Best Dental Insurance
Based on In-Depth Reviews

Best dental insurance with no waiting period

1Dental offers an inexpensive alternative to traditional insurance through its two discount plans: the Care500 Plan, which is part of the Careington Network, and a Dental Access Plan from Aetna. Both plans offer immediate savings, which provide discounts on treatment for pre-existing conditions, orthodontic and cosmetic care. These plans also offer cardholders lower rates on vision care at no extra cost.

As one of the largest dental discount providers in the US, with over 158,000 dental practice locations, 1Dental ranked as our top choice for dental discount plans. The company has a no-annual-commitment policy and anyone in your family group can join — including your parents.

Screenshot 1Dental.com August, 2023

AFFORDABILITY AND COVERAGE

Unlike traditional insurance, which typically offers maximum benefits of $1,000 to $1,500 per year, 1Dental provides unlimited use to its members through both of its plans. There are no deductibles and no waiting periods (for the Care 500 plan). This is a great alternative if you have a dental problem that requires immediate attention and you’re looking to save on expensive dental procedures.

1Dental offers a robust set of providers in-network, from general dentists to specialists such as oral surgeons, orthodontists, endodontists, periodontists, prosthodontists and pediatric dentists. However, you will save more with a general dentist. 1Dental only provides a maximum of 20% savings on treatment by specialists.

Both of 1Dental’s discount plan options offer slightly different benefits, so be mindful of their savings limits when choosing the right plan for you. 

Dental Access

As part of the Aetna Dental Access network, the Dental Access Plan has a larger network than the Care 500 plan, with 158,000 general dentists and specialists on their list of providers. With the Dental Access Plan, your savings card will have unlimited use, and you are not required to get a referral to be seen by a specialist.  

One thing to be aware of is that the Dental Access Plan offers slightly smaller savings than the Care 500 plan, with only 15-50% savings for general dentists and 15% on specialists. 

One difference we weren’t too keen about between Dental Access and Care 500 is that Dental Access’ discounts vary from provider to provider rather than by zip code. This means the savings you see online are based on nationwide estimates. Only your dentist will be able to provide exact savings, which can be worrisome. You may end up spending more than you initially planned for your treatment.

Care 500 Plan

Although Careington offers a smaller network of dentists than Aetna’s Dental Access plan, we like the fact that the Care 500 plan has higher savings. 

This dental savings plan will help you save between 20-60% on most dental procedures and a standard 20% on specialists. In addition to this, Care 500 includes discounts on prescriptions, vision care and Lasik benefits. 

The Care 500 plan is accepted at over 131,000 dental and orthodontic providers across the US. It also offers an online list that details exact savings according to procedure and zip code. The company claims that membership activation occurs within the first 24 hours, meaning you could start saving your first day.

The cost to enroll in either option is the same, but each has distinct primary advantages. If you sign up in a group of more than three members, everyone else added to the group will be added at no extra cost.

WAITING PERIODS, APPLICATION PROCESS

1Dental plans don’t have waiting periods, which is a nice feature in an industry where waiting periods for some types of coverage are very common.

Since 1Dental sells discount plans, not insurance, signing up is very easy. There is no paperwork necessary or pre-approval process — something that often takes traditional insurance companies a month or so. If the plan turns out not to be a good fit for you, 1Dental will give you a full refund within the first 30 days. 

One of the perks of signing up for a discount plan is that you can also combine your 1Dental plan with your dental insurance to cover expenses that it may not cover or help pay your deductible on a procedure.

Overall, 1Dental offers affordable prices for discounts on dental care, which we valued as a great alternative worth considering if you’re looking to save on dental procedures.

If you’re interested in learning more, visit 1Dental.com.

Some other options for low-cost dental savings or discount plans are:

• DentalPlans.com: Low-cost savings plans with add-ons, including vision
• Careington: Savings cards that offer 20-60% off certain procedures.
• Dental Access $99: Lists and compares discount plans underwritten by Aetna and Careington.
• Ehealth: Best for browsing different dental plans and comparing prices on discount plans
• AARP Member Advantages Dental: Members have access to discounts on insurance and other products and services at a modest cost

Best dental insurance for braces

After much consideration, we judged Guardian Direct as our top choice for dental insurance in the United States specifically for braces. With an enormous network of dentists serving numerous locations nationwide, Guardian Direct offers comprehensive coverage options at affordable premiums for individuals and their families in most regions. 

