What is Basic Dental Insurance?

“Basic” dental insurance is a term used to describe dental insurance that covers preventive care such as routine check-ups and cleanings with low – even no – out-of-pocket costs. Other treatments intended to prevent dental disease, such as fluoride treatments or sealants and filling small cavities, may be included (with a copay) in some basic plans.  

What’s not included in a basic dental insurance plan? In general, you can assume that any restorative procedures – such as root canals, crowns, bridges, dentures, or orthodontics – are not included.  

How much does basic dental insurance cost? 

On average, a basic dental insurance plan costs* $240 a year for a single person. For a family, a basic dental insurance plan (for two adults and two kids), you’ll pay about $400 a year. If you get your dental coverage through an employer or via a Medicare Advantage plan, you may pay less. 

Compare that to the cost of standard dental insurance: an individual dental insurance policy costs* about $350 a year for an individual and about $550 for a family. 

Why get basic dental insurance? 

When you have healthy teeth and gums, getting free or very low cost checkups and cleanings twice a year or so can be a great way to pay for your preventive dental care needs in advance. As you can see from the cost information above, the cost for your basic dental insurance is likely to cost nearly the same as you’d pay your dentist for two annual cleanings and checkups, per person included in the plan. 

Another benefit of some basic dental insurance plans is that you may get a discount on other types of dental treatments. Check the policy’s details for more information on what a specific plan does and does not include. 

Is basic dental insurance worth it? 

Whether dental insurance is worth purchasing depends on your dental care needs, and how you pay for dental insurance. 

• If your employer provides basic dental insurance for free – it’s (obviously) worth it! 
• If your dental health is excellent, and you buy your own insurance – basic dental insurance may be all you need. If you have a Health Savings Account through your employer, you can use that to help pay for any unexpected dental treatment. No FSA or HSA? If possible, consider putting aside some money for dental care in an emergency fund.  
• If you have dental health concerns, you’ll want more than basic dental insurance. But before you purchase a standard dental insurance plan consider your needs. If you have dental problems that need immediate treatment or will cost more than $1,000 to address, you may want to consider an alternative such as a dental savings plan. 

What are dental savings plans? 

Dental savings plans – sometimes called “dental discount plans” – are an affordable, flexible alternative to traditional dental insurance. Dental savings plans are a great alternative to insurance, or a perfect backup plan or supplement for people who have basic dental insurance. Plan members report saving an average of 50%* on their dental care.  I  

The membership fee for a dental savings plan is between $144.95-$175.00 annually for an individual, and $199.00-$209.95 for a family – less than the cost of basic dental insurance. But with a dental savings plan, you get reduced rates on virtually all your dental care, from preventive procedures to major treatments such as braces, dentures, bridges, dentures, and dental implants, as well as cosmetic treatments such as tooth whitening and overlays.  

And, unlike dental insurance, with a dental savings plan you don’t have to worry about deductibles, annual spending limits or waiting before you qualify for reduced rates. You can start saving within 72-hours (or less) of joining a plan and keep saving all year long.  

Want help choosing a dental savings plan or dental insurance that’s right for you? Give us a call at 1-833-735-0399 for personalized help or answer a few quick questions here to see your options.   

*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.  

** Cost average obtained from DentalPlans.com procedure search tool.