Around 293 million Americans had access to dental insurance coverage in 2022, according to the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP).1 This is encouraging news, since some research has shown a link between having coverage and visiting the dentist.2 Having dental insurance coverage can keep people motivated to see the dentist for regular check-ups and maintenance even when they don’t have obvious dental problems. Knowing how dental insurance works can help you make important decisions about seeking different types of treatments and alternative payment programs like dental savings plans.
What is dental insurance?
Dental insurance is a type of policy that helps policyholders pay for dental care and treatments in exchange for a monthly fee, known as a premium. It’s designed to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for routine preventive services, as well as more involved treatments like fillings, crowns, root canals, or even oral surgery. A dental insurance policy usually involves:
- Monthly premiums: The amount you pay to have coverage.
- Annual deductible: The amount you pay before the plan starts covering care.
- Annual maximum: The cap on how much the plan will pay out in a year.
- Copay: This is a fixed amount of money policyholders pay out of pocket for a healthcare service.
Dental insurance may help policyholders reduce their dental treatment expenses, but remember that dental insurance may not cover every treatment you need. Let’s take a closer look at what dental insurance covers.
What does dental insurance cover?
The first thing to remember is that every dental insurance policy is different. Coverage can vary by policy and provider, with some policies covering a wider range of treatments and services than others. Generally speaking, most dental insurance policies fully cover the cost of preventive care. Additionally, more complex treatments may be covered partially once the waiting period is over.
- Preventive and diagnostic services: These services include routine check-ups, professional cleanings, and X-rays. They’re usually fully covered by dental insurance.
- Basic treatments: Basic services can include fillings, non-surgical extractions, non-surgical gum treatments and other simple treatments. These treatments are usually partially covered by a dental insurance policy.
- Major treatments: Oral surgery, tooth replacements, and prosthodontic installation and repairs are some of the treatments characterized as major services. These are also partially covered by most dental insurance plans.
The extent of coverage for each type of service can vary based on many factors. Comparing different policies can help you identify the best fit for your needs and budget. Use free online policy comparison tools or talk to an insurance professional to get more information.
What dental treatments may not be covered?
As with coverage inclusions, exclusions too can vary by policy. However, we’ve outlined a few common exclusions that many dental insurance plans won’t cover:
- Pre-existing conditions: Some policies explicitly state they won’t cover any conditions that existed before the policy began. For example, your insurance policy may not cover the cost of replacing a tooth that was lost before your coverage kicked in.
- Cosmetic procedures: Healthy, white teeth make for a confident smile. However, many dental insurance policies exclude treatments that optimize aesthetics rather than functionality. This means teeth whitening, veneers, and some types of teeth bonding may not be covered.
- Dental implants: Dental implants give people with missing teeth the ability to speak and chew naturally. However, implants can be expensive and may be excluded from insurance coverage.
- Specialized treatments: Some insurers may not offer coverage for highly specialized treatments that are new or experimental. Treatments involving newer technologies or alternative treatments may not be covered.
- Lost or stolen dental appliances: If you’ve misplaced dental appliances like dentures or a retainer, you’ll need to check with your insurer to find out if you’re covered for the loss. You may need to pay for a new replacement out of pocket.
Having dental insurance coverage can give you peace of mind and ease the financial burden of dental treatment costs. Dental care for adults without insurance can be expensive, and costs can be a significant barrier to treatment for many people.3 While a dental insurance policy can be an investment, it can help you save hundreds or even thousands in treatment costs in the long run.
Sources:
1 NADP – NADP Research Reveals Record in Dental Coverage for Americans. Updated February 2, 2024. https://www.nadp.org/nadp-research-reveals-record-in-dental-coverage-for-americans/. Accessed May 8, 2025.
2 CDC National Center for Health Studies – Dental Care Among Adults Age 65 and Older: United States, 2022. Updated April 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db500.htm. Accessed May 8, 2025.
3 American Dental Association – National Trends in Dental Care Use, Dental Insurance Coverage, and Cost Barriers. Updated March 2024. https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/research/hpi/national_trends_dental_use_benefits_barriers.pdf. Accessed May 8, 2025.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Aflac life plans – A68000 series: Term Life Policies: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Pennsylvania & Virginia, Policies: ICC1368200, ICC1368300, ICC1368400. In Delaware, Policies A68200, A68300 & A68400. In New York, Policies NY68200, NY68300 and NY68400. Whole Life Policies: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Pennsylvania & Virginia, Policies: ICC1368100. In Delaware, Policy A68100. In New York, Policy NYR68100. B60000 series: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma & Virginia, Policies: ICC18B60C10, ICC18B60100, ICC18B60200, ICC18B60300, & ICC18B60400. Not available in Delaware. Q60000 series/Whole: In Arkansas & Delaware, Policy Q60100M. In Idaho, Policy Q60100MID. In Oklahoma, Policy Q60100MOK. Not available in Virginia. Q60000 series/Term: In Delaware, Policies Q60200CM. In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Policies ICC18Q60200C, ICC18Q60300C, ICC18Q60400C. Not available in Virginia.
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