Best Dental Insurance Companies

Cigna offers the most diverse dental insurance plans

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Holly Johnson
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Updated March 08, 2023
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Dental insurance helps cover the costs of preventive dental care while softening the blow on pricier procedures like crowns, bridges, and fillings. It’s important to shop around to find a dental insurance company with plans that provide the amount of coverage you need without low annual caps or exclusions that can prevent you from getting any value.

The best dental insurance plans provide access to a broad network of dentists, reasonable annual benefit maximums, and the potential for low premiums. When searching for the best dental insurance company, make sure you carefully compare and review the dental policies you are considering so you know exactly what is and is not covered.

To create our list of top dental insurance companies, we examined more than 20 companies across several key categories including network size, maximum annual benefits, premiums, and waiting periods, as well as financial stability ratings from Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best.

Best Dental Insurance Companies of 2023

Best Overall : Cigna

Cigna

Cigna
  • Policy types: 3
  • Coverage limit: Up to $1,500
  • States available: 50
Get a Quote
Why We Chose It

We chose Cigna as the best overall dental insurance due to its broad network of more than 92,000 dentists and diversity of plans that can fit a variety of needs and budgets.

Pros & Cons
Pros

  • Some plans include restorative and orthodontic coverage

  • Network of more than 92,000 dentists nationwide

Cons

  • Waiting periods of six to 12 months for major services

  • Dental implants and cosmetic procedures not covered

Overview

Cigna is a global health service company with high marks for financial strength, including an A rating from both AM Best and Standard & Poor's. Its dental plans work within a nationwide network of more than 92,000 dentists, and it offers phone support 24/7 every day of the year. Cigna's dental insurance for individuals comes with no copays and no deductibles for preventive care with in-network dentists.

Cigna’s dental preferred provider organization (DPPO) plans are available to consumers of all ages, and pricing is offered on a per-person, per-month basis. Cigna also lets customers choose a level of care based on their needs, with some plans offering orthodontic care and restorative care at a higher price point.

While the cost for Cigna dental insurance can vary depending on where you live, these quotes can help you get an idea of general pricing:

Plan  Pricing per person, per month Preventative care covered? Restorative care covered? Orthodontic care covered? Deductible
Cigna Dental 1500 Starting at $39 Yes Up to $1,500 per year Up to $1,000 per year $50 for individuals and $150 for families
Cigna Dental 1000 Starting at $33 Yes Up to $1,000 per year No $50 for individuals and $150 for families
Cigna Dental Preventative Starting at $19 Yes No No None

Runner-Up, Best Overall : Renaissance Dental

Renaissance Dental

 Renaissance Dental
  • Policy types: 4
  • Coverage limit: $1,000
  • States available: 50
Get a Quote
Why We Chose It

Renaissance Dental does not cover orthodontics like Cigna, but it gets the runner-up spot due to the fact it has a bigger network (300,000+ dental offices) and an excellent reputation for customer service.

Pros & Cons
Pros

  • Some plans cover preventive care at 100%

  • 300,000 dental offices nationwide

  • Free online quote

Cons

  • No plans cover orthodontic care

  • Coverage for basic and major services is limited

Overview

Renaissance Dental works with a network of 300,000 dental offices nationwide, and in-network dentists who use this insurance will file paperwork and claims on your behalf. This company's customer service is known for its quality, and it has several different plans for individuals and families that offer varying levels of coverage and inclusions to meet consumers' needs.

Renaissance Dental has an A+ rating from AM Best, so you can feel confident in this company’s financial strength. It also makes it easy to get a free quote online no matter where you live, so shopping around to compare plans is simple and convenient.

Not all Renaissance Dental plans cover preventive care at 100%, and some waiting periods apply for restorative care and major services. Annual maximum benefits for all Renaissance Dental insurance plans are limited to $1,000. All plans have a $50 deductible for individuals and families.

Best for No Waiting Periods : Spirit Dental

Spirit Dental

 Spirit Dental
  • Policy types: 16
  • Coverage limit: $5,000 after 3 years
  • States available: 50
Get a Quote
Why We Chose It

We chose Spirit Dental because its plans don’t require any waiting periods and you pay a $100 deductible only once instead of every year.

Pros & Cons
Pros

  • 100% coverage for three cleanings and two exams annually

  • No waiting periods

  • $100 lifetime deductible

Cons

  • Annual coverage maximums can be as low as $750

  • Plans vary widely on annual maximums and costs 

Overview

Spirit Dental offers dental insurance plans with no waiting periods and annual maximum benefit amounts that increase after you’ve had your plan for a few years. It guarantees acceptance for everyone, and you even can get coverage for major services and dental implants.