Guardian Highlights

• 50% off of orthodontia services with the Achiever and Diamond plans
• In-network dentists at hundreds of thousands of locations nationwide
• Comprehensive dental ynsurance plans (PPO and DHMO available)
• Coverage for regular exams, cleanings, x-rays, root canals, crowns, implants and braces
• No waiting periods for preventive care and maximum benefit payouts increase year over year
• Online quote, provider lookup, purchase and service tools make it easy
• Backed by one of the insurance industry’s most stable companies (highly-rated by AM Best)

Guardian Direct offers four levels of Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans: Starter, Core, Achiever, and Diamond. With affordable individual monthly premiums (depending on your age and the state where you live), you’ll have the freedom to visit any dentist, but save more if you choose an in-network provider. Guardian Direct’s PPO plans are accepted by dentists nationwide.

One advantage of PPOs is that they generally don’t require patients to obtain a referral for treatment by a specialist. However, some PPO plans have very low annual maximum coverage limits—as low as $500—which may be inadequate for some patients.

With a PPO plan, you pay an annual deductible and the plan pays a percentage of your cost once it’s met, so double check your annual maximum limit and what your plan covers. You don’t want to end up buying more insurance than you need, but neither do you want to spend money on a policy that doesn’t provide the coverage you require.

One thing that makes Guardian Direct stand out is that it’s currently the only dental carrier to offer a College Tuition Benefit for its members who carry qualifying lines of Guardian Group coverage. While this advantage is only available in some states, it could be a helpful tool if you want to save on tuition for your children, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren.

Affordability and Coverage

Depending on which plan you choose, Guardian can cover up to 100% of preventive care and range from 50 to 70% on other basic or major care procedures, including (in some cases) up to 50% savings on orthodontia. You pay no deductible for preventive care when you use an in-network dentist and Guardian also increases your annual benefit maximums year over year for the first three years. 

If you have a child on your plan who is 19 or younger, they qualify for orthodontic procedures such as braces. Parents often dread this added expense, but with Guardian’s Achiever and Diamond plans, you only pay half the cost. This alone could save you considerable out-of-pocket expenses when compared to many other insurance companies that cover only a small fraction of the price, if they cover any of it all. The savings on braces for a child alone might make this plan the best financial choice for many. 

Guardian makes it easy to find a provider in your local area. Their Find a Dentist quick search is available online or via smartphone to help you find in-network dentists close to you. Plus, they have an online member portal where you can access your insurance ID card, check claims and even chat live with their customer care center. Their website is straightforward and easy to use, which we liked, and their plans are detailed and easy to understand. 

Waiting Periods, Application Process

When you’re thinking about purchasing a dental insurance plan, you should pay attention to waiting periods. A waiting period is the amount of time you must wait before the full benefits of your dental plan kick in. During this waiting period, your dental insurance will not pay for certain procedures. On average waiting periods range between six months to a full year, depending on the plan you purchase and how complex your procedure is.

Keep in mind that waiting periods do not always apply to all benefits--only to certain procedures. These waiting periods vary from plan to plan and not all dental insurance plans have waiting periods.

Guardian has no waiting periods for preventive or routine care, including x-rays, diagnostic exams and routine dental cleanings. Basic care, which includes fillings, extractions and emergency care, has a six-month waiting period. Major care, which includes root canals and more complex procedures, has a 12-month waiting period. Orthodontia, considered a complex procedure, also has a waiting period of one year.

As for pre-existing conditions, dental plans will rarely provide coverage for in-progress work or dental problems that were present before you purchased insurance. Some dental plans have waiting periods starting at 12 months for pre-existing conditions before full benefits apply.

To find a Guardian dental plan that is right for you, visit GuardianDirect.com. Before choosing Guardian as your insurance provider, check the website for zip code specific cost and plan options.

Best dental insurance for seniors on Medicare

Some people seem surprised to learn that most Medicare plans don't include dental insurance. With an impressive network of dentists operating in multiple locations across the country, Humana Dental provides extensive coverage options at reasonable premiums for Medicare recipients, among many other demographics. 

