Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove...
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Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove...
See Full Bio
Written By
Les Masterson
Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove...
See Full Bio
Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove...
See Full Bio
Deputy Editor, Insurance
Jason MetzLead Editor, Insurance
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others mak...
See Full Bio
Jason MetzLead Editor, Insurance
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others mak...
See Full Bio
Jason Metz
Jason MetzLead Editor, Insurance
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others mak...
See Full Bio
Jason MetzLead Editor, Insurance
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others mak...
See Full Bio
Reviewed
& 1 other
Updated: Aug 8, 2024, 6:56am
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Anthem Essential Choice PPO Platinum is the best dental insurance for seniors in our analysis. The Platinum plan offers excellent annual coverage maximum limits and covers you at the same level whether you get in-network or out-of-network care.
Dental insurance can play a critical role in your healthcare, but you often need to get dental coverage through a plan outside of health insurance. We analyzed the coverage of more than three dozen dental insurance plans to find the best dental insurance companies for seniors.
Read more
Dental Insurance Guides
- Best Dental Insurance
- Best for Braces
- Best for Dental Implants
- Best for No Waiting Period
- Best Health Insurance
Show Summary
- Summary: Ratings of Dental Insurance for Older Adults
- How Dental Insurance for Seniors Works
- What Dental Insurance for Seniors Covers
- What Dental Insurance for Seniors Doesn’t Cover
- How Much Does Dental Insurance for Seniors Cost?
- Types of Dental Plans for Seniors
- Methodology
- Other Dental Insurance Companies We Rated
- Dental Insurance For Seniors Frequently Asked Questions
- Next up In Health Insurance
Summary: Ratings of Dental Insurance for Older Adults
| Editor's Take | Company | Company - Logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Top scoring plan name | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Anthem |  | 5.0 |  | Essential Choice PPO Platinum | See Plans | On Dental Insurance Guide's Website | Get A Quote |
| Best for no waiting periods | Ameritas |  | 4.5 | PrimeStar Complete | See Plans | On Dental Insurance Guide's Website | Get A Quote | |
| Best for benefits | Guardian |  | 4.5 | Diamond | See Plans | On Dental Insurance Guide's Website | Get A Quote | |
| Best for low costs | Spirit Dental |  | 4.0 | Spirit Core PPO | See Plans | On Healthcare.com's Website | Get A Quote |
How We Chose the Best Dental Insurance Companies for Seniors
Best overall
Anthem
5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Top-scoring plan for seniors
Essential Choice PPO Platinum
Average monthly cost for 70- and 80-year-olds
$68
Annual coverage maximum
$2,000
Essential Choice PPO Platinum
$68
$2,000
Editor's Take
Anthem’s Essential Choice PPO Platinum is the best dental insurance plan for seniors. We found that this plan has one of the best annual coverage maximum amounts of the plans we analyzed. It provides the same reimbursem*nt amount whether you get dental care in-network or out-of-network, which gives you flexibility to go to any dentist. Anthem also has other high-ranking dental plans, including the Gold plan, which costs slightly less but has a lower annual coverage maximum and out-of-network reimbursem*nt than Platinum.
Pros
- Preventive care is covered at 100% without a waiting period.
- Plan covers 80% of basic care, such as fillings.
- Major care (such as oral surgery and crowns) is covered at 50%.
- Implants and dentures are covered at 50%.
Cons
- Dental insurance costs are more than average for seniors.
- Basic care waiting period of three months and major care waiting period of six months means you can’t fully take advantage of your plan initially.
Expert’s Take
Anthem’s Essential Choice PPO Platinum is a solid option for seniors due to its extensive network and comprehensive coverage. It offers significant benefits for major services, which are crucial for seniors requiring more complex dental procedures. However, the premiums can be higher, so it’s essential for seniors to weigh the cost against the benefits they anticipate needing.
– Dr. Isaac Sun, clinical director at KYT Dental Services in Fountain Valley, California
Availability
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Ohio
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
Best for no waiting periods
Ameritas
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Top-scoring plan for seniors
PrimeStar Complete
Average monthly cost for 70- and 80-year-olds
$69
Annual coverage maximum
$2,500 in the first year; $3,000 in the second year and after
PrimeStar Complete
$69
$2,500 in the first year; $3,000 in the second year and after
Editor's Take
We like that Ameritas’ PrimeStar Complete offers excellent annual maximum benefits and no waiting periods for care, unlike many competitors we reviewed.
Pros
- The annual maximum insurance payout is $2,500 maximum benefit per person in the first year and $3,000 after the first year for basic and major services combined, which is one of the best.
