Dental insurance is a type of coverage that can pay for a portion of various dental care costs. These policies establish a contract between you and your insurance company, where you pay a monthly premium in exchange for benefits that can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for dental care.

How Dental Insurance Works

Dental insurance plans typically operate on a network basis. This means you can select a dentist within the insurance company’s network. When you buy dental insurance, you’ll want to be aware of the following clauses typically included in your policy:

Your premium is the amount you pay regularly (e.g., monthly) to maintain coverage.

A deductible is how much you must pay out of pocket before your coverage contributes.

An annual maximum is the limit a policy will contribute toward dental work in a single plan year.

Copayments and coinsurance are flat fees and percentages, respectively, that you must pay out of pocket toward specific services.

What Dental Insurance Covers

The coverage capabilities of dental insurance can vary significantly by plan. Many policies can include financial assistance for preventive care, regular checkups and cleanings, while others may also help with major procedures and expenses, such as root canals and dentures. For example, full coverage dental insurance plans typically cover a wide variety of care, albeit typically in exchange for higher premiums.

Where to Get Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is a commonly offered employee benefit that may be available through employers. Additionally, individuals and families may be able to find more customizable private dental insurance plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Eligible parties, such as those over the age of 65 and with certain preexisting conditions, may also access coverage through government programs like Medicare.