Why is dental care important?

Oral health is directly linked to overall health. Poor oral hygiene can affect cardiovascular, respiratory, and mental health. While practicing proper dental hygiene habits can help prevent cavities and gum disease, daily brushing and flossing can’t remove the buildup that occurs when plaque mineralizes (calculus).³

Regular dental visits can go beyond screening for gum disease, plaque, and cavities. More than 100 health conditions can produce signs in the mouth. Dentists can screen for conditions such as oral cancer, diabetes, sleep apnea, and osteoporosis.⁴

What does Dental insurance cover?⁵

• Preventative Care: Most Dental insurance plans will cover 100% of routine cleanings, exams, and X-Rays. This encourages regular dental visits, which helps maintain oral health and avoid more costly dental problems later.
• Basic Services: Some plans can help pay for 50-90% of the costs associated with fillings and simple extractions.
• Major Procedures: For more serious dental work, insurance can help cover up to 50% of the costs associated with procedures such as crowns, dentures, and oral surgery.
• Other Benefits: Teeth whitening and child orthodontia may be available as additional benefits under select plans.

How much does Dental insurance cost?

Your location and age will largely influence your monthly premiums. Carriers often offer a choice of coverage levels and maximum benefit amounts, which caps how much insurance will pay each year. Some plans may even increase benefit amounts after you’ve maintained coverage for a year or more. A deductible will usually apply before insurance will pay for services.

The right dental coverage can go a long way to protect your health and your budget.

Explore affordable plans.

¹Employer shared responsibility provisions. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/employers/employer-shared-responsibility-provisions, Retrieved March 11, 2026.
²Dental Insurance Gap Widens Across the United States. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/dental-insurance-gap-widens-across-the-united-states, May 10, 2025.
³Why Professional Teeth Cleaning Matters More Than You Think. Dentistry By Design. dentistrybydesigndmd.com/blog/the-deep-clean-that-doesnt-feel-scary-why-professional-teeth-cleaning-matters-more-than-you-think, Retrieved March 11, 2026.
⁴How your dentist could save your life. Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Medical School. www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/how-your-dentist-could-save-your-life, February 1, 2025.
⁵This is general information. Each plan is different, so review your coverage details.