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5 Best Dental Insurance Companies

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated August 6, 2025

Finding the best dental insurance companies in 2025 is essential for protecting your oral health while saving money on care. With a wide range of plans available, top providers stand out for their strong coverage, broad networks, and high customer satisfaction. By comparing leading options, you can choose affordable dental insurance that offers the best value and benefits for you and your family.

  • Guardian

    Guardian is best for customer satisfaction. The Guardian’s Diamond plan costs $36.99 per month and has a $50 annual deductible per person, with a maximum of $150 per family. With a large provider network and a reputation for reliable service, it’s ideal for those who value dependable coverage and high satisfaction.

    Our Expert Take

    Guardian is a long-standing dental insurance provider with over 155 years of experience. Members can access a large network of dentists and often choose their own provider, offering flexible care. Multiple PPO plans are available to fit different dental needs and budgets.

    The company covers common treatments such as routine exams and cleanings, as well as more complex services like dental implants and child orthodontics. Guardian plans typically include strong preventive care with low or no waiting periods. Competitive pricing makes it a practical option for individuals and families alike.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros:

    • Large dentist network nationwide
    • Different plan levels and flexible coverage choices
    • Preventive care often covered immediately
    • Options for implants and orthodontic treatment

    Cons:

    • Some plans may have annual limits or waiting periods for major services
    • Premiums and benefits can vary a lot by location
    • Not all dentists may be in-network in rural areas
    Pros Cons
    Wide network Possible waiting periods
    Affordable plans Coverage depends on plan and area
    Good child/family benefits May have annual benefit maximums

  • Ameritas

    Ameritas is considered the best dental insurance company for no waiting periods. Ameritas’ PrimeStar Access plan costs $44.67 per month and includes a $50 annual deductible per person, up to $150 per family. This option offers quick and flexible dental coverage with no waiting periods and a wide PPO network.

    Our Expert Take

    Ameritas, in business since 1887, offers a variety of dental insurance options. Highly rated by A.M. Best (A, Excellent) and S&P (A+, Strong), the company demonstrates strong financial stability, giving confidence that claims are handled reliably.

    The plans cover preventive services like cleanings and exams, with some requiring no waiting periods. More extensive procedures, such as crowns and root canals, generally have waiting periods. Premiums are competitive compared to other top dental insurers.

    Ameritas has a national network and works with many partners, making it easy to find in-network dentists. Plans often include orthodontics and implant coverage. Customer feedback highlights helpful service and clear explanations of benefits.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros:

    • Strong financial ratings (A by A.M. Best, A+ by S&P and BBB)
    • Wide national network for dentist access
    • No waiting periods on many preventive services
    • Coverage for major work and orthodontics available on some plans
    • Easy online tools for finding dentists and tracking claims

    Cons:

    • Waiting periods apply for some major dental work
    • Annual maximums limit the total paid out each year
    • Premiums can be higher for plans with more coverage
    • Not all services covered under every plan
    • Availability may vary by state and location
    Pros Cons
    Wide network Limited annual maximums
    Minimal Waiting Period Services depends on plan and location
    Major Work Coverage Offers vary by location

  • Spirit Dental

    The Spirit Dental Core Network 3500 plan is available for $50.12 per month with a one-time $100 lifetime deductible, which is considered a good price for benefits provided. It stands out for offering immediate coverage with no waiting periods and a high annual benefit maximum, making it a great value for those who want both affordability and robust benefits.

    Our Expert Take

    Spirit Dental is recognized for its simple and accessible dental insurance, making it ideal for those who want immediate coverage. Many plans have no waiting periods for preventive, basic, and some major services, allowing prompt access to dental care.

    The company provides a variety of plan types, including PPO and indemnity options, offering flexibility in selecting a provider. Nationwide availability ensures convenience regardless of where you live or travel.

    Backed by Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation (A-rated by AM Best), Spirit Dental’s premiums range from approximately $16.67 to $46.66. While customer service is emphasized, third-party reviews are limited. The website includes tools to compare plans and customize coverage, including optional vision insurance.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • No waiting periods: You can get basic and major dental care right away on many plans.
    • Flexible choices: Plans fit individuals, families, and seniors. Both PPO and indemnity options are offered.
    • Straightforward pricing: Premiums are clear, starting from about $16.67 per month.
    • Bundle vision and dental: Vision add-ons are available, which can save you time and effort.
    • Financial strength: Backed by Ameritas, an insurer with high ratings.

    Cons

    • Limited reviews: Fewer independent customer ratings make it harder to judge real-world service.
    • Provider network: Some plans may have a more limited network of dentists compared to very large insurers.
    • Premium range: Upper-end premiums may be higher than some low-cost alternatives, especially if you want broader coverage.
    Pros Cons
    No waiting periods Fewer third-party reviews
    Flexible plan options Smaller provider network (some plans)
    Clear pricing Can be expensive for extensive plans
    Vision add-ons
    Reliable underwriter

  • Anthem

    Anthem’s top-scoring plan, Essential Choice PPO Platinum, costs $61 per month and includes an annual deductible of $50 per person, up to $150 per family. This plan offers excellent out-of-network flexibility and strong coverage, making it a solid choice for individuals or families who want broad access to dental care providers.

