Best Dental Insurance Companies In The US

The costs of preventive dental care are covered by dental insurance, while more expensive procedures such as crowns, bridges, and fillings are softened. Find a dental insurance company with plans that provide the coverage you need without low annual caps or exclusions that could prevent you from getting any value by shopping around.

In 2013, the American Dental Association estimated that adults without dental insurance paid an average of $685 to $1,624 out of pocket for market-value dental care in 2013. Although dental care is one of the most financially challenging health services available to all age groups, children face lower financial barriers than working-aged adults and seniors, since average dental care costs increase with age.

Plaque buildup, cavities, and late detection of oral cancer can all be prevented with regular dental visits.

The ADA reports that cost remains a major barrier to dental care. In recent years, this has been especially evident: 15.2% of the U.S. population that needed dental care between 2013 and 2016 did not get it due to affordability, lack of coverage, and other financial obstacles.

Fortunately, we have compiled a list of the top dental insurance providers on the market to make your search easier.

Key takeaways:

1. Dental insurance plans have premiums and deductibles that are much lower than health insurance. Monthly premiums average less than $50, while annual deductibles range from $50 to $100.
2. Most dental insurance plans use a 100-80-50 cost-sharing model, paying 100% for preventive and diagnostic services, 80% for basic services such as fillings, and 50% for major procedures.
3. Currently, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Delta Dental, Humana, and Renaissance are the top five dental insurance providers in the United States.
4. Based on the monthly premiums, annual deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, benefits, and services covered, waiting periods, and other limitations, as well as the size and geographical scope of dental insurance companies’ provider networks, we have compiled this roundup of dental insurance plans.

Best Dental Insurance Companies

• Best Overall: Cigna
• Runner-Up, Best Overall: Renaissance Dental
• Best for No Waiting Periods: Spirit Dental
• Best Value: Humana Dental Insurance
• Best for Families: UnitedHealthOne Dental Insurance
• Best for Seniors: Physicians Mutual
• Best for Orthodontics: Delta Dental

Best Ones:

Cigna: 

• Policy types: 3 low-deductible plans
• Coverage limit: Up to $1,500
• States available: 50

This is why we chose it: As the best overall dental insurance, Cigna stood out due to its large network of more than 89,000 dentists and 300,000 locations, as well as its variety of plans.

Advantages: 

1. Restorative and orthodontic services are covered by some plans
2. A nationwide network of 89,000 dentists at 300,000 locations

Disadvantages:

1. Major services require waiting periods of six to twelve months
2. Implants and cosmetic procedures are not covered

Renaissance Dental:

• Policy types: 4
• Coverage limit: $1,000 to $1,600
• States available: 50

This is why we chose it: Cigna covers orthodontics, but Renaissance Dental gets the runner-up spot because of its comparable network of 300,000+ dental locations and excellent reputation for customer service.

Advantages: 

1. Preventive care is covered by some plans at 100%
2. There are 300,000 dental offices in the country
3. Free online quote

Disadvantages: 

1. Orthodontics are not covered by any insurance plans
2. Basic and major services are not covered

Spirit Dental: 

• Policy types: 8
• Coverage limit: $750 to $5,000 after 3 years
• States available: 50

This is why we chose it: Spirit Dental’s plans don’t require waiting periods, and the $100 deductible is paid only once instead of annually.

Advantages: 

1. At least two cleanings and exams per year are covered by 100%
2. There is no waiting period
3. A lifetime deductible of $100

Disadvantages: 

1. The maximum coverage can be as low as $700 per year
2. Costs and annual maximums vary widely between plans

Human Dental Insurance:

• Policy types: 6
• Coverage limit: $1,000 to unlimited
• States available: 49

This is why we chose it: Due to its low starting rates for basic plans, 100% coverage of preventive services, and one-time deductibles, Humana is the best value.

Advantages: 

1. Preventive care is covered at 100% under the plans
2. In the United States, Humana works with more than 335,000 dentists

Disadvantages: 

1. Benefits can be as low as $1,000 per year
2. There are some plans with long waiting periods for basic/major services

United Health One Dental Insurance: 

• Policy types: 8
• Coverage limit: $1,000 to $3,000
• States available: 50

This is why we chose it: With its combination of preventive care and orthodontia coverage, UnitedHealthOne is our top pick for families.

Advantages:

1. There is a wide network of dentists available
2. Preventive care is included in all plans
3. Orthodontics is covered by some insurance plans

Disadvantages: 

1. Benefit amounts can be as low as $1,000 per person per year
2. Major services may be subject to waiting periods

Physicians Mutual:

• Policy types: 4
• Coverage limit: Unlimited
• States available: 50

This is why we chose it: Physicians Mutual is our top choice for seniors since it offers specialized pricing for a senior’s budget, and there are no annual or lifetime limits on the coverage.

Advantages: 

1. There is no waiting period for preventive care or basic procedures
2. Benefits are not limited by an annual or lifetime cap
3. There are no deductibles

Disadvantages: 

1. Major work requires a 12-month waiting period
2. Per-procedure limits

Delta Dental: 

• Policy types: 5
• Coverage limit: $1,000 to unlimited
• States available: 50

This is why we chose it: Unlike most other dental insurance providers, Delta Dental has several orthodontic plans that include both children and adults.

Advantages: 

1. Orthodontic care is included in some plans
2. Most plans cover preventive care at no out-of-pocket cost
3. Providers with a large network

Disadvantages: 

1. There is a low maximum benefit amount each year
2. Only 50% of orthodontic care is covered

The verdict is in

There are many options when it comes to dental insurance companies. The best dental insurance company, however, is Cigna. Some companies, such as Renaissance Dental and Delta Dental, offer plans that cover 100% of preventive care, while others, like Spirit Dental, have no waiting periods.

There are over 89,000 dentists at more than 300,000 Cigna locations nationwide, and all of its dental insurance plans cover preventive care with no deductible or copay. A customer can also choose a level of care that corresponds to their needs with Cigna, with some plans offering orthodontics and restorative care at a higher price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Dental insurance: Is it worth it?

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 spend on dental insurance premiums, copayments, and deductibles per year versus what you actually spent on dental care in the past.

How Does Dental Insurance Work?

It’s usually limited to a percentage of the cost (e.g., 50%) when dental insurance plans cover preventive care like cleanings and X-rays at 100%, and basic services such as fillings, root canals, and tooth extractions at 50%. Major service plans tend to be more expensive and limit payouts to about 50%. Cosmetic procedures and preexisting conditions are typically not covered by dental insurance, and some plans exclude major services like orthodontics and implants.

How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost?

In some states and counties, you may be able to find a dental insurance plan that is less than $20 per month for an individual, depending on where you live, your age, and the plan you choose.

Plans that are less expensive tend to cover only a small percentage of services and have lower annual benefit limits. In return, you’ll get more coverage, higher annual benefits, and more included services with more robust plans, which can easily cost $40 to $60 per month for an individual.

Dental Plans: What Are the Main Types?

According to the American Dental Association, there are several types of dental plans, including Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMOs), indemnity plans, direct reimbursement plans, exclusive provider organizations, and table or schedule of allowance plans.