Thinking about getting dental insurance but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. With dozens of companies and hundreds of plan options available, picking the right dental insurance plan can be confusing. Whether you’re self-employed, a gig worker, part-time employee, retiree, between jobs, or just want to avoid a surprise dental bill, this guide will walk you through how to compare plans and help you avoid common mistakes.
What Makes a Dental Insurance Plan “Good”?
Here are the key things to look for when comparing dental plans:
1. High Annual Maximum
Most dental plans cap how much they’ll pay each year. Many plans offer $1,000 to $1,500 in annual maximums, but if you expect to need major work (like crowns, root canals, or implants), choose a plan with a higher maximum or one that offers increasing benefits over time.
2. Low Coinsurance for Major Services
Coinsurance is the percentage of the bill you’ll pay after meeting your deductible. Look for plans that cover 50% or more of the cost of major services. Plans that only cover 20 – 30% of procedures like crowns, bridges and root canals can leave you with large out-of-pocket bills.
3. Low or No Waiting Periods
If you think you might need treatment soon, this is critical. Some plans make you wait 6 to 12 months before covering major services. Look for dental plans with no waiting periods – or short ones – for the treatments you may need.
4. Coverage for the Procedures You Care About
Not all dental plans cover the same services. Some limit coverage for things like implants, dentures, or gum disease. Others don’t cover orthodontics or cosmetic procedures so make sure the plan covers what’s most relevant to your needs.
5. Accepted by Popular Dentists in Your Area
One of the biggest frustrations people have with dental insurance is not being able to find a dentist that accepts their plan. Before you enroll, check whether your preferred dentist, or well-reviewed dentists in your area, accept the plan. If you’re not sure where to start, search online and search “DenScore’s Best Dentist” in the city you live in.
What Are the Types of Dental Insurance?
Here’s a quick overview of the three main types of dental plans:
- PPO Plans: Most common. Let you visit any dentist, but you’ll save more with in-network providers.
- DHMO Plans: Lower premiums, but very high co-pays, and you must choose from a smaller list of dentists.
- Discount Dental Plans: Not insurance, but offer reduced rates at participating dentists. Often no waiting periods or annual caps.
Bonus Tip: Think Beyond the Premium
Lower monthly premiums don’t always mean a better value. A $15/month plan with low coverage and high out-of-pocket costs might cost you more in the long run than a $45/month plan with stronger benefits. Before deciding, be sure to calculate your total yearly cost by adding the monthly premium and any expected out-of-pocket expenses from coinsurance.
Use Tools Like DenScore to Compare Plans
DenScore helps you compare top dental insurance options in your area based on the procedures you need, how soon you want treatment, and which dentists are most popular with patients. It’s free to use and helps you avoid plans that may leave you with surprise bills.
Summary: What to Look for in a Dental Plan
- A high annual max
- Low coinsurance on expensive procedures
- Short or no waiting periods
- Comprehensive coverage for the procedures you may need
- A strong network of dentists in your area
Need Help Finding the Right Plan?
Use DenScore’s free online dental tool (https://navigation.denscore.com) to compare plans side by side and to get recommendations based on your personal needs and budget.