Spirit Dental is offered through Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., which has an A+ rating from Standard & Poor’s and an A rating from AM Best for financial strength. Spirit’s partnership with Ameritas also means this company works with one of the largest networks of dentists worldwide. Currently, you can choose from 111,500 dental providers at 428,000 access points nationwide.

Along with having no waiting periods, Spirit Dental charges a one-time $100 deductible, compared to the annual deductibles most coverage providers charge. Spirit offers several dental insurance plans for individuals, featuring preventive coverage, three cleanings per year, orthodontics for kids, and no waiting periods, with up to a $5,000 annual maximum benefit after you’ve been a customer for three years.

In addition to its Network plans, which provide coverage in-network, Spirit offers Choice plans, which allow policyholders to choose any dentist. How much you’ll pay for coverage can vary depending on where you live. Below is an overview of a few of Spirit's plans. Availability and selection differ by state.

Plan  Preventative care covered? Basic and major care covered? Annual maximum benefit
Network 750/1000/1250 100% Basic care at 50%, 60%, and 80% in years one, two, and three; major services at 20%, 30%, and 40%, in years one, two, and three $750 in year one, $1,000 in year two, and $1,250 in year three
Network 3500 100% Basic care at 65%, 80%, and 90% in years one, two, and three; major services at 10%, 50%, and 65%, in years one, two, and three; coverage for orthodontic care $3,500
Choice 1200 100% Basic care at 50%, 65%, and 80% in years one, two, and three; major services at 25%, 50%, and 50%, in years one, two, and three; orthodontic care for children ages 18 and younger at 10%, 25%, and 50%, in years one, two, and three $1,200
Choice 1200/2500/5000 100% Basic care at 50%, 60%, and 80% in years one, two, and three; major services at 25%, 30%, and 50%, in years one, two, and three; orthodontic care for children ages 18 and younger at 10%, 25%, and 50%, in years one, two, and three $1,200 in year one, $2,500 in year two, and $5,000 in year three

Best Value : Humana Dental Insurance

Humana Dental Insurance

 Humana Dental Insurance
  • Policy types: 8
  • Coverage limit: $1,000 to unlimited
  • States available: 50
Get a Quote
Why We Chose It

We chose Humana as the best value due to its low starting rates for basic plans, the fact that preventive services are covered at 100%, and the fact that some plans have a one-time deductible.

Pros & Cons
Pros

  • Plans include preventive care at 100% coverage

  • Humana works with more than 335,000 dentists nationwide

Cons

  • Annual maximum benefits can be as low as $1,000

  • Some plans have long waiting periods for basic/major services

Overview

Humana offers PPO and DHMO​ plans at varying price points that can make sense for consumers with unique dental care needs. The company currently has an A- rating from AM Best, which means it is fairly solid in terms of financial strength.

You can select from more than 335,000 dentists across the United States, but you should note that plans, coverage amounts, and specifics for each policy can vary widely depending on where you live. Regardless of these differences, what sets Humana apart is its value pricing and provision for 100% coverage for preventive care.

Some dental insurance plans from Humana feature a lifetime deductible, usually $50 for individuals and $150 for families, while other plans charge an annual deductible. Maximum benefit amounts for this coverage can range from $1,000 to unlimited, depending on the policy you choose. Waiting periods also can apply, including a six-month waiting time for basic services and up to 12 months for major services.

Below is an overview of some of Humana's plans.

Plan  Preventative care covered? Basic and major care covered? Deductible Annual maximum benefit
Dental Preventive Value PPO 100% Basic care at 50%; no coverage for major services $50 for individuals and $150 for families Unlimited
Dental Loyalty Plus PPO 100% Basic services at 40%, 55%, and 70% in years one, two, and three; major services at 20%, 30%, and 50% in years one, two, and three $150 for individuals and $450 for families $1,000 per person in year one, $1,250 in year two, and $1,500 in year three
Complete Dental PPO 100% Basic care at 80%; major services at 50% $50 for individuals and $150 for families $1,250 per individual in year one and $1,500 in year two

Best for Families : UnitedHealthOne Dental Insurance

UnitedHealthOne Dental Insurance

 UnitedHealthOne Dental Insurance
  • Policy types: 10
  • Coverage limit: $1,000+
  • States available: 50
Get a Quote
Why We Chose It

UnitedHealthOne is our pick as the best for families thanks to its winning combination of preventive care and orthodontia coverage that can save families a lot of money.

