Dental insurance averages $20-$50 monthly for individuals and $50-$150 for families. HMO plans are cheapest ($8-25), PPO mid-range ($30-60), indemnity highest ($50-100+).
A deductible is the amount you pay before insurance covers services, typically $25-$100 per person annually. Preventive care often bypasses the deductible.
Coinsurance is your percentage share of costs after meeting the deductible. Common rates are 0% for preventive, 20% for basic, and 50% for major procedures.
The annual maximum is the most your plan pays per year, typically $1,000-$2,500. You pay 100% of costs exceeding this limit until the year resets.
Dental premiums are tax-deductible if you itemize and total medical expenses exceed 7.5% of AGI. Self-employed can deduct premiums as business expense.
A copay is a fixed amount you pay for services, common in DHMO plans. For example, $10 copay for cleaning or $50 copay for filling regardless of actual cost.
Dental maximums have not kept pace with inflation since the 1970s. Industry profits and employer cost concerns keep limits artificially low compared to actual dental costs.
Employer coverage is usually cheaper due to group rates and employer premium contributions. Individual plans may cost 2-3x more for similar coverage.
UCR (Usual, Customary, Reasonable) fees are benchmark amounts insurers use to determine coverage. Dentists charging above UCR leave you paying the difference.
Lower costs by choosing DHMO plans, using in-network dentists, maximizing preventive care, comparing plans annually, and considering HSA contributions for tax savings.