- In-network basic care is covered at 80% in the first year and 90% after that, which is better than competitors.
- No waiting periods for basic and major care, as well as dental implants and dentures.
Cons
- Dental insurance costs are higher than average.
- Preventive, basic and major care is reimbursed lower if you get out-of-network care, so you should try to stay in-network.
Expert’s Take
Ameritas PrimeStar Complete stands out for its no-waiting period feature for preventive and basic services, making it an attractive choice for seniors who need immediate care. The plan’s extensive coverage for major services after the waiting period is also beneficial. However, potential users should carefully review the annual maximums to ensure it meets their needs.
– Dr. Isaac Sun, clinical director at KYT Dental Services in Fountain Valley, California
Availability
All states except New York.
Best for benefits
Guardian
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Top-scoring plan for seniors
Diamond
Average monthly cost for 70- and 80-year-olds
$64
Annual coverage maximum
$1,500
Diamond
$64
$1,500
Editor's Take
Guardian’s Diamond dental plan is loaded with high coverage levels and additional benefits you can add to your plan, including a diminishing deductible. We also think Guardian’s Core plan is another excellent option, as it has much lower costs than the Diamond plan but also lower maximum coverage and reimbursem*nt levels.
Pros
- No waiting periods for preventive and basic care.
- Implants, dentures and orthodontics (for children) are covered at 50%, but you must wait 12 months.
- Covers teeth whitening at 50% after a six-month waiting period.
More: Guardian Dental Insurance Review
Cons
- A 12-month waiting period for major care (such as oral surgery and crowns).
- Higher than average costs compared to other dental insurance companies.
Expert’s Take
Guardian’s Diamond plan offers robust coverage with high annual maximums and low deductibles, making it an excellent choice for seniors who want peace of mind regarding potential dental expenses. Its comprehensive preventive care with no waiting period is particularly appealing. The key consideration here is the plan’s network size and ensuring it includes their preferred providers.
– Dr. Isaac Sun, clinical director at KYT Dental Services in Fountain Valley, California
Availability
Guardian offers dental insurance in all states except Alaska, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota, Virginia and Wyoming.
Best for low costs
Spirit Dental
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Top-scoring plans for seniors
Spirit Core PPO
Average monthly cost for 70- and 80-year-olds
$46
Annual coverage maximum
$1,200
Spirit Core PPO
$46
$1,200
Editor's Take
We love Spirit Dental’s Spirit Core PPO’s low premiums and $100 lifetime deductible. Having a lifetime deductible means you don’t have to pay a deductible each year.
Pros
- Better than average dental insurance costs compared to competitors.
- No waiting periods for dentures and implants.
- Implants and dentures don’t have coverage maximum limits like many other dental plans.
Cons
- Annual coverage maximum is lower than many competitors.
- Basic care is covered at lower levels for the first two years.
- One-time $25 enrollment fee.
Expert’s Take
Spirit Dental’s Spirit Core PPO plan is notable for its immediate coverage for preventive, basic and major services, with no waiting periods. This is particularly beneficial for seniors who require immediate dental care. The plan also offers a lifetime deductible, which can be cost-effective. However, users should be mindful of the plan’s network and coverage limitations.
– Dr. Isaac Sun, clinical director at KYT Dental Services in Fountain Valley, California
Availability
All states except Massachusetts and Washington.
How Dental Insurance for Seniors Works
Dental insurance for seniors works this way:
- A dental policy covers your dental care but the specific coverage varies by plan.
- You pay a premium unless your employer fully subsidizes the costs.
- In addition to the premium, you typically pay out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance when you get care.
- Dental insurance often pays 100% of preventive costs but reimbursem*nt for basic and major care often varies widely.
- Dental policies usually have annual coverage maximums and you must pay all of the costs after reaching any maximums.
- Dental insurance policies may have waiting periods depending on the type of care. Policies generally don’t have a waiting period for preventive care, but you may have to wait to get other types of care, including major care, dentures and dental implants.
More: How Dental Insurance Works
What Dental Insurance for Seniors Covers
Dental insurance policies vary on what they cover, but here are services often covered:
- Preventive care like cleanings and X-rays.
- Basic services like simple tooth extractions and fillings.
- Major services like root canals, oral surgery and crowns.
- Additional services like dental implants and dentures.
What Dental Insurance for Seniors Doesn’t Cover
Dental insurance doesn’t generally cover cosmetic dentistry, such as dental bonding and veneers. Plans also often exclude orthodontia (or limit it to only children) and teeth whitening.
You may have to pay for those services out of pocket without any help from dental insurance.
