Dental insurance helps cover the cost of preventive care, fillings, crowns, root canals, and other dental procedures. At $20-$60 per month for individual coverage, dental insurance can save significant money on routine and unexpected dental work, where a single crown can cost $1,000-$3,000 without insurance.
Dental Insurance Cost
$20 - $60/mo individualUpdated March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dental insurance cost per month?
Individual dental insurance costs $20-$60/month. Family dental plans cost $50-$150/month. Employer-sponsored dental insurance averages $22/month for individuals and $65/month for families, with the employer covering a portion.
Is dental insurance worth it?
Dental insurance is worth it if you use preventive care (2 cleanings/year = $400+ value) or expect any dental work. Preventive visits are usually covered at 100%, making even basic plans pay for themselves. A single filling ($150-$300) or crown ($1,000-$3,000) makes insurance valuable.
What does dental insurance cover?
Most dental plans categorize coverage in tiers: Preventive (100% covered): cleanings, exams, X-rays. Basic (70-80% covered): fillings, extractions, root canals. Major (50% covered): crowns, bridges, dentures. Orthodontics (50% with lifetime max): braces, typically for dependents only.
What is the difference between DPPO and DHMO?
DPPO: choose any dentist, higher premiums ($30-$60/mo), no referrals needed, out-of-network coverage at reduced rates. DHMO: must use network dentists, lower premiums ($10-$30/mo), need referrals for specialists, no out-of-network coverage. PPO plans offer more flexibility but cost more.
Is dental insurance the same as dental discount plans?
No. Dental insurance pays a percentage of dental costs after you meet the deductible. Dental discount plans provide reduced rates (10-60% off) at participating dentists but are not insurance — you pay the discounted price directly. Discount plans cost $80-$200/year and have no annual maximums.