventative, basic, and major care. The plan has an excellent annual coverage maximum of $2,500 and a $50 deductible, which is about standard for the no-waiting-period plans we researched. It also offers some of the best coverage we’ve found for major dental care among no-waiting-period plans. After hitting your deductible, the plan covers 30% of major expenses and 60% of basic expenses in the first year. All of this earned Anthem the top spot on our list of the best dental insurance with no waiting period. One of the downsides, however, is that the premium for the Incentive plan is relatively high. And the company only operates in 14 states. The Incentive plan may not be available in all of them. Pros & Cons Pros Best costs, given the value the plan delivers Covers 30% of major care in the first year High annual maximum benefit Company only operates in 14 states Overview Anthem is part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield network of companies. Anthem sells dental insurance plans in 14 states and operates under several different names depending on location. In addition to dental insurance, Anthem also sells health insurance, Medicare plans, and vision insurance. You can learn more about Anthem dental insurance or enroll in a dental plan by calling 1-833-959-1551. Anthem’s business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. Dental Plans Overview The sample plan below has no waiting period for preventive, basic, and major services. The quote is based on a 30-year-old female applicant living in Los Angeles, California and is rounded to the nearest dollar. This is just a sample plan, and you may find different ones in your state. Investopedia's Rating 3.7 Based on DentaQuest’s lowest-cost, comprehensive PPO plan: Why We Chose It DentaQuest was our top pick for dental insurance customer satisfaction due to its very low NAIC complaint index, which indicates far fewer complaints than average for a company of its size. DentaQuest also has a robust J.D. Power ranking, another measure of customer satisfaction. DentaQuest offers relatively low premiums, and it covers 100% of preventive care before the deductible in the 12 states where available. That said, DentaQuest’s PPO plan has a higher deductible, higher premium, and lower maximum coverage limit than some competitors. In addition, two of the PPO plans available don’t cover any major dental services—just preventive and basic restorative care. The only comprehensive plan, Personal Dental Plan Plus, comes with a $100 deductible and a $1,250 annual limit. The plan provides 50% coverage for basic and 30% coverage for major procedures such as root canals. The plan also comes with a long 18-month waiting period for major services, which is important to consider when choosing dental insurance. However, you can use the Personal Dental Plan Comprehensive with Ortho 2000 or Ortho 1500 if you live in Georgia. These plans have higher maximums, pay higher percentages, and either reduce waiting periods or don’t have waiting periods. Pros & Cons Pros Very low number of complaints for a company of its size Above-average J.D. Power ranking Relatively low premiums Cons Limited state availability Relatively small network Poor cost-to-value score Overview DentaQuest is a relatively young company that was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Boston. The company is the second-largest U.S. dental insurance provider by membership, with 33 million members across 36 states. It’s also the largest Medicaid dental benefits provider. The company was acquired by Sun Life in 2021. DentaQuest offers PPO plans in some states (Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia) and exclusive provider organization (EPO) plans in five others (Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee). In EPO states, no coverage is available for out-of-network providers. You can find out more about DentaQuest by visiting the company’s website. You can also reach the company by phone at the numbers below: Dental Plans Overview To give you an idea of the types of plans Dentaquest offers and their features, we collected quotes for a 30-year-old female applicant living in Chicago and rounded prices to the nearest dollar. Note that because DentaQuest does not offer coverage in California, these quotes don’t provide an apples-to-apples cost comparison to other providers for which we collected quotes in Los Angeles. Also, you may find other plans in your state. Investopedia's Rating 3.9 Based on Spirit’s lowest-cost, comprehensive PPO plan: Why We Chose It Spirit has the lowest premiums of any provider we considered for this list. Choosing Spirit for your dental insurance comes with a few advantages. Like Ameritas, the company offers plans with no waiting periods, and some have annual limits that provide up to $5,000 in annual coverage by year three. There’s a $100 lifetime deductible for most plans. That’s a big difference from most other plans, which make you pay a deductible every year. However, we found that the overall cost-to-value mix for the company’s cheapest PPO plan was poor relative to other providers, and the