Best Dental Insurance for Seniors

Best Dental Insurance Plans and Providers for Seniors

Retirement Living analyzed 19 dental insurance plans and bundles to determine the best senior dental plans. After consulting with licensed insurance experts and evaluating each provider’s offerings, we identified the eight best dental insurance for seniors according to cost, waiting periods, and coverage for preventative, basic, and major care. For more information on how we picked these eight providers, please see our methodology section below.

Careington Dental offers two dental discount plans to cover your oral health needs after you reach your dental insurance limits or as a stand-alone product. You can save over 60% on dental services like implants, crowns, root canals, veneers, and dentures. Each plan offers dental discounts at a vast pool of dental partners, with no deductibles or coverage limits to worry about. 

Choose from the budget-friendly Careington 500 Series with complimentary prescription drug and vision savings on vision care, Lasik, and prescriptions, or the Careington Care Plus plan, which includes everything plus savings on work you already need done. 

• Bundling options: Vision, Lasik, hearing, prescriptions
• Network: Large network of general dental providers
• Waiting periods: for immediate use
• Availability: Nationwide 
• Annual deductibles: None
• Coverage limits: None

For more details, read our full Careington Dental review.

---

Dentalplans.com offers over 25 dental savings and dental insurance plans from top insurers like Aetna, Renaissance Dental, and Delta Dental. You can choose your plan by your budget, dental needs, or dentist. Members save around 50% on dental procedures with their dental savings plans. Dental insurance plans typically cover 100% of preventive services, 80% of basic care, and 50% of major care procedures.

• Bundling options: Telemedicine, vision, prescription, group plans
• Network: Over 140,000 in-network dentists
• Waiting periods: 72 hours for dental discount plans; up to 6 months for preventive and basic care; 12 months for major work
• Availability: Nationwide
• Annual deductibles: None for dental discount plans; $50 per person and $150 per family for dental insurance policies
• Coverage limits: Varies by dental plan

For more details, read our full DentalPlans.com review.

---

Smart Health Dental partners with Renaissance Dental for dental insurance with no waiting periods or deductibles. The Preventive PPO plan covers diagnostic and preventive services at 100% and up to 80% of basic services. The Comprehensive Elevate plan covers 80% of routine care, 40% of basic, and 20% of major services, with increasing coverage each year. 

While its maximum coverage amount is lower than some plans, the plan’s ability to cover a bigger portion of major services in year one could help seniors save more. Through Aetna, Smart Health Dental also provides discount dental plans for seniors with 15% to 50% savings on various dental procedures such as bridges, root canals, dentures, implants, and bridges.

• Bundling options: Vision, prescriptions, and telemedicine (dental discount plans)
• Network: National network of 200,000+ providers 
• Waiting periods: None
• Availability: Nationwide
• Annual deductibles: None
• Coverage limits: $750 first year

For more details, read our full Smart Health Dental review.

---

Aetna has a vast network of over 445,000 dental providers. Aetna’s budget-friendly Preventive PPO covers 100% routine exams, cleanings, and certain images. The  Dental Direct Core and Preferred PPOs cover basic and major services. However, you’ll pay 10% to 30% more for services with a lower annual benefit maximum with the Core plan.

There’s also the Aetna Vital Savings discount card for dental care your insurance won’t cover or after you meet your coverage maximum. You’ll get 15% to 50% on dental care, prescription savings, and access to special offers on healthy living programs like gym memberships, Lasik, massage therapy, and weight-loss programs.

• Bundling options: Prescription savings, vision, healthy living discount program
• Network: Over 445,000 dental providers
• Waiting periods: None for preventive services; 6 months for basic services; 12 months for major services (waivable if insured for the last 90 days)
• Availability: Nationwide
• Annual deductibles: $50 per person; $150 per family
• Coverage limits: $750 – $1,250

For more details, read our full Aetna Dental review.

---

Spirit has several dental plans, including its Spirit Senior Preferred Network. This plan covers 100% of preventive services, up to 90% of basic services, and up to 65% of major services, up to $3,500 in annual benefits. The second option, Senior Preferred Choice, offers the same perks but has a higher monthly premium due to the ability to go to out-of-network providers. Spirit stands out for its one-time $100 deductible instead of a yearly deductible like most dental plans.