Pros & Cons
Pros

  • Broad network of dentists are available

  • Many plans include 100% preventive care

  • Some plans cover orthodontics

Cons

  • Annual maximum benefit amounts can be as low as $1,000/person

  • Waiting periods may apply for basic and major services

Overview

UnitedHealthOne offers dental insurance plans with no age limit and preventive care covered with no deductibles or waiting periods. It is part of the UnitedHealth Group, a Fortune 500 company. Policies may be underwritten by the Golden Rule Insurance Company, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group. The group has an A rating from AM Best for financial strength.

Dental insurance plans, including coverage amounts and other details, can vary widely with UnitedHealthOne depending on where you live. However, this company does make it easy to get a free quote online without any medical underwriting.

Some plans from UnitedHealthOne require a waiting period of four months or longer for basic care and major services, although details can vary based on where you live. Some higher-tiered plans offer orthodontic coverage, but lower-tier plans may not cover major services like braces, crowns, and bridgework. Annual maximum benefits for some plans can be as low as $1,000.

Here is an overview of a few of United's plans.

 Plan Preventative care covered? Basic and major services covered? Deductible Annual maximum benefit
Essential Dental 80% during year one, 90% in year two, and 100% in year three Basic services at 50%, then 65%, and finally 80%; no coverage for major services $50 per person $1,000 per person
Premier Choice Dental 100% Basic services at 50% in year one, 65% in year two, and 80% in year three; major services at 10% in year one, 40% in year two, and 50% in year three $50 per person $1,500 per person
Premier Max Dental 100% Basic services at 50% after 4-month waiting period, 65% in year two, and 80% in year three; major services at 50% after 12-month waiting period, 60% in year three $50 per person $3,000 per person

Best for Seniors : Physicians Mutual

Physicians Mutual

 Physicians Mutual
  • Policy types: 3
  • Coverage limit: Unlimited
  • States available: 50
Get a Quote
Why We Chose It

We chose Physicians Mutual for seniors since there are no annual or lifetime limits on the coverage, including benefits to help pay for dentures, and it offers specialized pricing for a senior's budget.

Pros & Cons
Pros

  • No waiting period for preventive care

  • No annual or lifetime limits on benefits

  • No deductibles

Cons

  • Three-month waiting period for basic procedures

  • 12-month waiting period for major work

  • Limits on how much it pays per procedure

Overview

Physicians Mutual dental insurance can be trusted for its financial strength since the company has an A rating from AM Best. This provider also has plans that can be particularly good for seniors since they include coverage for up to 350 procedures, including crowns and dentures.

Physicians Mutual dental insurance doesn’t have any deductibles, and coverage for preventive care like cleanings starts right away. A waiting period of three months applies to basic care like fillings and extractions, and a 12-month waiting period applies to major services like crowns and root canals.

Physicians Mutual policies come with no annual or lifetime benefit limits on your coverage, and you can choose your dentist from its network of more than 500,000 providers.

Physicians Mutual offers three basic dental insurance plans.

  • Economy Plus: Starts at $30.10 per month
  • Standard Plus: Starts at $37.80 per month
  • Preferred Plus: Starts at $46.75 per month

With each of these options, you’ll be reimbursed for preventive care, basic care, and major services at a set cost based on the plan you select. Economy Plus plans reimburse at a lower rate, whereas Preferred Plus plans reimburse at the highest rate.

Best for Orthodontics : Delta Dental

Delta Dental

 Delta Dental
  • Policy types: 5
  • Coverage limit: $1,000 to unlimited 
  • States available: 50
Get a Quote
Why We Chose It

Delta Dental has several dental insurance plans that include orthodontic care for both children and adults, whereas most other providers don't have multiple, affordable orthodontia choices.

Pros & Cons
Pros

  • Some plans include orthodontic care

  • No out-of-pocket cost for preventive care on most plans

  • Large network of providers

Cons

  • Annual maximum benefit amounts are low

  • Orthodontic care covered at only 50%

Overview

Delta Dental belongs to one of the nation’s largest dental provider networks, which makes it easy to choose from more than 152,000 dentists in its networks. Delta Dental also boasts an A rating from AM Best—a testament to the financial strength of the company.

While plan details vary from state to state, Delta Dental offers several different types of insurance, including options that cover orthodontic care. Under its individual PPO plans, for example, orthodontia is covered at 50% for children and adults. A $50 deductible applies, as does a $1,500 annual maximum for care.

Preventive care like cleanings and X-rays is covered at 100%, and all basic and major services, including root canals, implants, and crowns, are covered at 50%.

