--- title: 5 Best Dental Insurance Plans of September 2026 description: We review the best dental plans of 2026, including Delta Dental (Best for Braces) and Spirit Dental (Best for Value). authors: - name: Andrea Agostini Ferrer role: Lead Staff Writer url: https://money.com/author/andrea-agostini/ bio: Andrea has been our in-house insurance expert since 2021. She's dedicated hundreds of hours to researching and evaluating a wide range of insurance products — from niche plans like pet insurance to everyday essentials like auto and homeowners coverage — and applies her knowledge to help readers understand the ins and outs of these policies. education: University of Puerto Rico at_money_since: 2020 articles: 62 covers: - Insurance - Banking - Business - Credit - Credit Cards - Debt - Economy and Politics - Education - Health and Wellness - Housing - Identity Theft - Lifestyle - Loans - Mortgages - Personal Finance - Pets - Professional Services - Retirement - Shopping - Taxes editors: - name: Mallika Mitra role: Contributing Editor url: https://money.com/author/mallika-mitra/ bio: Mallika Mitra is a contributing editor for Money, based in Chicago. She has covered investing and retirement for seven years and her work has appeared in CNBC, Bloomberg, Kiplinger, AARP, Barron’s, Bankrate, The Daily Upside, ETF.com, The Bond Buyer, PLANADVISER, PLANSPONSOR and Investopedia. education: Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY Kalamazoo College at_money_since: 2020 articles: 395 covers: - Insurance - Banking - Business - Career Advice - Credit - Credit Cards - Debt - Economy and Politics - Education - Health and Wellness - Housing - Identity Theft - Investing - Lifestyle - Loans - Mortgages - Personal Finance - Pets - Professional Services - Retirement - Shopping - Taxes - Technology also_seen_in: - CNBC - Bloomberg - Kiplinger - Barron's - Bankrate - WGN-TV - CBS News Radio - This Morning With Gordon Deal - Everyone's Talkin' Money social: - https://twitter.com/mitra_mallika - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallika-mitra-4577a386/ updaters: - name: Aly J. Yale role: Contributing Writer url: https://money.com/author/aly-j-yale/ bio: Aly J. Yale is a contributing writer focusing on real estate, mortgage and the housing market. Her work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, CBS and US News & World Report. She served as an editor and reporter for The Dallas Morning News. Aly graduated from Texas Christian University’s Bob Schieffer School of Communication with a major in radio-TV-film and news-editorial journalism. education: Texas Christian University at_money_since: 2020 articles: 100 covers: - Insurance - Banking - Business - Career Advice - Credit - Housing - Identity Theft - Loans - Mortgages - Personal Finance - Professional Services - Retirement also_seen_in: - The Wall Street Journal - Business Insider - Yahoo Finance - US News & World Report - CBS social: - https://twitter.com/AlyJwriter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyjyale/ published: '2026-09-03T17:13:30.000Z' modified: '2026-09-03T17:13:30.000Z' section: Insurance word_count: 4158 canonical: https://money.com/best-dental-insurance/ type: Article source: structured-blocks --- > **Disclosure:** We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/). ![5 Best Dental Insurance Plans of September 2026](https://img.money.com/2023/12/Best-Dental-Insurance-mbci_36wy3__o7nvlx.jpg?quality=85&w=1012&h=569&crop=1) Along with brushing and flossing, good dental insurance goes a long way towards keeping your teeth healthy. It can also help offset the rising costs of dental care, which has surged 11% since before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the last quarterly [report](https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/research/hpi/state_us_dental_economy_q22026.pdf) from the American Dental Association. But not all insurance providers are created equal. Since 2016, Money’s editorial team has spent thousands of hours researching and vetting the best dental insurance providers and coverage. We've evaluated the most comprehensive policies from top insurers, including Delta Dental, Guardian and Spirit Dental. Our top recommendations, as well as why we chose them, are listed below. ## Key Takeaways - Denali Dental is our pick for best overall dental insurance. Delta Dental is best for braces coverage, Spirit Dental is best for value, Ameritas is the best for no waiting periods and Guardian is the best for teeth whitening. - Dental spending has increased 11% from pre-pandemic levels and 24% over the last decade, according to the 2026 second quarter report from the American Dental Association. - Costs for dental care, including routine cleanings, X-rays, root canals and implants, can vary widely. Dental insurance can help lower these costs, and is particularly useful in reducing the cost of these expensive fixes. - Some dental insurance policies also cover teeth whitening, braces for children and braces for adults. We’ve noted those providers below. - Methodology: We reviewed more than 30 dental insurance companies across six scoring categories, including product offerings, financial strength ratings, customer satisfaction scores and complaint data, supported by over 1,000 hours of research. Providers that set annual limits under $1,000 didn’t make the cut, and we prioritized plans that offer limits of $2,000 or more. ## Our Partners ### TOP PARTNER ![Get a Free Quote](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/4685/medium_1c425324-b728-4227-814f-bc06151e9d0f.webp) Our Partner [Get a Free Quote](https://money.com/go/6e66838d9dc7?