HUMANA HIGHLIGHTS

• Extensive selection of dental insurance plans available
• Supplemental dental benefits for Medicare Advantage plans
• 335,000 in-network dentists at locations nationwide
• Ability to bundle plans with vision coverage
• Maximum benefit payouts increase each year
• Online quote, provider lookup, purchase, and service tools for easy accessibility

Humana Dental offers a variety of Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. With competitive monthly premiums (depending on your age and the state where you reside), you can visit any dentist, but you’ll save more if you choose an in-network provider.

Humana’s Find a Dentist quick search is available online or via smartphone to help you find in-network dentists near you. Plus, it has an online member portal where you can access your insurance ID card, check claims and chat live with its customer care center.

If your Medicare plan doesn't include vision coverage, Humana offers the ability to bundle those insurance benefits with your dental policy. This can be a great way to get a price break on policies you need and supplement your Medicare coverage.

Screenshot Humana.com August, 2023

AFFORDABILITY AND COVERAGE

Depending on the plan you select, Humana can cover up to 100% of preventive care and range from 20% to 70% on other basic or major care procedures. You don't pay a deductible when you use an in-network dentist for preventative care.

Humana provides a greater selection of plan options than most other dental insurance providers. People on Medicare have greater flexibility when it comes to finding the right plan for their budget and dental needs. Plus, if your Medicare doesn’t cover vision, you can bundle coverage for a simpler insurance plan.

Bright Plus plan: This PPO dental insurance plan covers regular exams and cleanings without waiting periods. In addition to providing coverage for two fully covered routine oral exams and cleanings per year with in-network dentists, the Bright Plus plan offers a $100 per year in-office teeth whitening allowance. The deductible is set at $50 for individuals and $150 for families. This plan is available to residents in 26 states.

Preventive Value plan: Like the Bright Plus plan, this is a PPO dental insurance plan. It primarily covers preventive and basic services, with no waiting periods for preventive care. It provides for two fully covered routine oral exams and cleanings per year with in-network dentists. This plan’s deductibles are $50 for individuals and $150 for families.

Loyalty Plus plan: A unique offering from Humana, the Loyalty Plus plan recognizes and rewards customer loyalty with increasing benefits over a three-year period. With this plan, the annual benefit maximum rises over a three-year period, starting at $1,000 per individual in the 1st year, increasing to $1,250 in the 2nd year, and reaching $1,500 by the 3rd year. Both basic and major dental services coverage percentages also increase over the same timeframe. Coverage begins immediately without any waiting periods.

Dental Value plan: This DHMO plan offers comprehensive coverage for preventive, basic and major services at fixed fees and without any deductibles. It also allows for the selection of a primary care network dentist for routine care, with access to network specialists when needed. It also may offer discounts for orthodontia.

Complete Dental: This Humana PPO dental plan covers both basic and major services. It has waiting periods of six months for basic services, and twelve for major services. Its tiered coverage structure provides increased coverage for basic and major services based on the length of time the member has been enrolled in the plan.

Dental Savings Plus: This plan is a dental discount program offering discounts on a wide range of dental care services, from preventive to major services. The program also provides discounts for other health-related services such as alternative medicine, vision care, and prescription drugs. As it is not insurance, this plan doesn't require any deductibles or copays and doesn't have any annual limits.

WAITING PERIODS, APPLICATION PROCESS

Humana has no waiting periods for preventive or routine care, including x-rays, diagnostic exams, and routine dental cleanings. Basic care, which includes fillings, extractions, and emergency care, has a three-month or six-month waiting period, depending on the plan. For major care, such as root canals and more complex procedures, there is a 12-month waiting period. With the Humana Dental Savings Plus plan, you get up to a 20% discount for orthodontia with no waiting period.

One drawback to Humana Dental is that they don’t serve customers in every state, and not all plans are available in the states they do serve. To check your eligibility and to apply, you can call Humana's customer service line at 1-866-836-1916 or sign up via its website. Simply choose your state and enter your age, and a list of available plans and quotes will pop up. Select the plan you're interested in, read the fine print, and add it to your cart.