plan also has a low annual limit in the first year. For example, while Spirit offers 100% coverage for preventive care, X-rays are not considered preventive on some plans. Spirit also considers fillings a major procedure on some plans, with limited coverage for fillings. Many competitors categorize fillings as a basic service that gets more coverage. The most coverage any Spirit plan offers in the first year is 50% of the fillings cost, up to the coverage limit. If you stick with the company for three years, however, you can get up to 80% coverage for fillings. Pros & Cons Pros Very low premiums No waiting periods $100 lifetime deductible for most plans Cons Poor coverage for fillings with most plans Poor customer satisfaction as reflected by NAIC and J.D. Power Overview Spirit Dental & Vision is a product offered by Ameritas, and in Texas, is referred to as Ameritas.However, the plans offered by the two brands differ. As noted above, Ameritas appears to have some issues with customer satisfaction, including a worse number NAIC complaint index than six other companies we surveyed, and last place showing in the J.D. Power ranking. To speak with a licensed insurance agent, call Spirit at 1-844-833-8440. Online chat is also available, and you can find out more and get a quote at the company’s website. Dental Plans Overview Below are quotes for an applicant living in Los Angeles, rounded to the nearest dollar. Note that Spirit categorizes some procedures differently than other companies, so be sure to check the plan details before applying.You may find other plans in your state. Delta Dental is our top pick because of its comprehensive coverage, including for braces and implants, with relatively short waiting periods. Its large network makes it more likely your preferred dentist is included. Despite some mixed reviews, the low complaint rate also bodes well for the likelihood you’ll be satisfied with the company. Physicians Mutual may offer a better value if you can stick out the 12-month waiting period for major care, while Anthem may be a better choice if you can’t handle any waiting. If you’re concerned about maxing out an annual benefit plan, live in one of five states, and don’t mind seeing someone in a limited network, an HMO from MetLife is a good fit. Spirit offers cheap PPO plan premiums. If you’re more concerned with customer service, DentaQuest stands out on that front, but availability is limited and pricing is higher than average. Below are the average costs for monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and benefit maximums for Delta’s PPO Premium plan in five different states for a 30-year-old individual to give you an idea of what it could cost you. Sample plans in most cases are the lowest-premium PPO that covers preventive, basic, and major care. For no waiting period, the plan also has to have no waiting periods for any level of care. For no annual maximum, we looked at the lowest-premium HMO or PPO that covers preventive, basic, and major care, and has no annual coverage limits. Dental insurance is a policy that you pay for to cover costs related to work on your teeth. When you go to the dentist for teeth cleanings, a filling, or maybe braces, your dental insurance will help pay for it. Different dental insurance plans offer various coverage. Some may cover one annual cleaning while others may cover two annual cleanings. Some dental plans do not cover certain procedures. Most dental plans cover 100% of preventative care, such as teeth cleanings, 80% for basic procedures, and 50% for major procedures. After signing up for a dental insurance plan, look for participating dentists and professionals in your network to begin using the benefits offered through your policy. You can get dental insurance through your employer's benefits or you can find a plan and pay for an individual dental insurance plan on your own via the healthcare Marketplace. If you are married, you may be able to get dental insurance through your partner's plan. And, if you are under a certain age, you may be covered by your parent's dental insurance. To get dental insurance, you need to first pick a plan. Review different plans' coverage, costs, and networks to see what fits into your budget and lifestyle—no one wants to pay more than needed or drive an hour to see a dentist. Once you have selected the right plan, you'll need to finish signing up with your personal information and provide payment information. If you sign up for a plan through your employer, you may be able to pay for the dental insurance directly out of your paycheck before taxes. There are three primary ways to buy and pay for dental insurance: It's important to know that not all dental insurance companies will be available on the healthcare Marketplace. Offerings on the federal and state marketplaces may also differ. If you do not need a health insurance plan, and only need dental insurance, it may be best to shop around directly on dental insurance provider websites. You can also refer to researched lists of recommendations like ours. However, going directly to the provider to sign up for a plan could mean