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-dental-insurance%2F&bidid=4125266930&ptid=671731427&ptoken=3b8c52788361b576b5a22a67979ab117&zip=20149) **No waiting periods on preventive, basic, and major services** - Guaranteed acceptance - PPO plans to choose your own dentist - Implants and major services covered - Lifetime $100 deductible ## Our top picks for dental insurance plans - [Denali Dental](#denali) – Best Overall - [Delta Dental](#delta) – Best for Braces - [Spirit Dental](#spirit) – Best for Value - [Ameritas](#ameritas) – Best for No Waiting Periods - [Guardian](#guardian) – Best for Teeth Whitening ## A healthy mouth benefits the whole body, so it's important to find the right dental insurance plan. ### Click on your state and get a dental insurance plan that adjusts to your budget. [Get a Free Quote](https://money.com/pr/u996d0e1194d?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-dental-insurance%2F) ## Best Overall: Denali Dental ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/15085/large_03832f9f-369a-4b00-b859-f8542e95c43d.png) [Get a Free Quote](https://money.com/pr/fcbb0ade6a68?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-dental-insurance%2F) **Pros** - No waiting period on some services - Includes four cleanings per year - Covers braces for kids - Optional vision insurance - High annual maximum - $100 lifetime deductible **Cons** - Slightly higher premiums than others on this list - Few online reviews and ratings - Only two plans to choose from **Why we chose it:** We chose [Denali Dental's](https://money.com/pr/kf3bb34e44bd?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-dental-insurance%252F) Summit PPO plan as our best overall dental insurance, despite the company charging a somewhat higher premiums than our other top picks at $67.07 a month. Premiums are just one part of overall dental costs, and we found that Denali's benefits justify its cost, especially over time. Like the rest of our top picks, this plan covers 100% of preventative care with no waiting period. It covers basic and major care at 30% with no waiting period; coverage rises in tiers each year you have the plan, with a 50% coverage level after three years. Major-work coverage tiers top out at 60% after four years. Customers also get four cleanings per year, enjoy both child and adult orthodontic coverage, and have the option of bundling vision insurance. The company also has a lower-cost plan called Denali Ridge, which only covers 10% of basic and major services for the first year. All of Denali’s plans have a lifetime in-network deductible of just $100 and an annual maximum of $6,000 per year, making the insurer a good choice for people who expect to need major dental work or who just want the peace of mind that their dental care needs will be covered for the long haul. ## Best for Braces: Delta Dental ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/246/large_08b0fb72-2123-42bb-b7b4-806cc16f2b1f.webp) [Get a Free Quote](https://money.com/pr/nbcaaefcb146?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-dental-insurance%2F) **Pros** - Low premiums - Up to $1,500 in orthodontics coverage - No waiting period on some services - Covers 80% of teeth whitening costs - Offers plans specifically for seniors **Cons** - Low Trustpilot rating - Limited geographic coverage area - Lower annual maximum than others on this list **Why we chose it**: [Delta Dental](https://money.com/pr/k9747e8239c9?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-dental-insurance%252F)’s PPO/DPO Premium plan is one of a relative few that covers (at least partially) orthodontics care for adults. While even the best dental insurance for braces requires a significant out-of-pocket cost, this plan has some of the best coverage available, and a reasonable $48.34 premium. After a waiting period, which varies by state, this plan covers 50% of orthodontics up to a lifetime maximum of $1,500 per person. (There is a separate $50 annual deductible for braces.) This full-coverage dental insurance doesn't skimp in other areas of coverage, either: In addition to covering 100% of preventative care with no waiting period, this plan covers basic care at 80% and major care at 50%. The caveat is that there are waiting periods before coverage kicks in. The annual maximum is $2,000. This policy is a good pick if you want coverage for both braces and for teeth whitening. It covers 80% of teeth whitening services. ust keep in mind: The plan’s coverage area is limited. You’ll need to live in Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, West Virginia or Washington, D.C. to qualify. Delta Dental is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has had 200 BBB complaints filed against it in the last three years. Most of these complaints pertain to coverage and claims issues. The company has a 1.2 out of 5 rating with Trustpilot on 109 reviews — 94% of those reviews are a single star. ## Best for Value: Spirit Dental ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/4685/large_1c425324-b728-4227-814f-bc06151e9d0f.webp) [Get a Free Quote](https://money.com/pr/v0c3441b9991?