Dental Plans
A great smile can go a long way—but keeping it healthy isn’t always cheap. That’s why dental coverage is an important part of a complete insurance plan.
Dental Insurance and Dental Discount Plans
You have two options when it comes to dental coverage: a dental insurance plan or a dental discount plan. Dental insurance helps share the cost of care with you, while a dental discount plan simply gives you access to pre-negotiated rates with participating providers.
Dental insurance is generally the better option in terms of coverage, but it’s also more expensive. And if you're facing a major procedure like a root canal in the next few months, dental insurance may not be your best choice—because of waiting periods. Most dental insurance plans (outside of employer-sponsored coverage) have waiting periods for certain services. It’s common to see 0–3 months for cleanings (preventive services), 3–6 months for fillings (basic services), and 12–18 months for major services like root canals or crowns. Each plan outlines its specific waiting periods, so be sure to review them before enrolling.