EXPERT TIPS
How To Choose the Best Dental Insurance for Older Adults
Ross Weiler
Forbes Advisor board member
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
Ashlee Valentine
Insurance Editor
Penny Gusner
Insurance Senior Writer
Understand What a Plan Covers and How Much It Pays for Care
It’s important to know what the plan pays for certain dental procedures. Many plans cover preventive services, such as routine check-ups, at 100%. From there, coverage for diagnostic (X-rays, for example) and major dental services(such as crowns) can differ depending on the plan. Make sure you find a plan that covers these services at a reasonable percentage (such as 75% or 80% for diagnostic and 50% or 60% for major services).
Ross Weiler
Forbes Advisor board member
Look for Major Care Coverage
Dental insurance policies vary in terms of major care coverage. I’ve found that some don’t cover those services at all, while others may pay half the cost. Others may pay less than half. Dig into that information to ensure major care is covered and that the insurer will help pay when you need that care.
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
Explore Waiting Periods
I would suggest looking at a policy’s waiting periods. For instance, I usually see no waiting period for preventive care but up to a year for more serious dental services, implants and dentures. Understand what coverage you’ll use immediately and which services you won’t get covered initially.
Ashlee Valentine
Insurance Editor
Don’t Worry About Services You Won’t Use
If you’re an older adult buying dental insurance, you likely won’t need braces so don’t worry about services like orthodontia. Instead, I would focus on basic care and major care reimbursem*nts and how much the dental plan pays for those services.
Penny Gusner
Insurance Senior Writer
How Much Does Dental Insurance for Seniors Cost?
The average monthly cost for senior dental insurance is $53 for a 70- or 80-year-old. Dental insurance costs vary based on the coverage and other factors.
Average Dental Insurance Costs by Company
| Company | Plan name | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
Ameritas | PrimeStar Boost | $59 |
Ameritas | PrimeStar Complete | $69 |
Ameritas | PrimeStar Lite | $31 |
Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Bronze | $28 |
Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Gold | $57 |
Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Inventive | $65 |
Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Platinum | $68 |
Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Silver | $45 |
Cigna | Cigna Dental 1000 | $50 |
Cigna | Cigna Dental 1500 | $59 |
Denali Dental | Ridge Plan | $69 |
Denali Dental | Summit Plan | $105 |
Guardian | Achiever | $51 |
Guardian | Core | $35 |
Guardian | Diamond | $64 |
Guardian | Starter | $26 |
Humana | Bright Plus | $30 |
Humana | Complete Dental | $60 |
Humana | Loyalty Plus | $51 |
Spirit Dental | Spirit Core PPO | $46 |
Spirit Dental | Spirit Preventive Plus PPO | $26 |
Spirit Dental | Spirit Flex | $53 |
Spirit Dental | Spirit Flex Plus | $74 |
Spirit Dental | Spirit Pinnacle PPO | $63 |
Spirit Dental | Spirit Senior Preferred PPO | $58 |
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise Basic | $39 |
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise 1000 | $49 |
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise 2000 | $63 |
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise Max 1000 | $58 |
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise Max 2000 | $72 |
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise Max 3000 | $78 |
Source: Forbes Advisor research. Average monthly costs for 70- and 80-year-olds.
When comparing dental insurance plans, look deeper than just the monthly premium costs. You also should check out the:
- Deductible.
- Coverage maximum, which can be annual or lifetime.
- Coverage exclusions, such as not covering dentures or implants.
- Waiting periods.
By weighing dental insurance cost data and coverage, you can find the right company and policy for you.
EXPERT TIPS
How to Save on Dental Insurance
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Michelle Megna
Insurance Lead Editor
Jason Metz
Insurance Lead Editor
Penny Gusner
Insurance Senior Writer
Shop Around
Getting quotes from multiple dental insurance companies is one way to save money. Our research found that the average monthly dental costs for 70- and 80-year-olds range from slightly more than $20 to over $100. I’d suggest digging into each plan’s coverage to find the best dental policy for your situation.
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
Go With a DHMO
Dental insurance companies offer DHMOs, which are a cheaper alternative to DPPOs. A DHMO requires that you stay within the plan’s provider network, so there isn’t as much freedom as in a DPPO, which lets you get out-of-network care. A DHMO’s lower price may be worth the restrictions, though.
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Select a Plan With a Higher Deductible
Dental insurance plans with higher deductibles often have lower premiums. If finding a dental plan with the lowest premiums is your priority, I’d suggest weighing multiple plans’ deductibles with premiums. But understand that the higher deductible means you will pay higher out-of-pocket costs when you need care that isn’t covered at 100%.