While most dental plans only allow two cleanings per year, Spirit Dental allows three cleanings per benefit year and two exams — this is a huge benefit for seniors needing preventative care.

The senior dental plan also includes hearing benefits of up to $75 per year for an exam and a $200 hearing aid benefit in the first year, increasing to $300 in the second year and $400 in the third year. You can also add vision benefits to your plan for $7 per month, making it one of the best dental and vision insurance bundle options available.

• Bundling options: Vision, hearing
• Network: Ameritas dental network (Over 592,000 access points)
• Waiting periods: None
• Availability: Varies by plan
• Annual deductibles: $100 lifetime
• Coverage limits: $750 – $1,500 first year

For more details, read our full Spirit Dental & Vision review.

---

Denali Dental and Vision plans use the Renaissance network, which has over 300,000 dental and 98,000 vision access points nationwide. This means that Denali is a good option if you are shopping for a dental and vision insurance bundle. The Denali Ridge and Summit plans cover 100% of preventive services, up to an annual maximum of $6,000, including two exams and four cleanings per year — almost unheard of in the dental insurance industry. 

There are no waiting periods; you only have to pay one-lifetime deductible. Both plans allow for out-of-network providers, though you’ll save up to 50% by choosing an in-network provider.

• Bundling options: Vision
• Network: Renaissance Dental network (over 300,000 dental access points)
• Waiting periods: None
• Availability: 37 states and Washington, D.C.
• Annual deductibles: $100 lifetime per person in-network; $200 lifetime per person out-of-network
• Coverage limits: $750 – $1,200 first year

For more details, read our full Denali Dental & Vision review.

---

Consider 1Dental if you’re looking for the best dental and vision insurance bundle. 1Dental offers dental discount plans from two top dental insurers, Careington and Aetna Dental Access, and vision benefits through EyeMed.

The dental discount plans have no waiting periods, deductibles, or caps on dental services, and you can save up to 50% on dental care when you see an in-network dentist. You can purchase a single plan or combine both and get a bundled rate that helps you save on basic care and specialist services. Both plans include vision and prescription discount savings. You can also save 25% by paying annually for your plan.

• Bundling options: Vision and prescription plan, bundling both dental plans unlocks additional savings
• Network: Over 226,000 dentists in Aetna Dental Access network; over 67,000 providers in Careington network
• Waiting periods: None
• Availability: Nationwide
• Annual deductibles: None
• Coverage limits: None

For more details, read our full 1Dental review.

---

Guardian Dental offers HMO and PPO dental plans, though plan availability varies by state. HMO plans are typically cheaper but only provide coverage for in-network dentists. PPO plans allow you to see any dentist, but you can save up to 40% by choosing an in-network provider. 

With multiple options available, it’s easy to find a plan that meets your dental needs, whether your focus is preventive or restorative care. The Diamond plan covers half the cost for implants, dentures, and orthodontics following a 12-month wait and 80% coverage for basic care (such as fillings) with no waiting period. For its Achiever and Diamond plans, Guardian Dental offers a generous $1,500 annual maximum payout for services, which is higher than some competitors.

• Bundling options: None
• Network: Over 130,000 providers nationwide
• Waiting periods: Varies by plan
• Availability: Nationwide
• Annual deductibles: $0 in-network; $50 for out-of-network
• Coverage limits: $500 – $1,500

For more details, read our full Guardian Dental review.