you pay more than you would on the health insurance Marketplace. Learn if you qualify for subsidized premiums for health and dental insurance before deciding where to go to sign up for a plan. Dental insurance plans may be part of your health insurance plan or can be separate plans of their own. According to the American Dental Association, there are several types of dental plans, including: The three main types of dental insurance plans are indemnity, PPO, and DHMO plans. An indemnity dental insurance plan is sometimes called a fee-for-service plan. Once you meet your deductible, your plan will pay for a portion of your dental care and services. A dental PPO insurance plan is a common type of dental plan. PPO stands for preferred provider organization and these plans can be on the pricier side because of the wider network coverage and the flexibility they afford customers. An HMO dental insurance plan (or DHMO) is often cheaper than the other types of plans, but that's because of the restrictions. You may have to live within the area where the dentalhealth maintenance organization (HMO) dental plan is offered. You may also have to stay within the network to receive any coverage. Dental discount plans offer access to dental services at discounted rates that can be up to 60% less than regular prices with other plans, often for older adults. Contact your insurance company to see if it has a plan, or look for a dental discount plan that is separate from your health insurance and offers you coverage that fits your needs. Make sure you understand how your plan works when it comes to in-network and out-of-network dental care. When looking for a dental insurance plan, make sure you consider the following: "Like with health insurance, picking a dental insurance plan starts with evaluating your personal situation. If your dental health is good, you may want to look for a dental insurance plan that is affordable and covers routine cleanings 100%—this could save you money. But if you believe you'll need a root canal or crown in the next year, look for a plan that offers affordable coverage for major procedures (plans often have waiting periods for major procedures, too)." —Hilarey Gould, Editorial Director, Investopedia Financial Products & Services The cost of dental procedures may vary by dental insurance plan. But most plans pay 100% for routine care and 50% for more complex procedures, like a filling, root canal, or crown. We looked at the American Dental Association's 2020 dental fee survey to determine the average costs nationwide for some well-known dental procedures. Here's what you may pay with and without dental insurance for these common dental procedures if dental insurance covers 100% of routine procedures, 80% of minor procedures, and 50% of major dental care procedures. When it comes to dental insurance, mostdental plans follow a similar structure: 100-80-50. This means that coverage includes 100% of preventative care, such as teeth cleanings; 80% of basic procedures; and 50% of major procedures. Most dental insurance plans cover: Some of these are covered 100% and others are usually limited to a percentage of the cost, such as 50% of the cost. You may get more coverage for dental care costs if you use a dentist in-network with the insurance plan. Plans that cover major services tend to cost more and limit the payout to around 50%. Dental insurance doesn't normally cover: It will depend on your dental insurance plan. Major dental work may or may not be covered—it will depend on your dental insurance policy. Major dental work typically refers to treatments that may require several appointments and procedures. Major dental work may mean a procedure that could have been prevented with other dental care and treatment. If you need major dental work, ask your dentist for a pre-treatment estimate to learn how much it could cost and how long it could take to resolve your issue. Only you can decide if paying for dental insurance is worth it, but it helps to run some basic cost analysis to determine how much you would pay for dental insurance premiums, copayments, and deductibles per calendar year versus how much you’ve actually paid for dental care in previous years. Also, consider your family dental history. If your family has a history of dental issues or concerns, then you may want to pay for dental insurance in case you ever need extensive work done. Remember: Insurance is there to help you when you need it. Living without dental insurance could mean paying a lot out of pocket in an emergency. Investopedia collected more than 595 key data points from 17 dental insurance companies to identify the most important factors for readers choosing a dental insurance company and plan. We used this data to review each company for premiums, waiting periods, and other features to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to ensure our readers make the right decision for their needs. Investopedia launched in 1999, and has been helping readers find the best dental insurance companies since 2020. Yes, you can buy stand-alone dental insurance directly through a dental insurance company, such as those listed above in this article. Whether you're offered a dental plan through an employer or not, you can opt to sign up for a stand-alone dental insurance plan. If you don't have health insurance or dental insurance, you can visit the Health Insurance Marketplace and sign up for both. Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by your dental insurance plan. Additionally, some plans do not cover major services like implants or braces, the latter of which is often considered orthodontic care. The best dental insurance for dentures will be a full-coverage dental insurance plan that covers major procedures. Most times, major procedures are only covered up to 50%. If you can find a plan that covers more than that, then that may be the best dental insurance for your dentures. Keep in mind that a plan that covers dentures could cost more through monthly premiums or other fees. For example, Physicians Mutual offers 70% coverage for major procedures, like dentures, with its premier plan. When it comes to dental care, a PPO plan may be a good option for you if you want the most coverage for preventative, basic, and major procedures. HMO plans may be best if you're looking for the best dental insurance with no annual maximum. The amount you pay for dental insurance will depend on the type of coverage you need, how many people are on the plan with you, where you live, and more. Most people pay between $20 and $150 per month, depending on if they are signed up for an individual dental plan or a family dental plan. Delta Dental has the largest network. According to Delta, three in four dentists are a part of the Delta Dental network. The most common form of dental insurance is the PPO plan; PPO stands for preferred provider organization and gives you access to a network of dentists and providers. Other common forms of dental insurance include DHMOs, dental discount plans, and managed fee-for-service plans. The average cost of a teeth cleaning is $73 for a child and $98 for an adult, according to the American Dental Association's 2020 survey of dental fees. To find the best dental insurance companies, we reviewed and collected over 500 data points across 17 companies: Delta Dental, Physicians Mutual, MetLife, DentaQuest, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, Renaissance, Ameritas, Spirit, Humana, Guardian, UnitedHealthOne, eHealth, Aetna, Denali Dental, Smart Health Dental, Dominion National To determine which dental insurance companies to review, we tapped into both market data and public sentiment. We used business and industry databases to get insights into market share, and user-generated data from Google to understand trends and public interest in stand-alone dental plans. This analysis narrowed our focus to 17 key companies offering dental coverage to individuals, regardless of whether their health insurance was purchased through state or federal marketplaces or independently. We collected data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), a standard-setting and regulatory support organization that maintains a database of customer complaints. We also gathered data directly from companies via websites, media contacts, and existing partnerships. The data collection process took place between Oct. 9, 2023, and Dec. 23, 2023. We then developed a quantitative model that scored each dental insurance provider based on 35 criteria that fall into five major categories and are crucial in evaluating the company’s offerings and benefits. We weighted the five categories as follows for this article: To learn more about our process for finding the best dental insurance companies, read our full methodology. Article Sources Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in oureditorial policy. Delta Dental. "Why Delta Dental." Delta Dental. "About Us." J.D. Power. "Dental Plan Satisfaction Rising as Communications and Plan Coverage Increase, J.D. Power Finds." Dentaquest. "Sun Life Completes Acquisition of Dentaquest." Spirit. "Spirit Dental & Vision | About Us." American Dental Association. “Dental Benefits: An Introduction.” Healthcare.gov. "Dental Coverage." NYC Department of Aging. "Dental Coverage Options for Older New Yorkers." American Dental Association. "Dental Fees: Results From the 2020 Survey of Dental Fees." Delta Dental. "What Does My Dental Insurance Cover?" Delta Dental of Washington. "Dental Benefits Guide." Cigna. "Full Coverage Dental Insurance." Physicians Mutual. "Get Affordable Dental Insurance." HealthInsurance.org. "What’s the Difference Between Dental Insurance and Dental Discount Plans?" Delta Dental. "What Are the Different Types of Dental Insurance Plans?" Investopedia is part of the Dotdash Meredithpublishingfamily. Please review our updatedTerms of Service.Best Dental Insurance Companies for April 2024
Best Overall and Best for Braces, Implants, and Older Adults : Delta Dental
:fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Delta-Dental-logo-f00cff3740244b52ba0885733d5fbd1e.jpg "Best Dental Insurance Companies for April 2024 (4)"){kind=logo}
Best for Braces
Best for Implants
Best for Older Adults
