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4 Best Dental Insurance for Seniors

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated September 15, 2025

Choosing the right dental insurance can help seniors manage routine care costs and avoid large bills for unexpected treatments. The best plans offer strong coverage for preventive services, major procedures, and affordable premiums, with some even skipping waiting periods. This guide compares top providers, helping you match the right plan to your needs, budget, and long-term oral health goals.

  • Anthem

    The “Best Overall” pick, Anthem’s Essential Choice PPO Platinum, is a top-scoring plan for seniors, offering comprehensive coverage. It costs an average of $68 per month for those in their 70s and 80s and provides an annual coverage maximum of $2,000. This makes it a strong option for those seeking robust benefits with predictable costs.

    Editor’s Take

    If you want broad coverage and flexibility, Anthem’s PPO network allows you to visit both in-network and out-of-network dentists, with lower costs for in-network care. The Essential Choice PPO Platinum plan is ideal for those anticipating higher dental expenses, offering strong coverage for major procedures like crowns and dentures after a waiting period. Preventive services such as exams and cleanings are often covered at 100%.

    With annual maximums reaching $2,000 or more, this plan offers more generous benefits than many competitors in its price range. However, the Platinum tier’s higher premiums mean you’ll need to balance the cost against your anticipated dental needs.

    For those who want more affordable options, Anthem also offers Silver and Gold versions of the plan. These have lower annual maximums and premiums, making them better suited for individuals who need essential coverage without paying for extra benefits they may not use.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • High annual maximums compared to many senior dental plans
    • Large PPO network with nationwide access
    • Covers preventive care at 100% in many cases
    • Includes major services like crowns and dentures
    • Multiple plan tiers to match budget and needs

    Cons

    • Higher premiums for top-tier plans
    • Waiting periods for major services
    • Out-of-network coverage costs more
    • Not available in all states
    • Annual maximums still apply, which may limit coverage for extensive dental work

  • Ameritas

    The “Best for No Waiting Periods” option, Ameritas PrimeStar Complete, is a top-scoring plan for seniors that starts coverage right away. It averages $69 per month for those in their 70s and 80s, with an annual coverage maximum of $2,500 in the first year and $3,000 from the second year onward. This makes it ideal for those who want immediate access to comprehensive dental benefits.

    Editor’s Take

    You can expect Ameritas to cover preventive services like exams and cleanings at 100% when you use in-network dentists. Many plans also cover basic and major services after a deductible and waiting period.

    If you want immediate access to some benefits, certain Ameritas plans offer no waiting periods for preventive care. Coverage for major services, such as crowns or dentures, often starts after 12 months.

    Ameritas has a large PPO network, which allows you to see many dentists across the country. This flexibility can be helpful if you travel or move. The company also has strong financial ratings, which can give you confidence in its stability.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Large PPO network with nationwide dentist access
    • 100% preventive coverage for in-network services on many plans
    • Strong financial rating (A from AM Best)
    • Plans available with no waiting period for preventive care
    • Customizable options for different coverage needs

    Cons

    • Waiting periods for major services on many plans
    • Annual maximums that may limit coverage for extensive dental work
    • Higher premiums for plans with broader coverage
    • Out-of-network care may have higher costs
    • Not all plan options are available in every state

  • Guardian

    The “Best for Benefits” option, Guardian Diamond, is a top-scoring plan for seniors offering solid coverage at an affordable rate. It costs an average of $64 per month for those in their 70s and 80s and provides an annual coverage maximum of $1,500. This makes it a good choice for balancing cost and comprehensive dental benefits.

    Editor’s Take

    Guardian is a well-established insurer with strong ratings for customer satisfaction and financial stability. You can choose from multiple plan designs, which may include full coverage for cleanings and exams, partial coverage for basic and major services, and orthodontic benefits on certain plans.

    Many Guardian PPO plans allow you to see any dentist, but you save more when you use in-network providers. The network is large, which can help you find a dentist nearby.

    Annual maximums often start around $1,000 to $1,500, with some higher-tier plans offering more. Waiting periods may apply for major services, so you should check the plan details before enrolling. Premiums are generally in the mid-range compared to similar insurers.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Large provider network for easier dentist access
    • Preventive care often covered 100% with no deductible
    • Multiple plan options to fit different budgets and needs
    • Nationwide availability for consistent coverage if you move or travel

    Cons

    • Annual maximums may be limited on lower-cost plans
    • Waiting periods for major services on many plans
    • Mid-range premiums may be higher than some discount plans
    • Orthodontic coverage not included in all plans and may have age limits

  • Spirit Dental

    The “Best for Low Costs” option, Spirit Dental Core PPO, is a top-scoring plan for seniors that offers budget-friendly coverage. With an average monthly cost of $46 for those in their 70s and 80s and an annual coverage maximum of $1,200, it’s an affordable choice for maintaining essential dental care without overspending.

    Editor’s Take

    You can choose from several PPO plans that let you see any dentist, with better rates when used on in-network providers. Spirit Dental coverage often includes preventive care at 100%, basic services like fillings, and major services such as crowns or dentures.

    Annual maximums are higher than many competitors, sometimes reaching $5,000, which can help if you expect significant dental work. Plans also include coverage for implants, which some insurers exclude.

    Premiums are generally higher than budget options, but you may save money if you need immediate or extensive care. The lack of a waiting period is a key benefit, especially for seniors who cannot delay treatment. You also get three cleanings per year instead of the standard two, which can help maintain oral health.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • No waiting periods for preventive, basic, or major services
    • Coverage for dental implants included in many plans
    • High annual maximums (up to $5,000) available
    • Three cleanings per year instead of two
    • Backed by Ameritas with A (Excellent) financial strength rating

    Cons

    • Premiums can be higher than some other senior dental plans
    • In-network dentists offer better rates, limiting savings if you go out-of-network
    • Annual maximums vary by plan, so lower-tier plans may not meet high-cost needs
    • No bundled vision or hearing coverage, which some seniors prefer in a single plan

Frequently Asked Questions

How do dental insurance plans for seniors integrate with Medicare coverage?

Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care. You can add a standalone dental plan or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental benefits. When combining coverage, check if the dental network matches your preferred providers and how each plan handles out-of-pocket costs for major services.

Are there any senior dental plans available without waiting periods for major procedures?

Some insurers offer no-wait options, but these are less common for costly treatments like crowns or bridges. Plans without waiting periods often come with higher monthly premiums. Always confirm the policy details before enrolling, as some plans only waive waiting periods for preventive care.

Which dental insurance providers offer the best value for seniors on a fixed income?

Value depends on your dental needs and budget. Anthem’s Essential Choice PPO Platinum plan is known for strong coverage limits, while some Delta Dental plans balance cost and benefits well. Look at annual maximums, network size, and how much you will pay for common procedures.

What are the types of dental plans that seniors could get?

Seniors can choose from a range of dental plans across Anthem, Ameritas, Guardian, and Spirit Dental, with most options offering PPO coverage for flexibility in choosing dentists. Anthem and Guardian also provide tiered plans, while Guardian includes budget-friendly DHMO options. Ameritas and Spirit Dental stand out for no waiting periods and broad provider networks, making them appealing for quick access to care.

What should seniors look for when comparing dental insurance policies?

When choosing dental insurance, make sure your preferred dentist is in-network and review coverage for major services like crowns, dentures, and root canals. Consider the plan’s annual maximums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs to prevent surprise expenses.