A healthy smile is an essential part of overall well-being, but dental care costs can add up. Dental insurance helps you manage those costs by offering coverage for preventive care (cleanings, exams) and restorative procedures (fillings, root canals). This Dental Insurance Comparison Chart breaks down some of the leading options, including public programs, to help you find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
Dental Insurance Comparison Chart: Shining a Light on Your Smile Savings
Key Considerations:
Network: PPO (more flexibility, potentially higher costs) vs. HMO (limited network, potentially lower costs).
Monthly Premium: How much are you comfortable spending each month?
Coverage Details: Preventive care, restorative procedures, orthodontics?
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Deductibles, copays, and how much you might pay for services.
Let's break it down:
Provider | Type | Website | Monthly Premium (Avg.) | Coverage Highlights | Potential Drawbacks |
Delta Dental | PPO | $30-$50 | Big dentist network, great preventive care coverage, covers major procedures | More expensive out-of-network, referrals needed for specialists sometimes | |
Cigna Dental | HMO | $20-$40 | Lower monthly premiums, low copays for preventive care | Smaller dentist network, might require choosing a primary dentist | |
Guardian Dental | PPO & Indemnity | $25-$45 | Choices for different needs/budgets, strong out-of-network coverage (PPO), reimburses for covered services (Indemnity) | Out-of-pocket costs vary by plan and network | |
Humana Dental | PPO | $20-$40 | Focus on preventive care ($0 copays for some cleanings/exams), some plans cover orthodontics | Network size can vary by location | |
MetLife Dental | PPO & Indemnity | $30-$50 | Nationwide network, flexible plan options, some plans cover orthodontics | Higher out-of-pocket costs for Indemnity plans | |
Spirit Dental | PPO | $15-$30 | Budget-friendly option, strong focus on preventive care with low copays | Limited coverage for major procedures (might have higher copays) |
Public Programs:
Provider | Type | Website | Coverage Details | Potential Drawbacks |
Varies by State | - Free/low-cost coverage for children (preventive) <br> - Optional adult coverage varies by state (limited-comprehensive) | - Coverage details vary greatly, may have limited dentist network |
Additional Providers:
Provider | Type | Website | Monthly Premium (Avg.) | Coverage Highlights | Potential Drawbacks |
MCNA Dental | PPO | $20-$40 | Varied plans with different coverage levels, focuses on preventive care, some restorative coverage possible (plan dependent) | Coverage details vary by plan and location, higher out-of-network costs | |
Molina Healthcare | Varies by State | Varies by State | Dental coverage in some Medicaid plans, stand-alone plans in some states | Coverage details vary by state and plan type, limited information online (contact directly) | |
Varies by State |