Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove...
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Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove...
See Full Bio
Written By
Les Masterson
Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove...
See Full Bio
Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove...
See Full Bio
Deputy Editor, Insurance
Jason MetzLead Editor, Insurance
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others mak...
See Full Bio
Jason MetzLead Editor, Insurance
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others mak...
See Full Bio
Jason Metz
Jason MetzLead Editor, Insurance
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others mak...
See Full Bio
Jason MetzLead Editor, Insurance
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others mak...
See Full Bio
Reviewed
& 1 other
Updated: Sep 1, 2024, 7:57am
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Anthem and Guardian are the best dental insurance companies, according to our analysis of large dental insurers. Anthem’s Essential Choice PPO Platinum plan received five out of five stars in our evaluation.
We analyzed costs, deductibles, provider networks, waiting periods, coverage and reimbursem*nt levels to find the best dental insurance companies. Keep these factors in mind when picking a dental plan, as they impact your expenses. Most policies include preventive care, and many provide coverage for basic and major services, too.
Read more
Dental Insurance Guides
- Best for Braces
- Best for Dental Implants
- Best for No Waiting Period
- Best for Seniors
- Best Health Insurance
Show Summary
- Compare the Best Dental Insurance Companies Ratings
- The Best Dental Insurance Companies
- What Is Dental Insurance?
- Types of Dental Insurance Plans
- What Does Dental Insurance Typically Cover?
- What Is Usually Not Covered by Dental Insurance?
- How Does Dental Insurance Work?
- How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost?
- Ways to Buy Dental Insurance
- Methodology
- Other Dental Insurance Companies We Rated
- Dental Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
Compare the Best Dental Insurance Companies Ratings
| Our expert take | Insurance company | Company - Logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Top-scoring plan | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Anthem |  | 5.0 |  | Essential Choice PPO Platinum | See Plans |
| Good Price for Benefits Provided | Guardian |  | 4.5 |  | Diamond | See Plans |
| Good for No Waiting Periods | Ameritas |  | 4.0 |  | PrimeStar Complete | See Plans |
| Good for No Deductible | Cigna Dental |  | 4.0 | | Preventive | See Plans |
| Good for Preventive Care | Humana |  | 4.0 | | Preventive Value | See Plans |
| Good for Dental Cleanings | Spirit Dental |  | 4.0 | | Core PPO | See Plans |
| Good for Implants Coverage | UnitedHealthcare |  | 4.0 | | DentalWise 2000 | See Plans |
How We Chose the Best Dental Insurance Companies
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Good for no waiting periods
Ameritas
4.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Top scoring plan
PrimeStar Access
Annual deductible
$50
Dental network size
130,000 providers and 93,000 locations
$50
130,000 providers and 93,000 locations
Editor's Take
With a good price, wide range of benefits and no waiting periods, this plan deserves consideration. Make sure to read the fine print because maximum payouts don’t start until year 3 for many services. Also, you’ll want to stay within the Ameritas dental network, because out-of-network reimbursem*nt can be low.
Pros & Cons
- Annual maximum insurance payout of $1,000 in year 1, then $2,000 in year 2 and after.
- 100% in-network coverage right away for Preventive care such as cleanings and bitewing X-rays.
- No waiting period for Basic care such as fillings and simple extractions.
- No waiting period for Major care such as crowns and root canals.
- No waiting period for implants or dentures.
- Orthondia is included and rises from 15% coverage to 50% at year 2. Only kids under age 19 are eligible.
- Covers teeth whitening.
- In-network coverage for Basic care (such as fillings) starts at only 65%. You’ll have to wait until year 2 for 80% coverage.
- In-network coverage for Major care (such as a root canal or oral surgery) is covered at only 20% in the first year. In year 2 it becomes 50%.
- In-network coverage for implants and dentures is covered at only 20% in the first year. In year 2 it becomes 50%.
- Out-of-network coverage for Major care is exceptionally low at 10% in the first year.
The Best Dental Insurance Companies
Best overall
Anthem
5.0
Our star ratings are based on a range of criteria and are determined solely by our editorial team. See our methodology for more information.
