Dental insurance can save you considerable money in the long run.

Regular dental checkups, cleanings, and other routine procedures can help prevent more costly treatments. Insurance can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses if you need a more extensive procedure, like a root canal or dental implant.

With most plans covering preventative care at little to no cost and many offering discounts on other procedures, the benefits of dental insurance far outweigh the cost. Plus, the added peace of mind of knowing your dental health is well taken care of can be invaluable.

How does dental insurance work

Caring for your dental health is crucial, yet it can also be expensive. This is where dental insurance comes into play.

Dental insurance policies operate similarly to medical insurance in that you pay a monthly premium for coverage. When you have a dental appointment, your insurance will cover a portion, if not all, of the cost, depending on the plan’s terms and conditions.

Some policies offer preventative care completely free of charge, but most require you to pay a copay or deductible for treatments beyond that.

It’s essential to read the fine print of your policy to ensure you understand all the details, like which procedures are covered and any limits on coverage or annual maximums. Ultimately, investing in dental insurance can provide peace of mind and help keep your teeth in tip-top shape.

Now, is dental insurance worth it? Here are four reasons why investing in dental insurance can be beneficial.

1. Prevention of serious dental problems

Regular visits to your dentist are important for preventing serious issues like gum disease or cavities. Dental insurance can give you more access to preventive services without the added cost burden.

2. Affordable care

Depending on your policy’s coverage, many types of treatments may be covered by dental insurance at no additional cost beyond your regular premiums. Furthermore, in- network dentists usually charge a lower fee for treatment than out-of-network providers, which means you can save even more on services.

3. Low deductibles and copays

Many dental insurance plans have relatively low deductibles and copays much lower than you would pay without coverage. This means that with dental insurance, paying for routine visits or major treatments should be significantly less expensive.

4. Tax benefits

Depending on your plan type and circumstances, dental insurance may also offer tax benefits. For instance, if you purchase an employer-sponsored policy, part or all of the premium may be covered by pre-tax dollars from your paycheck. Additionally, you may be eligible for a tax deduction if you purchase an individual policy outside of work.

Cost of dental insurance

Many people find that the cost of preventative care and early detection through dental insurance is well worth the investment, as it can save you thousands of dollars in dental bills. The average dental insurance cost varies based on location, age, and the level of coverage desired.

However, according to Forbes, individuals can expect to pay $26 monthly for basic coverage, while more comprehensive plans average $47 a month.¹ It may seem like a significant expense, but dental insurance can save you money in the long run and ensure you receive the necessary care to maintain a healthy smile.

Bottom line

Dental insurance can be well worth the cost.

Investing in a quality policy can give you access to preventive care to help stave off major problems and save money on out-of-pocket treatment expenses. Plus, depending on your plan and circumstances, you may benefit from some tax advantages.

If you’re wondering whether or not dental insurance is worth it, in our opinion, the answer is yes. With the right policy, you can get added peace of mind and savings in the long run.

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.

Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Arkansas, Policies A81100AR–A81400AR. Policies A82100RAR–A82400RAR. In Delaware, Policies A81100–A81400. Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A81100ID–A81400ID. Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In New York, Policies NY81100–NY81400. Policies NY82100– NY82400. In Oklahoma, Policies A81100OK–A81400OK. Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Oregon, Policies A81100OR–A81400OR. Policies A82100ROR–A82400ROR. In Pennsylvania, Policies A81100PA–A81400PA. Policies A82100RPA–A82400RPAR. In Texas, Policies A81100TX– A81400TX. Policies A82100RTX–A82400RTX. In Virginia, Policies A81100VA–A81200VA. Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.

Coverage underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company.

Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Arkansas, Policy T80000AR. In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. In Oregon, Policy T80000OR. In Texas, Policy T80000TX. Not available NY or VA. Dental claims are administered by Aflac Benefits Solutions, Inc. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers.

Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.

Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

[Footnote sources]

¹ Forbes. “How Much Is Dental Insurance? (Coverage and Cost)”