How much do people spend on dental insurance a month?

Asked by: Trent Schowalter  |  Last update: September 22, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (69 votes)

On average, dental insurance premiums can cost between $15 and $50 per person per month. Most dental insurance plans cover 100% of preventive care, 50-80% of basic procedures like fillings, and 50% of major procedures like crowns.

How much does the average American spend on dental insurance per month?

On average, people spend between $20 and $50 per month on dental insurance premiums, according to moneygeek.com, with annual estimates ranging from $240 to $600. Dental insurance plans use a 100-80-50 cost-sharing model, requiring patients to pay a copayment or coinsurance for services the plan doesn't cover.

How much does the average employee pay for dental insurance?

Based on Investopedia's research1 of 17 dental insurance companies, the average cost of monthly premiums can vary between $7 and $87. Basic preventive care plans are cheaper, and dental insurance policies with comprehensive coverage are more costly.

How much does the average person spend on dental care per year?

Americans spend an average of $432 yearly on dental services

As of 2020 — the latest available — Americans spend an average of $432 a year on dental services. Drilling down by state, those in New Hampshire spend the most, at an average of $648 a year.

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 You Need Dental Insurance?

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What is a good deductible for dental insurance?

The deductible is the amount of dental expense for which the beneficiary (i.e., patient) is responsible before a dental plan will assume any liability for payment of benefits. The deductible may be an annual or one-time charge, and may apply to an individual or a family. $50 is still the most common deductible.

What is a fully insured dental plan?

Fully insured dental plans are very similar to the traditional model of health benefits. The employer typically pays the premiums to an insurance company monthly, based on the number of employees in the plan. The plan gives the enrolled employees access to a provider network.

How to afford a lot of dental work?

10 Ways to Pay for Dental Work
  1. Dental Insurance. ...
  2. Medical Insurance. ...
  3. Payment Plans. ...
  4. Flexible Spending Account. ...
  5. Health Savings Account. ...
  6. Negotiate With Your Dentist. ...
  7. Get Work Done at a Dental School. ...
  8. Credit Card.

Is it cheaper to get dental insurance or pay out of pocket?

If your only expenses each year are for routine six-month checkups, it might be less expensive to skip the insurance and pay out of pocket. However, unexpected dental work—such as fillings, crowns, or root canals—can be expensive, and it is for those situations when dental insurance can be most helpful.

Can you pay monthly for dental treatment?

Dental Payment Plan (Capitation Plan) – A payment plan offered by a dentist which allows you to pay a monthly amount towards any treatment received. Pros: With a dental payment plan, or capitation plan, you pay a regular monthly amount, which can be an effective way to spread the costs.

What percent of Americans can't afford dental care?

In 2022, nearly one quarter of these adults could not afford to seek care for their oral health problem (24%, compared with 25% in 2021), while 14% were afraid of COVID-19 exposure (down from 22% in 2021). The frequency of visits to an ED for an oral health problem remained stable from 2021 (3.9%) to 2022 (4.1%).

Which state has the most expensive dental care?

Lowest dental treatment costs: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. Highest dental treatment costs: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

What is a good maximum for dental insurance?

Annual maximums typically range between $1,000 and $2,000 – and most people never reach this amount in their benefit period. According to the National Association of Dental Plans, only 2.8% of people on a PPO plan reach their dental annual maximum each year.

Does dental insurance cover 100%?

Depending on the plan, comprehensive dental insurance may cover annual checkups and cleanings for you and your family along with other services such as crowns and root canals. However, comprehensive dental plans do not cover 100% of the costs, and there may still be a deductible, copays, and coinsurance.

What is considered major dental coverage?

Class C (Major) services, which include endodontic services such as root canals, periodontal services such as gingivectomy, major restorative services such as crowns, oral surgery, bridges and prosthodontic services such as complete dentures.

What is the best dental insurance to have?

Investopedia found Delta Dental to be the best dental insurance company for people looking for standalone plans because of its great coverage and customer satisfaction. However, Physicians Mutual or Spirit may be a better fit if low costs are your main concern.

Do you pay up front with dental insurance?

Dental insurance plans are typically categorized into two main types: indemnity plans and managed-care plans. Indemnity plans, often referred to as “fee-for-service” plans, offer a broad choice of dental care providers and typically involve the policyholder paying upfront and being reimbursed a portion of the cost.

How much does the average person spend on dental insurance?

On average, dental insurance premiums can cost between $15 and $50 per person per month. Most dental insurance plans cover 100% of preventive care, 50-80% of basic procedures like fillings, and 50% of major procedures like crowns.

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

Free Dental Clinics
  1. Nonprofit clinics. Some cities have dental clinics that specifically serve people with low incomes, no insurance, or who otherwise can't afford care.
  2. Donated services. Some state or national charities use donated labor and materials to give free care. ...
  3. Private dentists.

How much does it cost to fix teeth without insurance?

The cost of fillings without insurance has a much larger range, from $200 to $400. Root canals vary depending on which tooth needs work but can cost anywhere from $700 to $2,100. Without insurance, the average cost of a crown is around $1,093.