How do I get dental insurance if my job doesn't offer it?

Asked by: Boris Bashirian  |  Last update: June 26, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (26 votes)

If your employer doesn't offer dental benefits or you're self-employed, check with any trade organizations or other associations you may belong to. Sometimes these groups offer discounted rates to their members. Get dental insurance through an individual or family plan.

What to do if my employer doesn't offer dental insurance?

There are multiple ways to get dental insurance. Your employer may already include dental insurance in your benefits package. If your employer doesn't offer dental benefits, you can buy a stand-alone plan or supplemental dental coverage through the health care marketplace or directly with a private insurance company.

Where can I get insurance if my employer doesn't offer it?

If your employer doesn't offer you insurance coverage, you can fill out an application through the Marketplace. You'll find out if you qualify for: A health insurance plan with savings on your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs based on your household size and income.

How to get dental insurance without an employer?

Getting your own coverage isn't difficult at all. Individual and family dental insurance plans are widely available – and affordable. In fact, many carriers, such as Guardian, let you compare and buy dental plans conveniently online.

How do you get dental work if you can't afford it?

Federally Qualified Health Centers

A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) can provide dental services for you or your family, regardless of your ability to pay. Services are offered on a sliding scale based on your income.

How to find dental coverage if your employer doesn't offer it

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What can I do if I have a bad tooth with no money?

If you have an infected tooth and no money, a few things you can do include: Contact your local dental society or health department. They may be able to refer you to a dentist who offers free or low-cost dental care.

How do people afford a lot of dental work?

Personal Loan

Because of this flexibility, many people use personal loans to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses. Using a personal loan to finance dental work might be a better option than a credit card. The lower the interest rate, the lower your monthly payment.

Is aflac dental worth it?

Dental insurance is worth it if you are looking for additional support for minor and major dental procedures. With an Aflac dental insurance plan, the costs of cleanings, crowns, bridges, and implants can be significantly minimized. For some of our basic and preventative services, there is little to no waiting period.

What do people without dental insurance do?

If you need dental treatments but do not have dental insurance, you have a few options for affordable services, including community health centers, dental schools, and clinical trials. Finding affordable dental services may not be as difficult as you think.

What is the best insurance to have for dental?

Best Dental Insurance Companies for January 2025
  • Best Overall and Best for Braces, Implants, and Older Adults: Delta Dental.
  • Best Overall Cost-to-Value: Physicians Mutual.
  • Best for No Annual Maximum: MetLife.
  • Best for No Waiting Period: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.
  • Best for Customer Satisfaction: DentaQuest.

How much is cobra insurance?

How much does COBRA insurance cost? COBRA insurance typically costs 102% of the total health plan premium. This includes both the employee and employer contributions, along with a 2% administrative fee.

Can I sue my employer for not providing health insurance?

It has an obligation to honor that commitment, even though the law does not require it to provide health insurance. Otherwise, an employee can sue the employer to enforce the contract.

Does COBRA coverage begin immediately?

Assuming one pays all required premiums, COBRA coverage starts on the date of the qualifying event, and the length of the period of COBRA coverage will depend on the type of qualifying event which caused the qualified beneficiary to lose group health plan coverage.

Do most employers offer dental insurance?

About 60% of employers with between 25 and 49 employees offer dental insurance, while about 75% of employers with between 50 and 99 employees offer dental insurance, so the employee count and dental insurance trend are pretty closely correlated, although there is some additional variance depending on industry and ...

How can a person obtain dental insurance?

Many people get dental insurance through their employer, but you can buy an individual or family dental insurance policy directly from dental insurance companies.

What are the consequences of not having dental insurance?

Lack of coverage can have significant health consequences. The resulting unmet need can lead to increased direct oral health problems such as lost teeth, cavities, or gum disease. Having no natural teeth can also cause nutritional deficiencies and related health problems, including social isolation.

Is there a way to get dental insurance without a job?

ACA (Obama Care) dental insurance

Be aware that many Marketplace plans are focused on pediatric dental needs, so check plan details carefully. Being unemployed qualifies you to sign up for coverage within 60 days of losing your job-based health coverage. You don't have to wait for open enrollment.

What happens if you can't afford dental care?

Public Dental Clinics

Many charge low, fixed prices or sliding fees based on how much you can afford. Most clinics offer exams, cleanings, X-rays, root canals, fillings, crowns, and surgical tooth extractions. Some may have emergency dentists on call.

How can I fix my teeth if I don't have money?

Community health clinics or dental schools sometimes provide low-cost or free services. Delaying treatment for a severe infection can lead to more serious health risks. Speak to a healthcare professional immediately if you're in pain.

What is the waiting period for Aflac dental?

Get A Quote for Aflac Dental Insurance

There are no waiting periods for preventive services and the deductible decreases over time.

Does Blue Cross have dental insurance?

A healthy smile is an important part of your overall health. That's why BCBS FEP Dental offers the coverage you and your family need to keep your teeth healthy.

What is the cheapest way to get your teeth fixed?

In addition to being more affordable than many other dental procedures, dental bonding offers quick results with minimal discomfort involved – making it an ideal solution for those seeking low-cost ways to get their teeth fixed while maintaining a healthy smile.

Why is dental care so unaffordable?

On top of setup costs, daily operations add up. Hiring skilled team members, maintaining advanced dental technology, and providing a comfortable patient experience require ongoing investments. Dental materials often come with steep markups.

Do dentists do payment plans?

Dentists may have various payment options, including zero-interest plans, extended payment terms, or third-party financing arrangements. Understanding the available options will help you choose the best plan for your needs.