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-dental-insurance%2F&url=) **Pros** - Low premiums - High Trustpilot rating - High annual maximum - No waiting periods - Includes three cleanings per year - Covers braces for kids - Optional vision insurance - Eight plan options **Cons** - Not available in all 50 states - Maximum benefit not available until year 3 - $25 enrollment fee **Why we chose it:** [Spirit Dental](https://money.com/pr/l242f3fd5d80?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-dental-insurance%252F) is our best-for-value pick, with monthly premiums starting as low as $20 per month. It also offers full coverage, many plan options and robust limits. Its Pinnacle PPO plan has a very high annual maximum of $5,000, and its Preferred Plan has a maximum of $3,500. Even the lowest tier plan has an annual maximum of $1,200 and is on par with what some of its competitors offer. All plans have no waiting periods on any type of coverage. In addition to covering preventative care at 100%, it has no waiting periods, and its annual benefits include three cleanings; most others only cover two cleanings per year. While the plan's deductible is $100, it is a lifetime rather than an annual deductible, offering good value if you plan to stick with this plan for the long term. It also covers braces for kids up to a $1,200 lifetime maximum, and optional vision coverage is available for just $7 for individuals and $20 for families. Spirit Dental boasts an extremely high 4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot across over 2,000 reviews. Customers note the easy enrollment process, friendly customer service, and the helpfulness of having no waiting periods ## Best for No Waiting Period: Ameritas ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/250/large_165023b8-42f6-4554-8abe-3aa3238087a6.webp) [Get a Free Quote](https://money.com/pr/w00b26d0ad81?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-dental-insurance%2F&url=) **Pros** - No waiting periods on many services, including some major work - Includes orthodontic coverage - Optional vision coverage - Many plan options **Cons** - Middle-of-the-road premiums - Lower annual maximum than others on this list - Low Trustpilot and BBB rating - Maximum benefits aren’t available in year one **Why we chose it:** [Ameritas](https://money.com/pr/t4a89ff1d61f?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-dental-insurance%252F) is our top pick for plans with no waiting periods. Like our other picks here, its PrimeStar Complete PPO plan covers 100% of preventative care without immediate coverage. Basic care is covered at 80% right from day one, which is relatively generous; better plans cover 80%, but most require at least a six-month waiting period. That coverage level rises to 90% after one year. Major dental work is covered at 20% without a waiting period; while this is on the low side, most of the plans we evaluated have 12-month waiting periods before they cover major work. After one year, major work is covered at 50%. Along with a $54.14 monthly premium and $50 annual deductible, the PrimeStar Complete's year-one $2,000 annual maximum is relatively generous to begin with; after the first year, that rises to $3,500. Additionally, preventative care does not count towards the annual maximum, a benefit that gives you more bang for your buck if you need significant work done. There is also optional vision coverage. Ameritas has low ratings on both Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau, though it’s important to note that those ratings are based on limited reviews. As of Aug. 28, 2026, there are only 57 reviews on Trustpilot and 69 on BBB. ## Best for Teeth Whitening: Guardian ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/38726/large_ec72c598-cd5e-498e-ade5-714aa5465526.webp) [Get a Free Quote](https://money.com/pr/kcf239511221?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-dental-insurance%2F) **Pros** - Many plans to choose from - Includes teeth whitening, braces and dental implant coverage - No waiting period for some services - High annual maximum from day one **Cons** - Middle-of-the-road premiums - Low Trustpilot and BBB rating - Not available in all 50 states **Why we chose it**: Guardian is our top pick if you're looking for a dental insurance plan that includes teeth-whitening benefits, and a monthly premium starting at $46 per month. Although this is a cosmetic rather than a medically necessary procedure, some dental insurance companies are beginning to cover it. [Guardian](https://money.com/pr/y7220b2af6e3?