---

Comparing the Best Dental Insurance Companies for Seniors

Provider	Lowest-premium PPO plan	Limit	Deductible	Availability	Care Coverage*
Careington Dental	500 Series Plan (discount plan)	None	N/A	Nationwide	20% to 60% discount per visit
DentalPlans.com	25+ options	Varies	$50–$150	Nationwide	Varies
Smart Health Dental	Preventative PPO	$750	$0	Nationwide	Preventative: 80% year 1; 100% years 2 & 3 Basic: 50%–80% Major: 0%
Aetna Dental	Direct Core PPO	$1,000	$50 per person $150 per family	Nationwide	Preventative: 100% Basic: 50% Major: 50%
Spirit Dental & Vision	Senior Preferred Network	None	$100 lifetime	Varies	Preventative: 100% Basic: up to 90% Major: up to 65%
Denali Dental & Vision	Denali Ridge Plan	Up to $6,000	$100 lifetime	Not available in AK, KS, MD, ME, MO, MT, NC, NM, NY, PA, RI, SD, UT and WA	Preventative:100% Basic: 50% Major: 10% (up to 50% in fourth year)
1Dental	Dental Access Plan (discount plan)	None	N/A	Nationwide	15% – 50% discount per visit
Guardian Dental	Starter	$500 ($1,000 year 3+)	$0 in-network $50 out-of-network	Varies	Preventative:100% Basic: 50% Major: 0%

^*Year one

What Does Dental Insurance Cover?

Dental insurance for seniors over 65 helps cover your out-of-pocket costs. While the specifics of coverage may vary, a comprehensive dental insurance plan is designed to cover a wide range of preventive and comprehensive services, providing you with peace of mind about your oral health.

Here’s what most dental plans for seniors cover:

• Preventive services such as exams, dental X-rays, and one to four cleanings per year. Most plans don’t have a waiting period for preventive care and cover costs at 100%, up to the number of allowed services per year.
• Basic services like fillings, simple extractions, and periodontal maintenance services. Some plans don’t have a waiting period, but a 6-month waiting period is common. Plans cover between 30% and 100% of basic care, but some have graduated coverage that increases at each renewal.
• Major services are usually restorative procedures like dental implants, crowns, inlays, veneers, bridges, and dentures. These services are the most expensive and typically have the least coverage, ranging from 20% to 60%.
• Annual maximum limit: This is the most the dental insurance company will pay for a covered service in a single year. There may be a cap per service type or a limit that applies to all covered services.
• Lifetime maximum limit: A lifetime limit is the total amount the insurer will pay through the policy’s life. For example, it’s common to have a lifetime limit on orthodontia, like Spirit dental plans, which cap orthodontic services at $1,200 per child.

When to Consider Supplemental Dental Insurance

Dental implants, bridges, and other restorative procedures can cost thousands of dollars, and your dentist might not offer a payment plan. Even the best dental insurance plan can have coverage gaps or long waits for comprehensive dental benefits. You might consider supplemental dental insurance depending on your overall health and dental care needs.

The perfect plan might be different types of plans to meet your needs. 

For instance, you might pick a plan that your preferred dentist is in-network and covers preventive care at 100%. Then, get another plan with a high annual maximum for major dental work and the largest network of dentists so you can find the right specialist for your future needs. If you need work done sooner, buy a plan with a short or no waiting period for major services.

Medicare beneficiaries on a fixed income can often qualify for a Medicare Supplement dental plan with a $0 premium through insurers like Humana, Aetna, and Cigna. Check out the Medicare Advantage marketplace to see what you qualify for and at what cost.

You could also add a dental discount plan, which offers additional discounts for eyewear, contacts, and hearing aids. Dental discount plans don’t have coverage caps, waiting periods, or lifetime limits. They can be a good choice to use in place of dental insurance (you can’t use insurance and discount plans for the same procedure).

How to Compare Dental Plans for Seniors

Consider the following when searching for the best dental insurance for seniors:

PPO Dental Insurance vs. HMO Dental Insurance

The most common dental plans are plans for dental health maintenance organizations (DHMOs) or dental preferred provider organizations (DPPOs).

DPPOs are often more expensive and may require you to pay more for services out of pocket, they have benefits that might make PPO plans more attractive than HMO plans: a large network of providers, no specialist referrals, and out-of-network coverage.

If you choose an HMO plan, chances are you’ll see cheaper premiums, no annual maximum, and small to no deductibles. But you’re only covered if you see an in-network provider. And if you require a specialist like an endodontist or oral surgeon, you need a referral first. PPO plans allow you to see any dentist or specialist without a referral, but you’ll usually pay more out of pocket for out-of-network dentists.