    Our Expert Take

    Anthem’s Essential Choice PPO Platinum plan is highly regarded, receiving top ratings from multiple expert sources. Preventive services such as cleanings, exams, and X-rays are covered at 100% from day one, with no waiting period required.

    Basic dental care, including fillings and simple extractions, is covered at 80% after a brief waiting period, while major procedures like crowns and root canals have lower coverage levels. Premiums are moderate compared with similar large insurers, offering options to balance cost and coverage.

    Some plans also feature no waiting periods for certain services. Enrollment is available year-round for both individual and family plans. Additionally, you can bundle Anthem dental insurance with their health or vision coverage for added convenience.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros:

    • Immediate coverage for preventive care.
    • Strong customer satisfaction and support.
    • Several plan choices, including no waiting period options.
    • Can be bundled with Anthem’s health or vision insurance.

    Cons:

    • Major dental work may still require waiting periods.
    • Coverage for complex services is less generous.
    • Out-of-pocket costs for some plans can be higher than average if you need major work.
    Benefit Included on Most Plans
    Preventive Care Yes, 100% coverage
    Basic Care Yes, after short wait
    Major Dental Services Partial coverage
    No Waiting Period Plan Available

  • Cigna Dental

    Cigna’s Dental 1500 plan provides well-rounded protection at a monthly cost of $39 and an annual deductible of $50 per person, up to $150 per family, considering it the best dental insurance for overall coverage options. It offers preventive care with no deductible and strong coverage for both basic and major services, making it a great choice for individuals or families.

    Our Expert Take

    Cigna Dental provides access to a large network of over 310,000 dental locations nationwide, making it easy to find a nearby provider. Many plans include preventive care—such as exams, X-rays, and cleanings—without deductibles or copays for routine six-month visits.

    The company offers a variety of plans for individuals, families, and employers. Some plans cover major procedures like crowns or root canals, though these may include waiting periods or higher out-of-pocket costs.

    Cigna emphasizes preventive care to help reduce long-term dental expenses. Select plans also offer coverage for orthodontics and more complex procedures. Members can manage appointments, track claims, and review benefits easily with online tools and responsive customer support.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Large network: Over 310,000 provider locations
    • $0 deductible and $0 copay on preventive care for many plans
    • Easy online tools for plan management and dentist search
    • No waiting period on most preventive services
    • Competitive monthly premiums

    Cons

    • Waiting periods usually apply for major dental work
    • Annual coverage maximums can limit coverage for expensive treatments
    • Out-of-network costs can be higher
    • Orthodontic and cosmetic coverage may be limited

    A quick overview of Cigna Dental coverage and costs:

    Feature Cigna Dental
    Preventive Care Covered at 100% for most plans
    Network Size Over 310,000 locations nationwide
    Waiting Periods Often none for preventive, usually for major work
    Plan Options Basic to comprehensive
    Online Tools Quotes, plan details, provider finder

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ways to buy dental insurance?

You can buy dental insurance in several ways. Many people get coverage through their employer’s benefits package. If this isn’t an option, you can purchase an individual dental plan from a dental insurance provider or online insurance marketplace.

Some government programs, like Medicaid and Medicare Advantage, also offer dental benefits in certain cases. You can also look for dental discount plans for savings without traditional insurance.

What factors should be considered when choosing a dental insurance provider?

When selecting a dental insurance provider, look at plan costs, annual maximum benefits, and whether your preferred dentist is in their network. Review what types of dental procedures are covered, including preventive, basic, major, and orthodontic coverage.

Customer satisfaction and claim processing times can also be important. Make sure to compare the waiting periods, exclusions, and the overall reputation of the provider.

Which dental insurance companies have the widest network of dentists?

Some of the largest dental insurance providers, like Cigna and Anthem, are known for having broad networks of dental providers. These companies typically offer PPO plans, which give you more choices for dentists.

A larger network makes it easier to find a dentist near you and increases your chances of getting in-network savings.

What are the differences between HMO and PPO dental insurance plans?

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans let you see any licensed dentist, but costs are lower if you visit dentists in the plan’s network. PPO plans usually have higher premiums but give greater flexibility.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) dental plans usually require you to see dentists inside a specific network. You must typically select a primary dentist and get referrals for some dental procedures. HMO plans often cost less, but your choice of providers may be limited.

How do I compare the coverage options for major dental insurance providers?

Start by looking at what services each plan covers. Check details for preventive care, basic and major procedures, and any orthodontic coverage. Compare annual maximum benefits and deductibles.

Review waiting periods and exclusions to understand when coverage begins and what is not included. Looking at customer reviews or satisfaction scores for each provider can also help you judge service quality and claim support.