How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost?

While the prices of dental services can add up, a dental insurance plan can help with those costs and help cut down on out-of-pocket expenses, allowing you to access the treatment you need. The cost of an individual dental HMO plan is around $14 per month, while individual dental PPO plans can cost an estimated $35 per month.¹ Let’s dive deeper into how much dental insurance costs and factors that can affect the premiums you’ll pay, and what dental insurance plans Aflac offers.

4 Min Read

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

An individual dental HMO plan can cost around $14 per month, while an individual PPO plan can cost around $35 per month.¹ Insurance premiums vary based on coverage level, benefits, type of plan, and other factors.
Aflac offers primary and supplemental dental insurance plans (additional coverage that helps pay for dental expenses not fully covered by primary insurance) for individuals to fit your budget and oral health needs.

How much is dental insurance?

The cost of dental insurance can vary based on the type of coverage you choose:¹

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): This plan requires members to choose a primary dentist from a network and get referrals for specialists, typically covering preventive care with lower out-of-pocket costs but limited provider options. The cost of an individual HMO plan is around $14 per month.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): This flexible plan allows members to visit any dentist, with lower costs for in-network providers and higher premiums, making it ideal for those who want more provider choices. A PPO can cost around $35 per month.

Aflac offers primary dental insurance coverage, along with supplemental dental insurance that you can purchase directly. These plans come with various premium options to meet your needs. Primary dental insurance offers a variety of benefits for routine care, and our supplemental dental insurance can provide you with cash benefits to help cover procedures not covered by your primary insurance. Start chatting with an Aflac agent today to learn about the plans we offer and how much they may cost.

What factors affect the cost of dental insurance?

Unraveling the puzzle of factors that impact pricing can empower you to choose a dental insurance policy that fits your needs and budget:

Type of plan

Dental insurance plans, like health insurance plans, are structured and priced based on the providers you have access to. In a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan, you may have more flexibility to select your dentist, though if they are out-of-network, the services may come at a higher cost or with larger monthly premiums. A health maintenance organization (HMO) plan requires you to see an in-network dentist, but often comes at a lower cost. Whether you choose a PPO or HMO dental insurance plan will impact your premiums.

Deductibles and copays

Deductible: A deductible is the minimum amount you’ll be responsible for paying before the plan’s coverage kicks in. A higher deductible means that you may pay more initial out-of-pocket expenses for dental services, but you could have a lower monthly premium in return. Lower deductibles mean less upfront expense but a higher monthly premium.
Copay:A copay is a shared amount you’ll pay for specific services according to your plan. In the same way, a higher copay indicates greater out-of-pocket expense but generally comes with lower monthly premiums, while lower copays can minimize your per-visit cost but could lead to higher monthly premiums.

Annual maximums

Healthcare plans like dental insurance usually have annual maximum amounts. This is the greatest amount the insurer will pay toward your dental coverage during a policy year. A high annual maximum may come with a higher monthly premium but could make dental insurance coverage worthwhile if you expect to have major services during the year.

Your location

Since rates and regulations vary from state to state, so do dental service rates. Busy metropolitan areas may have higher rates for services since there is a greater demand. Rural locations with a smaller population and less competition may charge lower rates.

Peace of mind doesn't have to break the bank

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.

Get Started

Why the cost of dental insurance is worth it

Routine cleanings and exams can cost an average of $200 or more in out-of-pocket expenses.² Meanwhile, dental fillings can cost between $100 and $1,050,³ and tooth extractions can range from $75 to $550.⁴ Additionally, a dental crown can cost between $800 and $2,500.⁵ These costs can add up quickly, especially if you need multiple treatments or treatments on more than one tooth.

Without dental insurance, you would incur the costs of these procedures as out-of-pocket expenses. But with a dental insurance plan, you can keep those costs in check and enjoy added peace of mind when an unexpected dental surprise pops up.

Get a dental insurance quote today

Dental insurance can provide valuable coverage and help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for routine dental services like basic dental services and major dental services. Depending on the policy type and benefits, your coverage can help you manage dental expenses and ensure you’ve got a healthy smile. You can apply for an individual primary or supplemental dental insurance plan directly from Aflac with a coverage level that meets your needs. Chat with an agent to learn more about your coverage options and get a quote.

Are you ready to get the dental insurance coverage you need?

Get Started