Top scoring plan
Essential Choice PPO Platinum
Monthly cost example
$57.75
Annual deductible
$50 per person, up to $150 per family
Essential Choice PPO Platinum
$57.75
$50 per person, up to $150 per family
Our Expert Take
Anthem’s Essential Choice PPO Platinum is our top pick because of its ample benefits. The Platinum plan also pays a higher percentage of dental costs compared to many competitors. We also rate Anthem’s Essential Choice PPO Gold and Silver plans highly if you’re looking for an option with lower premiums, though they provide lower coverage than the Platinum plan.
- High annual maximum payout of $2,000 per person.
- Preventive care covered at 100% without a waiting period.
- Basic care covered at 80%.
- Major care (such as oral surgery and crowns) covered at 50%.
- Implants and dentures covered at 50% after a six-month waiting period.
- Includes orthodontia (braces) coverage for children through age 18 at 50% and a $150 lifetime deductible for orthodontics ($1,000 lifetime maximum benefit).
Drawbacks
- Basic care waiting period of 3 months.
- Major care waiting period of 6 months.
- Doesn’t cover teeth whitening.
Good price for benefits provided
Guardian
4.5
Our star ratings are based on a range of criteria and are determined solely by our editorial team. See our methodology for more information.
Top scoring plan
Diamond plan
Monthly cost example
$58
Annual deductible
In-network: $0; out-of-network $50
Diamond plan
$58
In-network: $0; out-of-network $50
Our Expert Take
We like Guardian’s Diamond dental plan because of its price and that it covers dental work that some competitors don’t provide. You don’t pay a deductible if you stay within your plan’s provider network. Our analysis also found that Guardian has other excellent coverage options, including the Achiever plan, which costs less than a Diamond plan but also doesn’t provide as much coverage.
- $1,500 annual maximum payout for services (with some exceptions).
- Preventive care covered at 100% without a waiting period.
- 80% coverage for basic care (such as fillings) without a waiting period.
- Implants, dentures and orthodontics covered at 50%, but you have to wait 12 months.
- Covers teeth whitening at 50% (after 6 months).
More: Guardian Dental Insurance Review
Drawbacks
- Major care has a 12-month waiting period. You may be able to find a dental plan with a shorter wait.
- Annual maximum of only $500 for orthodontia and a lifetime max of only $1,000.
Good for no waiting periods
Ameritas
4.0
Our star ratings are based on a range of criteria and are determined solely by our editorial team. See our methodology for more information.
Top scoring plan
PrimeStar Complete
Monthly cost example
$68.92
Annual deductible
$50 per person
PrimeStar Complete
$68.92
$50 per person
Our Expert Take
PrimeStar Complete has a wide range of benefits and no waiting periods, which we think makes it stand out among competitors.
- Annual maximum coverage is $2,500 per person in the first year and that increases to $3,000 after the first year.
- 100% in-network coverage right away for preventive care such as cleanings and bitewing X-rays.
- No waiting period for basic care such as fillings and simple extractions.
- No waiting period for major care such as crowns and root canals.
- No waiting period for implants or dentures.
Drawbacks
- In-network coverage for major care is covered at only 20% in the first year. In year 2, major care is covered at 50%.
- In-network coverage for implants and dentures is covered at only 20% in the first year. It becomes 50% in the second year.
Good for no deductible
Cigna Dental
4.0
Our star ratings are based on a range of criteria and are determined solely by our editorial team. See our methodology for more information.
Top scoring plan
Preventive
Monthly cost example
$25
Annual deductible
None
Preventive
$25
None
Our Expert Take
The Cigna Dental Preventive plan has low premiums and no deductibles or coverage maximums, which we view as a great combination for preventive plan. Preventive care plans are significantly cheaper than comprehensive plans but you also don’t get coverage for most dental care.
- Covers preventive care at 100% with no waiting period.
- Offers the same reimbursem*nt for both in-network and out-of-network providers.
More: Cigna Dental Insurance Review
Drawbacks
- Doesn’t cover basic or major care.
- Doesn’t cover dental implants or dentures.
Good for preventive care
Humana
4.0
Our star ratings are based on a range of criteria and are determined solely by our editorial team. See our methodology for more information.