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-dental-insurance%252F)'s Premier PPO plan also offers solid coverage for more essential dental-care needs and a generous $3,000 annual maximum. Along with covering 100% of preventative care with no waiting period, it covers basic care at 85% with no waiting period, which is higher than what most plans allow — even those with no waiting period often tier their coverage levels so a lower percentage is covered until you've had the policy for a period of time. There is a 12-month waiting period before the Premier plan covers major work, but after that, it covers 60%, which is among the highest among the plans we reviewed. Whitening benefits cover 50% of costs after a six-month waiting period. The Premier plan also covers dental implants up to a lifetime max of $1,250 and orthodontia up to $750 per year. Guardian has low ratings on both Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau, though it’s important to note that those ratings are based on a limited number of reviews. As of Aug. 28, 2026, there are only 50 reviews on Trustpilot and 85 on BBB. ## Find a Dental Insurance Plan at a reasonable rate. ### Click below and get that smile going again! [Get a Free Quote](https://money.com/pr/nf780e730e35?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-dental-insurance%2F) ### Other dental insurance companies we considered The following providers didn’t meet the requirements for any of our “best for” categories. That said, they’re still worthy of consideration if none of our best picks meet your needs or aren't available where you live. [**Aetna**](https://money.com/pr/jfabd7b17ab5?data-trk-company=aetna-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=jfabd7b17ab5&encoded_id=) Aetna's top-of-the-line PPO plan had higher premiums and lower annual maximums than some competitors, but its six- and 12-month waiting periods for basic and major work (respectively) are waived for enrollees who had coverage within the past 90 days, making this a good option for people who need to quickly transition between providers (or those who recently lost employer-based coverage). Aetna's parent is mega-drugstore chain CVS, and dental insurance patients are eligible for free enrollment in CVS's ExtraCare Plus program, which normally costs $48 annually. **[Cigna](https://money.com/pr/j016993a0297?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-dental-insurance%252F)** Cigna's Dental 3000/100 plan (and comparable ones where that one is unavailable) has lower premiums than some of its competitors. However, the benefits are on the more meager side, with only 50% of basic services covered after a six-month waiting period. **[DentaQuest](https://money.com/pr/i03196e65f38?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-dental-insurance%252F)** DentaQuest's Personal Dental Plan Plus had comparable coverage — and lower premiums — than many of our top picks, but the company's individual dental PPO plans aren't available in most states. The company also recently notified the public of a major data breach affecting its customers. **[Physicians Mutual](https://money.com/pr/k3fa44d30168?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-dental-insurance%252F)** With Physicians Mutual's Premier plan, you have to enroll in bank autopay to get the best rate. That said, we did like this plan for its coverage of basic and major services at 70% with no waiting period, no annual maximums and no in-network deductibles. It’s also available in most U.S. states. ## What you need to know about dental insurance The cost of dental care varies widely. Routine cleanings and X-rays generally run from $50 to $350. But more complex procedures like root canals and implants can run into the thousands of dollars. Dental insurance is particularly useful in lowering the cost of these expensive fixes. In this section we’ll explain how dental insurance works, the most common types of plans available, how much it costs and where to purchase it. By the end, you should have all the information in order to make an informed decision on dental insurance. ### How does dental insurance work? A dental insurance policy covers expenses for checkups, routine cleanings and other dental restorative work such as fillings, implants and crowns. Many providers such as Humana, Cigna and UnitedHealthOne also offer dental, hearing and vision bundles. Providers are regulated at the state level, meaning plan availability, benefits and rates may vary per state. #### Dental insurance waiting periods Once you have an active policy, insurers may enforce a waiting period on certain services. Although this ultimately depends on the plan type and company, standard waiting periods look a bit like this: - **Preventive services**: 0 months - **Basic procedures**: 3 to 6 months - **Major services**: 12 to 24 months Dental plans without waiting periods on basic and major services exist, but they’re expensive. Coverage also starts small and increases yearly. For example, implants are immediately covered, but the company will only pay 15% of the total cost, which is very little considering that a single implant can cost over $1,600. The company will pay 50% of the same procedure if a patient waits six months or more. Although it’s technically major work, orthodontic treatment is considered a separate category for insurers. It’s easier to find coverage for child orthodontia than for adults, but coverage is usually capped at 50% regardless of the patient's age. Companies also enforce a lifetime benefit limit, meaning they will only pay for braces or aligners once for the duration of the policy, up to $1,000 to $1,500. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, take a look at our article on how much [Invisalign](https://money.com/how-much-is-invisalign/) costs and the choices available. ### What isn't covered by dental insurance? #### Pre-existing conditions [Pre-existing conditions](https://money.com/what-are-pre-existing-conditions/) clauses are commonplace in dental insurance plans. Missing teeth, for example, are typically excluded from coverage. This means that if you had a tooth extraction prior to enrollment, your plan won't pay for implants or bridges to replace missing teeth. Some providers might lift the clause after a certain amount of time and offer coverage for the pre-existing issue, but this depends on the policy's terms. #### Cosmetic dentistry Dental insurance carriers usually won’t cover cosmetic procedures. Examples of cosmetic dentistry include teeth whitening, dental veneers and orthodontic treatment that isn't deemed medically necessary. You'll also find limited coverage when it comes to tooth fillings. Amalgam, or silver fillings are covered while ceramic and composite fillings might not be, despite being the better option in terms of looks and longevity. ## Types of dental insurance plans The three types of dental plans on the market today are dental preferred provider organization (DPPO or PPO) plans, dental health maintenance organization (DHMO or HMO) plans and fee-for-service plans: #### Dental preferred provider organization (DPPO) DPPO plans have a wider network of dentists, and patients have more flexibility when choosing their doctors. You can see providers both in-network and out of network, but you’ll find the best rates within the dental provider network. This flexibility comes with a higher price tag — premiums for DPPO plans are more expensive and have higher out-of-pocket costs. #### Dental health maintenance organization (DHMO) A DHMO plan works within a dental provider network. There’s a fixed copayment for each visit, premiums are more affordable and there are no annual maximum limits. Members of a DHMO plan have a smaller provider network to choose from, and they’ll also need to select a primary care dentist from the plan’s network. Lastly, there’s no coverage for out-of-network providers, and seeing a specialist requires a referral. #### Fee-for-service plans Fee-for-service plans pay a flat rate for eligible services. This plan type allows greater flexibility because patients can visit the provider of their choice. On the downside, out-of-pocket expenses are higher. Patients can either make a copayment at the dentist’s office or pay upfront and then file a claim for reimbursement with their insurance provider. #### Dental discount plans A dental discount plan is not dental insurance. It’s a membership program that charges a monthly or annual fee in exchange for discounts on eligible dental services of participating providers. These plans are offered by providers such as [1Dental](https://money.com/pr/i89fd58fe405?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-dental-insurance%252F) as well as many dental insurance companies. There are no waiting periods on any services, and most procedures benefit from a discounted rate — even orthodontics. With dental discount plans, uninsured individuals can still access dental care at a reduced cost. However, discount rates vary from 10% to 60% and the network of participating dentists may be smaller. Besides dental discount plans or preventive coverage, you can invest in additional products to brush up on your dental hygiene. Devices like [electric toothbrushes](https://money.com/best-electric-toothbrush/) and [water flossers](https://money.com/best-water-flosser/) help keep cavities and gum disease at bay. ### How much is dental insurance? Dental plan premiums range from $17 to $96. Cost varies per plan type, coverage level and state of residence. The plans with the lowest premiums cover preventive dental care and offer minimal or no coverage for basic and major services. On the other hand, the plans with the highest premiums tend to have shorter or no waiting periods, high annual limits and comprehensive coverage for preventive, basic and major work. If purchasing a dental insurance plan doesn’t make sense for your financial situation, consider [low-cost alternatives to dental health insurance](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/dental-care-concerns/finding-affordable-dental-care) such as dental school clinics and state assistance programs. #### Cost of common dental procedures The cost of dental care depends significantly on the provider, the location and whether the patient’s insured. To give readers a general idea, we looked at the average cost of common dental procedures according to CareCredit. Then, we calculated how much that procedure would cost with an insurance policy that covers 100% of preventive care, 80% of basic dental work and 50% of complex procedures. Here’s what we found: | | Cost without dental insurance | Cost with dental insurance | | --- | --- | --- | | Full cleaning + X-rays | $50 – $350 | $0 | | Dental filling | $139 – $976 | $28 – $195 | | Root canal | $984 – $1,337 | $492 – $669 | | Dental crown | $697 – $1,399 | $349 – $700 | ### Additional costs to consider Policyholders pay monthly premiums for their coverage, but that’s not the only expense to keep in mind. #### Deductibles A deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance coverage kicks in. Most dental insurance companies set annual deductible rates at $50 to $100 per covered person. Some providers charge a one-time/lifetime deductible, but plans with this type of deductible tend to have higher premium rates and a higher deductible ($100-$200 for individuals and over $400 for family plans). #### Coinsurance Coinsurance refers to the portion of dental care a policyholder must pay out-of-pocket after they meet the deductible and the insurance coverage kicks in. Imagine you need a root canal that costs $1,000 and your dental insurance covers 80% of the procedure but charges a $50 annual deductible. If you already met this deductible on a previous visit, the coinsurance for the root canal would be $200 (20% of the total cost). However, if you haven’t yet met the $50 deductible, the procedure would set you back $250. #### Copayment A copay (or copayment) is a fixed fee that policyholders pay each time they seek specific services or products like prescriptions and office visits (no matter if they’ve met the policy deductible or not). Copay rates should be listed on your insurance card or policy document. #### Annual maximum limits A policy’s annual maximum limit establishes the highest dollar amount a provider will pay for dental care in a calendar year. Most policies set limits between $1,000-$1,500, depending on the plan type and service. Certain services like orthodontia have a separate payout cap. Once you exceed the benefit maximum, all other dental expenses payments come out of your pocket. For family plans, the annual maximum limit applies to each individual separately. ### Is dental insurance worth it? Individual dental plans — those purchased by people instead of employer group plans — aren’t always worth it. You might end up paying more in premiums, deductibles and copays if the plan’s level of coverage doesn’t match your dental care needs. Most plans offer 100% coverage for preventive care with no deductible, copays or annual limits and such benefits may be worth the cost of dental insurance. However, your savings are significantly reduced when it comes to basic and major work coverage. Most providers only cover 50% to 80% of these procedures and set annual maximum limits that rarely exceed the $1,000-$2,000 range. A patient that needs major work may reach this limit fairly quickly and pay a significant amount on top of the monthly premiums. That said, enrolling in a dental plan grants you access to negotiated fees and rates at the dentist’s office that could save you money. ### How to get dental insurance Most people have access to dental insurance through their employer. However, those who are uninsured or underinsured — like [Medicare](https://money.com/what-is-medicare/) beneficiaries — need to purchase a standalone policy if they want dental coverage. Our guide on how to [get dental insurance with Medicare](https://money.com/new-medicare-dental-policy/) can help you with this process. You can also purchase a standalone dental plan directly with the insurance company or through a marketplace. Dental plans sold on [Healthcare.gov](https://www.healthcare.gov/) have to meet the criteria set by the [Affordable Care Act](https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/affordable-care-act/), which include offering coverage for pediatric dentistry, emergency services and prescription drugs. [Getting dental insurance](https://money.com/how-to-get-dental-insurance/) is easy if you follow these guidelines to pick the best dental plan provider: #### Identify your dental needs A young adult with healthy teeth has very different dental care needs than a child with malocclusion or an older adult with tooth decay or gum disease. We recommend writing down the dental care needs of you and your family to make it easier to find providers that cover these procedures. A general rule of thumb is to look for plans that cover 100/80/50: 100% preventive coverage, 80% basic work and 50% major work. However, it’s important to see what’s included in each percentage. A policy covering 50% of major work but excluding implants may be useless if your main concern is missing teeth. #### Review the different types of dental plans We go over common dental plans in our [types of dental plans](https://money.com/best-dental-insurance/#typesof) section. Revise each one to see which fits best in terms of coverage options and cost. #### Check out which plans are available in your state Providers don’t offer the same dental plans for every state. For example, Delta Dental offers five dental plans nationwide, but our sample quotes for California, New York and Miami returned only three options. #### Check the provider network Verify that your preferred dentist or specialist is part of the insurer’s provider network before enrolling. If you have a preferred dentist or specialist, verify that they are part of the insurer’s provider network before enrolling. Even if you don’t have a dentist of choice, we recommend you look at the insurer’s dentist