Michelle Megna
Insurance Lead Editor
Sign up for Coverage Through Your Employer
Employers often provide dental coverage as part of their benefits packages. Unlike health insurance, which can be costly, dental insurance is usually low or no cost through an employer. If you have that option at work, check with your benefits department to see how much dental insurance costs and whether that’s a better option than buying an individual plan on your own.
Jason Metz
Insurance Lead Editor
Get Preventive Care
Dental insurance plans often pay 100% of preventive costs for cleanings, fluoride treatments and X-rays. I’d suggest getting your regular checkups to save money in the long run. The dentist can spot potential problems before they become costly issues.
Penny Gusner
Insurance Senior Writer
More: Tips for Choosing the Right Dental Insurance Plan
Types of Dental Plans for Seniors
Companies offer multiple types of health insurance plans for retirees. Three types of dental insurance policies are:
- Dental Health Maintenance Organization
- Dental Preferred Provider Organization
- Fee-for-Service Plans
Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO)
DHMO plans typically have lower costs and strict provider networks. These plans generally only cover in-network dental coverage. If you get coverage from a provider outside of the provider network, you pay for those costs yourself.
Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO)
DPPO plans usually cost more than DHMOs but offer more flexibility. A DPPO typically lets you get care outside of your provider network, but that might be at a higher cost than an in-network provider.
Fee-for-Service Plans
Fee-for-service plans, which are also called indemnity plans, let you see any dentist and the plan pays a percentage of the dental services. You pick up the rest of the costs. Fee-for-service plans don’t have contracts like DPPO and DHMO plans, so the rates aren’t discounted.
Alternative to Dental Insurance
In addition to those types of dental insurance, companies may offer discount plans.
A discount plan isn’t dental insurance but offers lower rates from participating dentists. The company offering the discount doesn’t help pay for services but gives you lower rates to pay a dentist who accepts the plan.
Methodology
We compared 37 dental insurance companies from our best dental insurance companies by reviewing each plan’s costs, coverage, waiting periods and benefits, including dental implants coverage.
Ratings are based on the following criteria:
- Costs for 70-year-old and 80-year-olds: Forbes Advisor collected information from each company’s site and got quotes for 70- and 80-year-olds in California: 40% of score.
- Year one annual maximum coverage: 10% of score.
- Waiting period for preventive care: 10% of score.
- Basic care coverage percentage: 10% of score.
- Basic care waiting period: 10% of score.
- Major care percentage: 10% of score.
- Dental implants coverage: 10% of score.
Other Dental Insurance Companies We Rated
| Insurance company | Plan name | Forbes Advisor rating |
|---|---|---|
Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Gold |
|
Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Silver |
|
Guardian | Core |
|
Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Incentive |
|
Ameritas | PrimeStar Boost |
|
Guardian | Achiever |
|
Spirit Dental | Spirit Senior Preferred PPO |
|
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise Basic |
|
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise 2000 |
|
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise Max 2000 |
|
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise Max 3000 |
|
Ameritas | PrimeStar Lite |
|
Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Bronze |
|
Denali Dental | Summit Plan |
|
Humana | Bright Plus |
|
Spirit Dental | Spirit Pinnacle PPO |
|
Spirit Dental | Spirit Preventive Plus PPO |
|
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise 1000 |
|
Cigna | Cigna Dental 1000 |
|
Cigna | Cigna Dental 1500 |
|
Denali Dental | Ridge Plan |
|
Humana | Loyalty Plus |
|
Spirit Dental | Spirit Flex |
|
UnitedHealthcare | DentalWise Max 1000 |
|
Guardian | Starter |
|
Humana | Complete Dental |
|
Spirit Dental | Spirit Flex Plus |
|
Dental Insurance For Seniors Frequently Asked Questions
Do seniors need dental insurance?
Seniors should look into getting dental insurance, just like anyone else. The need for dental insurance is especially acute for older people because Medicare does not cover routine dental care and many seniors lose employer dental benefits when they retire.
Consider these findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- About two in three adults age 65 and older have gum disease.
- The median age for oral cancer diagnosis is 62.
- One in five adults age 65 and older have lost all of their teeth.
- One in five adults age 65 and older have untreated tooth decay.
Does Medicare include dental coverage?
Medicare doesn’t typically cover regular dental care. That includes treating, filling, removing or replacing teeth.
One exception is if you’re undergoing inpatient hospital services and dental work is connected to your medical condition or the severity of a dental procedure.
Next up In Health Insurance
- Best Health Insurance Companies
- Best Dental Insurance Companies
- Best Short-Term Health Insurance Companies
- Best Health Insurance Providers for Small Business Owners
- How Much Is Health Insurance?
- Compare Health Insurance Quotes
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