Top scoring plan
Preventive Value
Monthly cost example
$21.99
Deductible
$50 individual, $150 family lifetime deductible
Preventive Value
$21.99
$50 individual, $150 family lifetime deductible
Our Expert Take
Our analysis found that Humana Preventive Value is a good low-cost plan for buyers who put a priority on preventive and basic care, and who are OK with not having insurance for major dental problems. Preventive plans often don’t go beyond cleanings and checkups but Humana’s plan includes basic dental care like fillings and simple extractions, which we think is a great added bonus for a preventive plan.
- Unlimited annual insurance payout for covered services.
- Lifetime deductible that you only pay once.
- In-network preventive care is covered at 100% after reaching your deductible. The plan pays only 80% for out-of-network preventive care.
- In-network basic care is covered at 50% after reaching your deductible. Pays 30% for out-of-network basic care.
More: Humana Dental Insurance Review
Drawbacks
- This is a preventive care plan with no coverage for root canals, oral surgery, dentures, implants, orthodontia or other major services.
Good for dental cleanings
Spirit Dental
4.0
Our star ratings are based on a range of criteria and are determined solely by our editorial team. See our methodology for more information.
Top scoring plan
Core PPO
Monthly cost example
$45.90
Annual deductible
$100 lifetime deductible
On Spirit Dental's Website
Core PPO
$45.90
$100 lifetime deductible
Our Expert Take
Spirit Dental’s Core PPO plan is a good value considering there are no waiting periods for coverage and up to three dental cleanings per year. Though we like the plan, the plan’s benefit levels start low and increase over time, so you don’t get full benefits until you’ve had the plan for two years.
- $100 lifetime deductible is attractive if you intend to stick with the plan over multiple years.
- $1,200 annual maximum insurance payout.
- 100% coverage for preventive care after you reach the deductible.
- No waiting period for basic care or major care.
- Orthodontics for children is included, up to a $1,200 lifetime maximum. But you get only 10% coverage for braces in the first year of the plan.
Drawbacks
- Basic care is only reimbursed at 50% in the first year before increasing to 65% and 80% over the next two years; some competitors start at 80%.
- Major care is only covered at 25% in the first year before increasing to 50%.
Good for implants coverage
UnitedHealthcare
4.0
Our star ratings are based on a range of criteria and are determined solely by our editorial team. See our methodology for more information.
Top scoring plan
DentalWise 2000
Monthly cost example
$46.50
Annual deductible
$100 per person
On UnitedHealthcare's Website
DentalWise 2000
$46.50
$100 per person
Our Expert Take
UnitedHealthcare’s DentalWise 2000 covers dental implants at 50% after you reach your deductible, which we found is better than many competitors.
- $2,000 annual maximum is better than many competitors.
- No waiting periods for preventive, basic or major care.
- Health insurance is also available through UnitedHealthcare.
Drawbacks
- Basic care reimbursem*nt starts at 60% in the first year before increasing to 80% after that.
- Major care reimbursem*nt begins at only 15% and increases to 50% in the second year.
- 12-month waiting period for dental implants.
What Is Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance plans help cover the costs of dental services. Plans usually include costs like monthly premiums and annual or lifetime deductibles, in addition to copayments or coinsurance. Dental insurance companies negotiate fees with the providers in their networks to help keep costs low. Dental insurance is typically separate from a health insurance plan.
Types of Dental Insurance Plans
Three types of dental insurance plans are: dental preferred provider organization (DPPO), dental health maintenance organization (DHMO) and fee-for-service plans. Here is how they vary.
Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO)
A DPPO is a plan with a provider network, but you’re able to get care outside of the dental network at a higher cost.
Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO)
A DHMO requires you to stay within the plan’s provider network to get help paying for that dental care. Your insurance likely won’t cover it if you go outside of the provider network.
Fee-for-Service Plans
Fee-for-service dental insurance plans, also called indemnity plans, don’t have provider networks and they let you see any dentist. These plans pay a percentage of the service and you pick up the rest of the costs.
A fourth option is a discount plan, which isn’t dental insurance but offers reduced fees at participating dentists. You pay all the costs without help from an insurance company, but you fork over less money for dental care at providers that accept the dental discount plan than if you didn’t have a discount plan.