To find a Humana dental plan that’s right for you, visit Humana.com.

Best dental insurance for major dental work

Physicians Mutual is a Nebraska-based insurance company offering reliable and comprehensive insurance solutions since 1902. This review focuses on the company's dental insurance products, which earned Physicians Mutual a reputation as a top provider for those seeking coverage for major dental work. 

Physicians Mutual has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and an A rating from AM Best for financial strength. Physicians Mutual stands out by offering an insurance solution that covers over 400 dental procedures, from routine check-ups to more serious procedures like root canals and bridges.

Screenshot PhysiciansMutual.com, August 2023

PHYSICIANS MUTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

• No annual or lifetime maximum on cash benefits
• Freedom to choose any dentist
• Coverage for over 400 dental procedures, including major dental work
• No deductibles
• Full refund within 31 days if you're not satisfied
• Four coverage levels to choose from: Economy, Standard, Preferred, and Premier
• Highly rated by A.M. Best and BBB

Physicians Mutual's dental insurance plans provide a lot of flexibility when it comes to choosing a dentist. Members have the freedom to see any dentist they like. If they choose a dentist within the company's network, they can save an average of 36% on covered services. This network is one of the largest in the nation, boasting over 500,000 provider locations, offering members a vast array of options. With the simplicity of Physicians Mutual's dental plans, you'll know exactly how much you'll get reimbursed and how much you'll have to pay out of pocket.

Moreover, an impressive 95% customer satisfaction rating from a 2022 survey conducted by Wiese Research Associates showcases the company's commitment to providing quality products and excellent customer service.

AFFORDABILITY AND COVERAGE

Physicians Mutual offers four dental plans, all providing coverage for over 400 dental procedures. These are the Economy, Standard, Preferred, and Premier plans, and they have different coverage percentages for various dental procedures. However, each plan fully covers cleanings, routine exams, and x-rays when you see an in-network provider.

Another major benefit of Physicians Mutual's dental insurance plans is that there are no deductibles and no annual maximums on the amount of cash benefits a member can receive. This means that no matter how much dental work you need, you can rest assured that you will not hit a coverage limit.

Plus, Physicians Mutual allows for multiple benefits to be collected in a single visit for covered services, providing a significant advantage for those undergoing extensive major dental procedures. This ensures you can get the care you need without worrying about financial limitations caused by stacking procedures in a single visit.

Your coverage will depend on your policy and location, but as an example, an individual under the age of 50 in Florida would pay the following monthly premiums: $30.50 (Economy), $38.75 (Standard), $46.95 (Preferred), or $56.50 (Premier).

WAITING PERIODS, APPLICATION PROCESS

Like most dental insurance providers, Physicians Mutual has waiting periods for certain procedures.

One of the standout features of Physicians Mutual's plans is the comprehensive coverage they provide for major dental procedures, including root canals, crowns, dentures, and surgical tooth extractions. After a waiting period of 12 months, members can receive coverage for these major services, with the Premier plan paying 70% of the maximum allowable charge. This level of coverage is particularly valuable for individuals who anticipate needing significant dental work.

In addition to its coverage for major dental work, Physicians Mutual also provides immediate coverage for preventive and basic care services. This includes routine exams and cleanings and over 130 basic dental services, such as fillings for cavities and minor oral surgery procedures.

Physicians Mutual's application process is straightforward and customer-friendly. Prospective customers can quickly get a quote and apply for coverage online. The company's website provides comprehensive information about the various plans and coverage options, making it easy for individuals to select the plan that best suits their needs.

Physicians Mutual provides an online portal for its dental insurance policyholders, streamlining numerous aspects of account management and information accessibility. Once you create an account, you can seamlessly handle a multitude of tasks from the comfort of your home. These include paying bills, viewing and downloading ID cards, checking policy information, and monitoring claims. You also have the ability to update your address and check the status of your application.

For individuals anticipating major dental work, Physicians Mutual's dental insurance plans provide a flexible, robust, and affordable solution. Plus, they come with a 31-day satisfaction guarantee. To find out more and to apply for coverage, visit the Physicians Mutual website.

