How much does the average employee pay for dental insurance?

Asked by: Linwood Hagenes  |  Last update: August 20, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (12 votes)

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 do employers pay for dental insurance?

How much does group dental insurance cost employers? Group dental insurance plans will typically cost employers anywhere between $8.94 to $13.90 per month. The exact monthly cost is dependent on which carrier you choose, as well as your plan's level of coverage.

What is the average cost of dental insurance in the US?

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 do employers pay for employee insurance?

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), businesses pay an average of $7,034 to cover individual workers on their team. For family coverage, employers pay an average of $17,393.

Is $200 a month expensive for health insurance?

Is $200 a month expensive for health insurance in California? Health insurance that costs $200 per month is a good deal in California. Silver plans typically cost $513 per month for a 21-year-old or $656 per month for a 40-year-old.

Do You Need Dental Insurance?

20 related questions found

How much do benefits cost per employee?

The average civilian worker costs an employer $46.14 per hour in total compensation—31% on benefits and 69% on wages. The average private industry worker costs an employer $43.78 per hour in total compensation—30% on benefits and 70% on wages.

Why is dental insurance so high?

On top of it, dentists have to rely on insurance companies to find them patients but insurance companies offer very low reimbursement rates(this is the amount insurance companies pay to the dentist for the work carried by them) to dentists. This way companies get to keep a larger portion of the patients' premiums.

What is the best dental insurance?

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.

Why is US dental work so expensive?

The high prices charged by dentists in the United States can be attributed to several factors, including the nature of dental insurance coverage, the specialized training required, and the operational expenses involved in running a dental practice.

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.

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.

What is the most common employer dental insurance?

Dental Benefit Plan Design

While there are several different plan designs for dental benefits, by far the most common are Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, accounting for more than 8 out of 10 employer-sponsored dental plans.

How do I pay for dental work not covered by insurance?

Patients without insurance can consider paying out of pocket, applying for a dental savings plan, seeking care at a dental school, or looking for free or low-cost clinics. It's important to discuss payment options and fees with the dental provider before treatment.

What happens 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.

What are the cons of dental insurance?

Aside from cost concerns, other cons include limited coverage or policies that have annual limits on reimbursements. Additionally, some plans may require premium payments that are higher than what is necessary for providing the desired level of care.

Why do so many dentists not accept insurance?

The rates of reimbursement by many insurance carriers are less than the cost of providing the treatment, forcing dentists who are in these plans to find ways to cut corners and cut costs that are not in the best interest of the patient.

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.

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.

Why do jobs offer dental insurance?

Dental Coverage Is linked to Well-Being

Dental insurance makes oral health care more affordable for employees, who in turn use their benefits to maintain a healthy smile. In fact, nearly 80% of employees participate in benefit programs if dental care is part of the program.

How much do most employees pay for health insurance?

Employer vs.

For single plans, the overall average cost was $7,911 last year. This cost is split between employers and employees: Employer costs: $6,584. Employee costs: $1,327.

What is the average cost per employee?

A commonly used formula estimates that the total cost of an employee is 1.25 to 1.4 times their base salary. This figure considers the additional expenses employers incur, such as benefits, payroll taxes and even recruitment costs.

What is the average PTO in the US?

Let's delve into the statistics. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American worker receives 11 paid vacation days yearly, increasing to 15 after five years and 20 after two decades. However, these are averages; no federal mandate for guaranteed PTO exists.