Premiums

The cost you pay for your dental insurance plan is known as the premium. Many plans require annual premiums, though some offer monthly premiums with a small billing fee.

Deductibles 

Depending on your deductible, you’ll have to pay a certain amount for covered services before your insurer starts paying its share. Most plans come with annual deductibles you must meet each year, but some, like Spirit and Denali Dental, have lifetime deductibles you only have to meet once.

Dental Services Covered

Most dental plans have exclusions, so check your policy carefully to ensure there’s coverage for the services you need. For example, many plans exclude adult orthodontic care, and some might exclude some restorative services like dental implants.

Everyone has different dental needs. If you only go to the dentist for exams and cleanings, focus on a plan that covers preventive care at 100% and at least two cleanings per year. But if you have basic or restorative dental care needs, look for plans with robust, comprehensive coverage with a large annual maximum to get the most out of the policy.

Out-of-pocket Costs

The most comprehensive plan covers the majority of expenses, reducing overall costs. Compare affordable dental insurance plans to find the right one with the maximum benefit to help you maintain a healthy smile in your golden years.

Maximums

Some policies have a maximum annual benefit for all services, while others have different caps for various services. Pay attention when comparing plans, as some may have a lifetime benefit for certain procedures like orthodontia, implants, or dentures.

Waiting Periods

Some of the best dental plans for seniors don’t have waiting periods, but many have 6- or 12-month gaps for basic and major dental work before your plan will start paying for covered procedures.

Monthly Cost of Senior Dental Plans

Monthly premiums for a senior dental plan depend on the insurance company, plan type and coverage details, and sometimes your ZIP code. To answer the question, “How much is dental insurance?” we sourced plan costs directly from our top recommended dental insurance websites. 

Here are some examples of what a dental plan for seniors might cost you. Plans for two people or a family will have higher rates.

Dental Insurance Company	Dental Plan	Monthly Cost, Individual
Aetna	Dental Direct Preferred PPO	$25.05
Careington Dental	500 Series	$12.42
Spirit Dental	Senior Preferred PPO	$43.62
Guardian	Achiever Plan	$29

Our Methodology

Retirement Living analyzed 19 dental insurance plans to determine the best dental insurance for seniors. Each dental insurance plan was evaluated based on the following key metrics, which we determined after consulting with licensed insurance experts:

• Cost (premiums, deductibles)
• Senior plan types (individual, individual +1) 
• Care coverage for basic, preventative, and major care
• Network 
• Plan availability
• Bundling options
• Provider reputations

Specifically, we evaluated member plans that would be most valuable to seniors. This included coverage for dentures and implants and dental plans available for seniors on Medicare and with existing vision coverage.

Senior Dental Insurance FAQ

Final Thoughts on Dental Insurance for Seniors

Cost and coverage are the two most important factors to consider when searching for dental insurance companies.

As a senior, our top choices offer an excellent selection of policies and discounts that can protect your savings without requiring you to pay excessive premiums. The companies we selected service almost all markets in the U.S. Remember that you can probably go out of network to see the dentist you prefer, but you will pay more out of pocket for doing so. If you have a favorite dentist, call their office to ask what dental insurances consider them in-network.

Senior citizens are very likely to have dental care expenses that could increase as the years go by, and they currently can’t rely on Medicare to cover the costs. Dental insurance and dental discount memberships are an affordable way to manage these costs but know what you are buying and understand the levels of coverage before you buy a plan.

• Great for dental and vision plans – Careington Dental
• Great dental marketplace – DentalPlans.com
• Great for no waiting periods – Smart Health Dental
• Great network – Aetna Dental
• Great lifetime deductible – Spirit Dental & Vision
• Great for annual cleanings – Denali Dental & Vision
• Largest coverage network – United HealthCare Dental
• Great for bundling – 1Dental
• No waiting period, preventative care – Guardian Dental

---

More Related Articles

• Dental Insurance vs Dental Savings Plans: What’s The Difference?
• 4 Factors Of Dental Savings Plans For Retirees
• 5 Ways For People On Medicare To Get Dental Coverage
• Dental Insurance and The Affordable Care Act
• 9 Affordable Dental Care Options

---

Dental Insurance Companies By State