What Does Dental Insurance Typically Cover?
While coverage depends on the insurance provider, care and procedures commonly covered by dental insurance include:
- Routine and preventive services. Including dental X-rays, dental exams, teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
- Basic services. Such as fillings and simple tooth extractions.
- Major services. Services such as oral surgery, root canals, crowns and inlays.
- Other services. Implants, dentures and orthodontia may be covered under separate categories.
What Is Usually Not Covered by Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance typically doesn’t cover cosmetic dentistry, which you may want to improve your smile, such as dental bonding and veneers.
Dental insurance plans also may not cover teeth whitening and orthodontia (braces). Dental plans that cover these services may have coverage limits, such as lifetime braces coverage of $1,000 and limit that to children.
How Does Dental Insurance Work?
Dental insurance works by helping to pay for care that’s covered, such as preventive cleanings, basic care like fillings and major care like crowns and oral surgery. What exactly a policy covers varies.
A comprehensive dental plan generally covers basic and major dental care, while a preventive care plan generally only pays for cleanings and similar care. Preventive care is typically covered at 100%, but basic care is often reimbursed at 80% and major care may get 50% reimbursem*nt.
You pay a premium to have dental insurance unless your employer offers free coverage as part of its benefits package. A premium gives you coverage, but you still usually need to pay for dental services through out-of-pocket costs like copayments, deductibles and coinsurance.
Your dental insurance company picks up its portion of the costs and you pay the rest of the dental bill through out-of-pocket costs when you receive care. Here are four types of out-of-pocket dental insurance costs.
 | Deductibles
|
 | Coinsurance
|
 | Copayment
|
 | Annual Maximum Limit
|
How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost?
The average cost of dental insurance is $46 a month but the exact price varies depending on the type of coverage. The average dental insurance cost is $52 a month for comprehensive dental insurance and $26 a month for a preventive care plan.
EXPERT TIPS
What to Look for in a Dental Insurance Plan
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
Ashlee Valentine
Insurance Editor
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Michelle Megna
Insurance Lead Editor
Weigh the Deductible and Annual Maximum
I’ve found that people don’t generally factor in the deductible and annual maximum coverage when choosing a dental plan. Many dental plans don’t start paying for dental care costs until you reach your deductible. A plan’s annual maximum allowance puts a cap on what a dental policy will pay in a year. I’d suggest weighing those numbers when comparing dental insurance plans as closely as premiums.
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
In-Network Dentists
If you’re concerned about whether your dentist is considered in network, I would suggest asking your provider which specific dental insurance plans they accept. If your dentist isn’t considered in-network, you will likely pay more when you need dental care, so you may want to switch to an in-network dentist.
Ashlee Valentine
Insurance Editor
Current and Future Dental Needs
Consider your current and future dental needs when comparing dental plans. Preventive services are typically covered and include examinations, X-rays, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatment and sealants. Whether and how much a dental plan covers basic and major care varies by plan. Not all plans cover orthodontic coverage, while some include coverage for children.
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Coinsurance
Keep an eye on the coinsurance when deciding on a dental insurance plan. I’ve seen many dental plans that have graded benefits that increase insurance reimbursem*nt over two or three years. And if you don’t keep the plan for a few years, you won’t reach the best reimbursem*nt levels. I’d suggest choosing a good coinsurance level from the start. You never know when a significant dental problem will occur.
Michelle Megna
Insurance Lead Editor
Ways to Buy Dental Insurance
Here are the main ways to purchase dental coverage.
- Through your employer: Dental insurance is a standard part of workplace benefits plans. If you have access to group dental insurance, it’s likely the least expensive way to get the best dental insurance.
- Directly from an insurance company: Many insurers offer stand-alone dental insurance plans. By comparing plans you can find an option that fits your budget.
- On the federal health insurance marketplace: The marketplace at Healthcare.gov includes stand-alone dental insurance plans.