Plan Monthly Premium Annual Deductible Preventive Coverage Basic Coverage Major Coverage PPO Premium Plan $65 $50 100% 80% after deductible 50% after deductible PPO Basic Plan $29 $50 100% 50% after deductible None Best Overall Cost-to-Value : Physicians Mutual
:fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Physicians-Mutual-logo-2f3d4e87c5eb40598b940e5fd7205830.jpg "Best Dental Insurance Companies for April 2024 (5)"){kind=logo}
Plan Monthly Premium Annual Deductible Preventive Coverage Basic Coverage Major Coverage Premier $57 $0 100% 70% 70% Preferred $47 $0 100% 55% 55% Standard $37 $0 100% 40% 40% Economy $31 $0 100% 25% 25% Best for No Annual Maximum : MetLife
:fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MetLife-logo-45b520ab06e5446388eeb7a2fb4ce10b.jpg "Best Dental Insurance Companies for April 2024 (6)"){kind=logo}
Plan Monthly Premium Annual Deductible Preventive Coverage Basic Coverage Major Coverage DHMO-LOW $8 $0 You pay $0-$75 copay You pay $15-$225 copay You pay $60-$525 copays for other services DHMO-HIGH $11 $0 You pay $0-$65 copay You pay $0-$110 copay You pay $60-$400 copays for other services Best for No Waiting Period : Anthem BCBS
Plan Monthly Premium Annual Deductible Preventive Coverage Basic Coverage
Year OneMajor Coverage
Year OneEssential Choice PPO Incentive $58 $50 100% 60% 30% Best for Customer Satisfaction : DentaQuest
:fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Denta-Quest-logo-4a0fb4516b914c2e94168967d1927921.jpg "Best Dental Insurance Companies for April 2024 (8)"){kind=logo}
Plan Monthly Premium Annual Deductible Preventive Coverage Basic Coverage Major Coverage Personal Dental Plan Preventive $21 $0 100% None None Personal Dental Plan Basic $32 $50 100% 50% None Personal Dental Plan Plus $42 $100 100% 50% Up to 30% Best Premiums : Spirit
:fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Spirit-Dental-and-Vision-logo-5ae86205d7184865b15a0975ab30cc95.jpg "Best Dental Insurance Companies for April 2024 (9)"){kind=logo}
Plan Monthly Premium Deductible Preventive Coverage Basic Coverage
Year OneMajor Coverage
Year OnePreventive Plus PPO $22 $100 (lifetime) 100% 50% 20% Core PPO $38 $100 (lifetime) 100% 50% 25% Flex $44 $100 (lifetime) 100% 50% 15% Senior Preferred PPO $48 $100 (lifetime) 100% 65% 20% Pinnacle PPO $52 $100 (lifetime) 100% 50% 25% Flex Plus $61 $100 (lifetime) 100% 50% 20% Our Expert Pick for Dental Insurance in Any State
Sample Dental Insurance Plans and Costs Across 5 States
State (ZIP Code) Delta PPO Costs New York (10001) $48 premium
$50 annual deductible
$2,000 annual maximum benefitFlorida (34787) $49 monthly premium
$50 annual deductible
$2,000 annual maximum benefitTexas (79936) $42 monthly premium
$50 annual deductible
$2,000 annual maximum benefitCalifornia (90011) $65 monthly premium
$50 annual deductible
$2,000 annual maximum benefitPennsylvania (15006) $38 monthly premium
$50 annual deductible
$2,000 annual maximum benefit Compare the Best Dental Insurance Companies
Company Annual Max Benefit, Year One (Sample Plan) Deductible (Sample Plan) Delta Dental Best Overall $2,000 $50 Physicians Mutual Best Overall Cost Unlimited $0 MetLife (HMO) Best for No Annual Maximum Unlimited $0 DentaQuestBest for Customer Satisfaction $1,250 $100 Anthem BCBS Best for No Waiting Period $2,500 $50 Spirit Best for Low Premiums $750 $100 (lifetime) What Is Dental Insurance and How Does It Work?
How to Get Dental Insurance
Steps to Get Dental Insurance
Ways to Buy Dental Insurance
Main Types of Dental Insurance Plans
Indemnity Dental Insurance Plans (Also Called Fee-for-Service Plans)
PPO Dental Insurance Plans
Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) Insurance Plans
Dental Discount Plans
What to Look for in a Dental Insurance Plan
Average Costs of Common Dental Procedures
Dental Procedure Average Cost Without Dental Insurance Average Cost With Dental Insurance Cleaning $73–$98 $0 X-Ray (Complete Series) $143 $0 Filling $145 $29 Root Canal $1,109 $554.50 Crown $284–$1,241 $142–$620.50 What Does Dental Insurance Typically Cover?
What Does Dental Insurance Typically Not Cover?
Important
Is Dental Insurance Worth It?
Why You Should Trust Our Picks for Dental Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Buy Stand-Alone Dental Insurance?
Does Dental Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening, Implants, or Braces?
What Is the Best Dental Insurance for Dentures?
Is an HMO or PPO Better for Dental Care?
How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost?
Which Dental Insurance Has the Largest Network?
What Is the Most Common Form of Dental Insurance?
How Much Is a Dental Cleaning Without Insurance?
Companies We Reviewed
How We Chose the Best Dental Insurance Companies
Guide to Dental Insurance
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DentalInsurance-Roundups-BestDentalInsuranceCompanies-74c973f95f0b46beac0d5f6da589a610.png "Best Dental Insurance Companies for April 2024 (10)")
:fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Anthem-BCBS-logo-9cdbb09ef7c0479f9da47f36a495932b.jpg "Best Dental Insurance Companies for April 2024 (7)"){kind=logo}
