How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost?

The average cost of dental insurance depends on where you live, the plan you choose and who is covered. Many individual plans fall around $20–$60 per month. For most people shopping for dental insurance, you can expect to pay around $30¹ per month.

It's helpful to compare the premium, deductible, annual maximum, network savings, waiting periods and covered services before choosing a plan. 

What determines how much you'll pay

1. The type of plan

There are a few main types of dental insurance plans to consider. HMO is typically the cheapest but is more restrictive for who you can see for care. PPO is the most popular option with more flexibility and that comes with a higher cost. Indemnity insurance offers the most flexibility with higher reimbursement potential to include any dentist regardless of network.

2. The level of coverage

A low monthly plan can look good at first. But if the plan delays coverage, limits major care or has a low annual max, it may not give you the support you need when dental costs add up. 

3. Where you live

Dental insurance pricing varies by state and ZIP code. That is one reason pricing examples can differ from one state to another, or even city to city, for similar plan categories.

4. Who the plan covers

An individual plan will usually cost less than a family plan. The number of people covered and their ages can affect the monthly premium and total value of the plan.

5. Whether the plan uses a network

Seeing an in-network dentist can make a big difference in what you pay. For example, with Spirit Dental, members save from 25-50% in-network through Ameritas, which can significantly change the real cost of care beyond the premium. 

Out-of-pocket costs with dental insurance

When people ask how much dental insurance costs, it's usually focused on the premium. That matters. But premium is only one piece of the picture. The bigger question is: What will you have to pay when you actually use the plan? Here are a few out-of-pocket costs to consider. 

Monthly premium

Your monthly premium is the amount you pay each month to keep your dental insurance active. 

This is usually the first number people look at. It shouldn't be the only one. A lower premium may come with tradeoffs, such as lower benefits, longer waiting periods or less coverage for major dental services.

Deductible

A deductible is the amount you pay before your plan starts sharing costs for certain covered services.

Spirit Dental plans include a lifetime deductible, which means once it is satisfied, you do not have to meet that deductible again while you stay on the plan. That can help make your dental costs feel more predictable over time.

Coinsurance

The coinsurance is the percentage of cost you share with your plan.

Dental plans typically follow a "100/80/50" structure, which refers to how much the plan covers for different categories of care: preventive, basic and major care services. 

Annual maximum

The annual maximum is the most your dental insurance plan will pay toward covered services in a plan year.

This matters when you need more than a cleaning. A plan with a lower annual maximum may work for routine care, but it may feel limited if you need crowns, root canals, dentures or other major services.

Spirit Dental offers plans with annual maximums up to $5,000, depending on the plan and state availability.

Waiting periods

Some dental plans make you wait before they help pay for basic or major services.

That can be frustrating if you need care soon. Spirit Dental plans offer no waiting periods for covered preventive, basic and major dental services. That means your benefits can begin right away for covered services, based on your plan details.

How much does dental care cost without insurance? 

Dental care without coverage can become expensive quickly. Here's a look at what common procedures cost without insurance¹: 

• Teeth cleaning: $70-$200
• Cavity filling: $50-$450
• Tooth extraction: $75-$650
• Root canal: $300-$2,000
• Crown: $500-$3,000
• Dental bridge: $1,000-$12,000

Even two cleanings plus exams can exceed the annual premium of your plan. And if you see a dentist in-network for any covered service, you'll see lower rates there too. 

Is it cheaper to go without dental insurance? 

When you barely use dental care and see a dentist, going without dental insurance in a year might make sense. But that can change quickly.

Going without dental insurance might be cheaper if: 

• You rarely visit the dentist
• You only need an occasional cleaning
• You can pay cash for unexpected care
• You have no expected dental needs

Dental insurance might be worth it if: 

• You get routine cleanings
• You want help paying for preventive care
• You have a history of cavities
• You have future dental needs like for major dental work
• You want help with unexpected dental expenses

One of the hidden benefits of having a dental plan is that you're more likely to use the benefits for preventive care. Which helps you avoid those larger dental bills. 

How Spirit Dental helps you save

Spirit Dental makes it easy to access the care you need, when you need it: 

• Immediate benefits—no waiting periods, from cleanings to crowns
• PPO savings—25-50% reduced rates when seeing a dentist in-network
• More coverage—up to a $5k max after two years
• Preventive value—up to three cleanings covered 100%
• Lifetime deductible—pay your deductible only once, not annually like most plans
• Flexible plans—affordable options to match your budget and needs

Spirit Dental offers straightforward coverage built for real dental needs. Get your free dental quote and your plan today.

Sources:

1. Care Credit: Is Dental Insurance Worth It