Methodology
To find the best dental insurance companies, we scored 37 stand-alone dental insurance plans. We got quotes from each company and dug into each dental plan to find out what each one covers, what they reimburse for different types of coverage, and coverage limits and deductibles. Only the top-scoring plans from each company are shown. Benefit details can vary by state, so check the plan brochure for details. Ratings are based on the following criteria:
- Cost. We compared costs for a 30-year-old female in California: 30% of score.
- Annual maximum insurance payout: 10% of score.
- No waiting period for preventive care: 10% of score.
- Basic care payout level: 10% of score.
- Basic care waiting period: 10% of score.
- Major care coverage in the first year: 10% of score.
- Coverage for implants: 10% of score.
- Coverage for orthodontia: 10% of score.
Other Dental Insurance Companies We Rated
| Insurance company | Plan name | Forbes Advisor rating |
|---|---|---|
Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Gold |
4.2 stars |
Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Silver |
4.2 stars |
Guardian | Achiever |
4.2 stars |
Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Incentive |
4.0 stars |
Ameritas | PrimeStar Boost |
3.7 stars |
Cigna | Cigna Dental 1500 |
3.7 stars |
Guardian | Core |
3.7 stars |
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise Basic |
3.7 stars |
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise Max 2000 |
3.7 stars |
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise Max 3000 |
3.7 stars |
Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Bronze |
3.7 stars |
Cigna | Cigna Dental 3000/100 |
3.5 stars |
Humana | Bright Plus |
3.5 stars |
Spirit Dental | Spirit Pinnacle PPO |
3.5 stars |
Spirit Dental | Spirit Preventive Plus PPO |
3.5 stars |
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise 1000 |
3.5 stars |
Ameritas | PrimeStar Lite |
3.2 stars |
Cigna | Cigna Dental 1000 |
3.2 stars |
Humana | Loyalty Plus |
3.2 stars |
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise Max 1000 |
3.2 stars |
Denali Dental | Ridge Plan |
3.0 stars |
Denali Dental | Summit Plan |
3.0 stars |
Guardian | Starter |
3.0 stars |
Humana | Complete Dental |
3.0 stars |
Spirit Dental | Spirit Flex |
3.0 stars |
Spirit Dental | Spirit Flex Plus |
2.5 stars |
Dental Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy stand-alone dental insurance?
There are many options for standalone dental insurance plans that can fit any budget. You can find these plans directly from insurance companies or through the federal Affordable Care Act marketplace. You can generally compare plans and buy online.
Is dental insurance worth purchasing?
Dental insurance is worth purchasing if the benefits are robust enough to provide a good financial safety net.
Dental insurance is especially worth it if the plan covers 100% of preventive care. In fact, one study observed a link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. Adding a dental insurance plan can be an excellent way to round out your health benefits, avoid more serious dental issues and keep your medical costs low.
Does dental insurance cover teeth whitening?
Dental plans may cover teeth whitening, but most don’t.
One example of a dental insurance plan with teeth whitening coverage is Guardian’s Diamond plan. That dental plan pays 50% of the costs for teeth whitening after a six-month waiting period.
How much is dental cleaning without insurance?
Getting a basic cleaning can cost up to $200 and panoramic dental X-rays can reach $200, according to Humana. And that’s just for preventive services.
Dental crowns can cost as much as $2,000 per tooth, root canals can reach $1,500 and high-quality dentures can cost as much as $8,000.
These costs can escalate depending on what other types of dental work you need. Dental insurance helps offset some, most or all of those costs, depending on your coverage and dental work.
Can you get dental implants covered by insurance?
Some dental insurance policies cover dental implants. Policies that cover dental implants may cover as much as 50% of the care up to the policy’s annual maximum limit, but these policies may have a waiting period of 12 months before they cover implants.
Is HMO or PPO better for dental care?
Whether a dental HMO or dental PPO is best depends on whether you want to get out-of-network care. A dental PPO might be better if you want the flexibility of getting care outside of the policy’s provider network. But a dental HMO would likely be a better option if you plan on staying within a plan’s network and want cheaper premiums.
Sources
Next Up In Health Insurance
- Cost Of Dental Insurance
- Cost Of Dental Work
- Cost Of Tooth Extraction
- How Does Dental Insurance Work?
- How to Get Dental Insurance
- Is Dental Insurance Worth It?
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