Best dental service marketplace

Smylen is our choice for best marketplace for dental service . Although Smylen does not provide insurance itself, it can help you find the best provider for your specific procedure. The company features a price comparison feature with which customers can search for the dental procedure they need, and compare between providers using information such as their fees, proximity and customer review ratings. Functioning as a one stop shop, Smylen’s website also facilitates appointment booking. Once you have chosen a provider, you can book an appointment online. 

Screenshot Smylen.com August 2023

The company has an extensive network of dentists available to help, whether you need procedures like root canals, crowns, cleanings, implants, fillings, or others. This is due to the fact that Smylen provides an opportunity to fill up empty slots in their schedules for a reduced fee. Another great feature of Smylen is its Self-Diagnosing tool, for customers who are not quite sure of  which treatment they need. Additionally, the company offers treatment packages that work as bundles, reducing the overall cost to patients who need more than one procedure. Smylen charges a fee of $30-$60 to book through its platform. Booking through Smylen includes your initial dental consultation, X-rays, and post-operative care.

Best dental insurance for families

As a well-known insurance company in the US, United Healthcare Dental offers affordable, low premium rates and a variety of dental plans suitable for all ages. Their dental care insurance is underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company and is currently available in 40 states.

Highlights:

• Additional benefits: vision and hearing aid discounts 
• Medicaid-compatible dental plans
• Shorter waiting periods

With a nationwide network of more than 85,000 dentists, United has both DHMO and PPO plans that provide better coverage after the first year. For example, if you have the Dental Primary plan (which is available for individuals and families) your policy pays 50% on day one, 65% after year one, and 80% after year two on basic care procedures such as simple fillings and extractions.

Screenshot UHC.com August, 2023

AFFORDABILITY AND COVERAGE

All Dental Primary plans cover preventive routine exams at 100% starting day one, which is a standard benefit to look for when choosing your dental care insurance. 

While dental plan options are different in each state, United Healthcare has a base coverage amount and annual maximum of $1,000 — far better than competitors that start off with annual caps as low as $350 for some procedures.

Generally, deductibles start at $50 per person for United family dental plans. With this dental plan, you don’t have to pay any deductibles if you are in a group of three or more family members. One major drawback is that United dental plans do not include orthodontia, which may not be optimal for some families.

One great thing about United Healthcare is that it offers specifically designed plans for adults who are on Medicare, which in contrast to Medicare for children, doesn’t include dental benefits. 

Monthly premiums for United Healthcare’s Dual Eligible, Medicaid, or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) plans start as low as $0, depending on your Medicaid eligibility. Medigap, Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) are also compatible with United Healthcare. As this option varies by state, we advise you to visit its website and view available plans in your area.

The quotes United Healthcare provided for individual plans varied by state and ranged from $25.96 monthly premiums for the Primary Dental plan, which covers preventive and basic care, to $52.68 for more comprehensive plans. Pricing for family plans vary by the number of members and their ages. For a free quote, you can visit the company’s website.

United Healthcare’s policy states that it will remove eligible children from family plans on their 26th birthday or as state law requires.

WAITING PERIODS, APPLICATION PROCESS

Perhaps the best thing about United’s dental plans are the short waiting periods. According to United, basic care procedures have a maximum four-month waiting period, while major care has a standard six-month waiting period. While this may still seem like a lot of time, compared to other dental insurance companies that have waiting periods starting at six to 12 months, this is great. Preventive care services and basic procedures have no waiting periods.

We advise you to read the policy details of your dental plan before signing up with United Healthcare or any other company. While United Healthcare is a good dental care provider, if you need extensive dental work, some of their plans may not cover a tooth more than once. For example, sealants are limited to one per first and second permanent molar every 36 months. If your sealant is compromised in any way, United won’t cover resealing the tooth until the 36-month period is complete. 

To view and apply for United Healthcare’s dental plans, visit its website. You will be required to enter your zip code, gender, and date of birth, and state whether you or your family members are tobacco users. You will also be asked if you have a spouse or child to determine the best plans for you or your family according to your region. You’ll get a list of plans you are eligible for as well as monthly premium quotes. Simply select the plan you want and proceed to the checkout. If you need assistance, you can call 1-800-273-8115.