directory online to check how accessible the provider network is. You can search by name, specialty or location to see how many in-network dentists and specialists are nearby. #### Compare cost vs value Besides premium rates, deductibles, coinsurance and annual limits all factor into the overall cost of dental care. Sometimes, patients pay too much for dental insurance and get minimal coverage in return, especially on preventive and basic services. To make sure the plan is worth it, tally up the insurance cost and compare it to the coverage benefits and an estimate of your yearly dental expenses. #### Verify providers with regulatory agencies Check the companies of your choice (and their subsidiaries, if applicable) with [state regulatory agencies](https://content.naic.org/state-insurance-departments). You can also look up any licensed insurance provider with the [National Association of Insurance Commissioners](https://content.naic.org/cis_consumer_information.htm) (NAIC), which registers and analyzes consumer complaint data from across the country. ## Best Dental Insurance FAQ ### What is the best dental insurance with no waiting period? Ameritas is Money.com’s top pick for no-waiting-period dental insurance, but there are other solid options to explore, too, including Denali Dental and Spirit Dental. The best dental insurance policies have no waiting periods for preventative care. It is less common to find dental plans that waive waiting periods for all procedures, even for major and restorative work. Those that do generally have reduced reimbursement levels initially. ### What is full-coverage dental insurance? Comprehensive or full-coverage dental plans generally have the highest premiums, but they offer the most complete insurance. The best full-coverage dental insurance plans cover preventative and diagnostic care at no out-of-pocket cost to you. They usually cover 80% to 90% of the costs for minor care, such as fillings; they typically cover between 50% and 60% of the costs for major work, such as crowns. ### Does dental insurance cover braces? Coverage of orthodontics is included in some plans, but it by no means universal, especially if you need braces as an adult. Additionally, braces have separate reimbursement terms, and specific restrictions apply. Insurers generally cover 50% orthodontia up to a lifetime payout limit of $1,000 or $1,500. Furthermore, the insurance payout amounts to a fraction of the true cost of treatment, which generally averages $5,000 to $6,000. ### Does dental insurance cover implants? Coverage of dental implants varies widely. Some plans include them under the umbrella of major care, but some exclude them or impose additional conditions or limitations. Expect to have a waiting period before a plan will cover implants, and expect to have out-of-pocket costs in any case. Additionally, the cost of an implant, typically between $3,000 and $7,000, is higher than many plans’ annual coverage maximums. ### Is $30 a lot for dental insurance? A $30 premium is on the low end of dental insurance costs. A Money.com analysis found that dental plan premiums range from $17 to $96. The exact cost varies by plan type, coverage level and state. ### Can you buy dental insurance on its own? Yes, you can buy dental insurance on its own. You can do this by purchasing a policy directly from the insurance company, through the HealthCare.gov marketplace or by using an independent insurance agent. ### Do any dental plans cover 100%? Many dental plans will cover 100% of the cost of preventative services, such as cleanings and annual exams. Most will only cover a portion of other procedures, such as fillings, extractions, crowns, bridges and dentures. You also may have to go through a waiting period before full coverage kicks in. ### Is dental insurance or a dental discount plan better? Both dental insurance and dental discount plans are solid options, but the best choice depends on your needs. If you’re looking for coverage for preventative care and major procedures over time, insurance is likely best. However, if you need immediate care and want to avoid waiting periods and spending caps, then a discount plan may make more sense. ## Methodology We reviewed plans offered by nearly 20 different insurance providers. We considered costs, waiting periods, coverage levels and other criteria. Read our full [methodology](#methodology) to learn more. The marketplace of dental insurance plans is large and complex. Offerings vary by state, and plans available in the individual market differ from those available in a state marketplace or those offered as part of employer-sponsored health benefits. To rank the best dental plans, we evaluated: - **Coverage benefits** **for preventive, basic and major services** - Our top picks offer 100% coverage on all preventive services without any waiting period. We looked for plans that had shorter — or no — waiting periods for basic and major coverage, as well as coverage levels that reach at least 80% for basic coverage and 50% for major coverage after the waiting period. - **Annual maximum limits** - Most dental plans limit payouts to $1,500 or $2,000 per year. Providers that set annual limits under $1,000 didn’t make the cut, and we prioritized