Summary
- The typical dental insurance cost per month is between $20 and $50
- You may have additional costs for copays, coinsurance and deductibles
- About 91% of Americans get dental insurance through their employer
How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost?
Among various healthcare services, dental care presents the highest cost barrier at 13%, in contrast to the 4% to 5% for other services. Many people wonder about the general costs of dental insurance, especially the monthly premium for an individual.
Typically, a full-coverage dental insurance premium costs between $20 and $50 for individuals, while families might pay between $50 and $150. This premium covers only what you pay the insurance company; you might also incur out-of-pocket expenses for copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Your dental insurance costs will vary based on the plan you choose, the type of coverage, and your location. Here’s an overview of average monthly dental insurance costs for individuals on employer-sponsored plans:
- Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO): $16.64 to $18.31
- Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO): $28.70 to $30.71
- Indemnity Dental Plan: $35.97 to $37.35
- Dental Discount Plan: A few dollars up to $10 or $12
It’s important to note that a dental discount plan is not the same as insurance; you pay a fee to receive discounted prices on dental services.
What Does Dental Insurance Cover?
If you opt for comprehensive or full-coverage dental insurance, your policy may cover all or part of your preventive, basic, and major dental care.
- Preventive Care: This includes routine exams, cleanings, and X-rays. Many plans cover preventive services at 100%, aiming to avert serious oral health issues and identify problems early.
- Basic Care: Services such as fillings, crowns, and tooth extractions fall under this category. Dental insurance typically covers basic care at about 80% for in-network services and 60% or less for out-of-network services.
- Major Care: This involves more complex restorative procedures like bridges, dentures, inlays, root canals, and oral surgeries. Your plan might cover these services at around 50%, which usually results in higher copays and coinsurance.
- Orthodontic Care: Coverage for orthodontics (braces, aligners, retainers) is primarily offered for children, though some plans may help cover a portion of adult orthodontic costs.
Weighing the Costs of Dental Insurance
Maintaining dental health can be costly, and you might consider dental insurance to help manage these expenses, especially if you anticipate needing treatment.
So, how much does dental insurance cost, and is it worth the investment? Here are some key factors to consider regarding dental insurance and its costs.
What Is Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance is designed to help you pay for and manage the expenses associated with dental care. Depending on your specific plan, it can assist with preventive, basic, and major dental services.
Should you invest in dental insurance? Research indicates that individuals without dental coverage are more likely to experience tooth loss and may require dentures. They also tend to forgo restorative treatments and care for gum disease.
Moreover, poor oral health can negatively affect your overall health, with links to:
- A 67% higher risk of heart disease
- A 50% higher risk of osteoporosis
- A 29% higher risk of diabetes
Those without dental insurance generally visit the dentist less frequently, which decreases their chances for preventive care and early intervention.
While most Americans receive dental insurance through their employers, it’s usually not bundled with health insurance and can be purchased separately.
Types of Dental Plans
There are four primary types of dental insurance plans:
- Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO): This is the most common type of dental insurance. You can visit in-network providers who have agreed to lower rates, and no referral is necessary to see a specialist. You may also see out-of-network dentists, although you’ll likely pay more or cover the full cost.
- Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO): DHMOs use a network of dentists, and you may receive services at little or no cost. You’ll need to choose a primary dentist who can refer you to specialists. Care outside the network is usually not covered unless it’s an emergency.
- Dental Indemnity Plan: This plan is fee-for-service, allowing you to see any dentist without a network. While you won’t benefit from negotiated lower rates, you can negotiate fees directly with your dentist. The insurance company pays what is considered “usual, customary, and reasonable,” so if charges exceed this, you’ll need to cover the difference.
- Discount Dental or Dental Savings Plan: These are not insurance plans but provide memberships that offer discounted rates for dental services, ranging from 10% to 60%. Payments are made directly to the dentist.
The variety of dental insurance options and discount plans gives you flexibility in choosing how to meet your dental health needs.