Pricing and plan options vary between states. Head to Delta Dental's website to see what they offer in your locality.

Final Verdict

There are many options when it comes to dental insurance companies. Some companies, like Renaissance Dental and Delta Dental, provide plans that cover 100% of preventive care, while others like Spirit Dental offer plans with no waiting periods. But overall, the best dental insurance company is Cigna.

Cigna has a broad network of more than 92,000 dentists available nationwide, and all of its dental insurance covers preventive care with no deductibles or copays. Plus, with Cigna, customers can choose a level of care that is based on what they actually need, with some plans offering orthodontic and restorative care for a higher price.

Compare the Best Dental Insurance Companies

Company Coverage Limit Providers In-Network Plans Deductible States Available
Cigna Best Overall $1,500 for restorative care; $1,000 for orthodontic 92,000 3 $50 individuals; $150 families; $0 preventative plan  50
Renaissance Dental Runner Up, Best Overall $1,600 300,000 4 $50 for individuals or families  50
Spirit Dental Best for No Waiting Periods $5,000 after 3 years 111,500 16 One time $100 deductible  50
Humana Dental Insurance Best Value $1,000 to unlimited 270,000 8 $50 for individuals; $150 families 50
UnitedHealthOne Dental Insurance Best for Families $3,000 100,000 10 $50 per person 50 
Physicians Mutual Best for Seniors Unlimited  500,000 3  None 50
Delta Dental Best for Orthodontics $1,000 to unlimited 152,000 5 $50 for PPO plans 50 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Dental Insurance?

For a monthly insurance premium, dental insurance provides a range of coverage for various dental procedures, including preventive care and more involved services like fillings, crowns, and root canals.

What Is the Best Dental Insurance Company?

We chose Cigna as the best dental insurance company. Cigna has various plans that can fit almost anyone's needs and budgets, as well as a large network of more than 92,000 dentists. If you want a provider with extensive reach and financial strength, you can't go wrong with Cigna.

What Does Dental Insurance Typically Include?

Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care like cleanings and X-rays at 100%, and coverage for basic services like fillings, root canals, and tooth extractions, but it’s usually limited to a percentage of the cost (e.g., 50%). Plans that cover major services tend to cost more and limit the payout to around 50%.

What Does Dental Insurance Typically Exclude?

Dental insurance doesn’t normally cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, and you also may struggle to find coverage for pre-existing conditions such as missing teeth. Some plans leave out major services like dental implants and orthodontic care altogether. Make sure to read over your dental insurance policy to see what it includes and excludes.

What Are the Expected Costs of Dental Insurance?

The cost of dental insurance varies widely depending on where you live, your age, and the plan you select. However, it may be possible to find a plan that costs less than $20 per month for an individual, depending on your state and county.

Less expensive dental insurance plans tend to cover only a small percentage of services and come with low annual benefit limits. More robust plans can easily cost $40 to $60 per month for an individual, although you’ll get more coverage, higher annual benefit amounts, and more included services in return.

Is Paying for Dental Insurance Worth It?

Only you can decide if paying for dental insurance is worth it, but it helps to run some basic cost analysis to determine how much you would pay for dental insurance premiums, copayments, and deductibles per year versus how much you’ve actually paid for dental care in previous years.

Methodology

We looked at more than 20 dental insurance plans to come up with the providers in our ranking. We sought plans with the broadest networks of dentists available, reasonable annual benefit maximums, and the potential for low premiums. While many of the plans on our list come with waiting periods, we tried to select providers that don’t list cumbersome waiting periods that make using coverage difficult.

We also looked for dental insurance companies with strong ratings in terms of their financial strength, mostly by comparing ratings from Standard & Poor’s and AM Best.

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Getty Images / Shutter2U
Article Sources
Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.

  1. Cigna. "Financial Strength and Credit Ratings."

  2. AM Best. "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Cigna Corporation and Its Subsidiaries."

  3. AM Best. "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Its Main Subsidiaries."

  4. Standard and Poor's Financial Services. "S&P Global Ratings. RatingsDirect: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp."

  5. AM Best. "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. and Its Subsidiary."

  6. AM Best. "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Humana Inc. and Its Health Insurance Subsidiaries."

  7. Fortune. "Fortune 500: United HealthGroup."

  8. AM Best. "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of UnitedHealth Group and Most Subsidiaries; Upgrades Credit Ratings of Certain Subsidiaries."

  9. Physicians Mutual. "Financial Strength."

  10. AM Best. "AM Best Revises Issuer Credit Rating Outlook to Positive for Delta Dental of California and Its Affiliates."