plans that offer limits of $2,000 or more. - **Premium rates** - From each company evaluated, we selected the plan that seemed most comparable to the others. These plans are generally insurers' top-tier individual PPO plans, which typically give you the flexibility of seeking care within or outside the insurer's provider network. While premiums vary based on where you live and sometimes by age and sex, we used the same criteria for comparing each plan, obtaining sample quotes for individual plan premiums based on the profile of a 30-year-old woman living in the Houston metropolitan area. (While New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago are all larger cities than Houston, state-specific regulations in each of those states make it challenging to do an apples-to-apples comparison of plans.) - **Customer satisfaction** - We reviewed the [complaint index](https://content.naic.org/cis_consumer_information.htm) set by the [National Association of Insurance Commissioners.](https://content.naic.org/) ## Latest news - Americans’ dental spending is up 4% from a year ago and 11% from before the pandemic, according to the 2026 second-quarter report from the American Dental Association. Overall spending is up 24% from a decade ago. A survey of dentists found that a top concern was insurance reimbursement rates and insurance pressures, followed by rising practice costs and inflation. Nearly 24% of dentists have dropped out of one or more insurance networks just this year. - More and more Americans are traveling abroad for dental care, in an effort to save cash. A [report](https://carequest.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CareQuest_Institute_Crossing-Borders.pdf) from CareQuest valued the dental tourism market in 2023 at $10.9 billion and growing. - Dental insurance options are becoming increasingly limited. In 2024, the combined market share of the three largest insurers in each U.S. state ranged from about 38% to 98% of total enrollment for the dental group market, according to a [federal analysis of insurance data](https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107787). - Federal cuts to Medicaid spending [could have a big impact](https://kffhealthnews.org/health-care-costs/medicaid-cuts-dental-coverage-republicans-big-beautiful-bill/) on dental care coverage for many low-income Americans. Medicaid has been covering a growing share of dental costs in recent years, and the impact has made a difference. Tennessee, for instance, saw a 20% decrease in dental-related ER visits in 2024 alone. - Dental insurance options are waning, a new government report shows. The three biggest dental insurance providers make up anywhere between 38% to 97% of the market, depending on what state you’re in. - The state of Massachusetts recently ordered six dental insurers to [return $8.4 million to policyholders](https://adanews.ada.org/ada-news/2026/august/massachusetts-orders-84-million-in-dental-insurance-rebates-under-loss-ratio-law/) after the companies failed to spend at least 83% of collected premiums on patient care — the minimum mandated by the state. These are the first dental rebates issued under a law that was passed in 2022. ## Summary of Money’s Best Dental Insurance Plans - Denali Dental – Best Overall - Delta Dental – Best for Braces - Spirit Dental – Best for Value - Ameritas – Best for No Waiting Periods - Guardian – Best for Teeth Whitening ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://money.com/best-dental-insurance/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://money.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Insurance", "item": "https://money.com/insurance/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Dental Insurance", "item": "https://money.com/dental-insurance/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "5 Best Dental Insurance Plans of September 2026" } ] }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://money.com/#website", "url": "https://money.com", "name": "Money", "publisher": { "@id": "https://money.com/#organization" } }, { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://money.com/best-dental-insurance/#webpage", "url": "https://money.com/best-dental-insurance/", "name": "5 Best Dental Insurance Plans of September 2026", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://money.com/#website" }, "datePublished": "2026-09-03T17:13:30.000Z", "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://money.com/best-dental-insurance/" }, "inLanguage": "en-US", "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://money.com/best-dental-insurance/#breadcrumb" }, "dateModified": "2026-09-03T17:13:30.000Z" }, { "@type": "Article", "headline": "5 Best Dental Insurance Plans of September 2026", "articleSection": "Insurance", "image": [ { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2023/12/Best-Dental-Insurance-mbci_36wy3__o7nvlx.jpg?quality=85", "width": 2880, "height": 1920 } ], "author": [ { "@type": "Person", "name": "Andrea Agostini Ferrer", "url": "https://money.com/author/andrea-agostini/", "@id": "https://money.com/author/andrea-agostini/#author", "description": "Andrea has been our in-house insurance expert since 2021. 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