Small business dental insurance plans
Most health insurance plans generally don’t cover the cost of regular dental checkups and services for employees and their families. Dental insurance contributes to their overall well-being by helping them manage expenses for routine cleanings, fillings, crowns, and other needed dental procedures. The fact is, 83% of US adults say that oral health is important to them.1 Dental insurance is a valuable benefit offering that not only supports employees’ oral health but also helps attract and retain top talent.
Consider offering a plan that contributes to oral health and physical wellness
Look for a dental plan from an insurance company that helps keep members healthier by lowering the cost of important oral health care procedures — as well as the treatments people want. For example, Guardian helps members access urgent dental care via teledentistry. Our plans can also cover oral cancer screenings, enhanced periodontal treatments, dental implants, and additional cleanings for certain medical conditions after the annual maximum is met.
Dental insurance matters, because so many health conditions are linked to poor oral health, including:
Diabetes | Dementia | Osteoporosis |
Suppressed immune system2 | Rheumatoid arthritis | Stroke3 |
Kidney disease | Cardiovascular disease | Liver disease |
Pregnancy complications | Pneumonia | Endocarditis4,5 |
Getting the right plan
Every business is different, and no "standard" plan can be right for every business' needs. That's why it’s important to work with a provider who can customize dental care options to meet the needs of all kinds of businesses — even for those with very few employees. To help further control costs, you may choose to pay all or a portion of the premiums, opt for employee-paid (voluntary) benefits, or you even choose Administrative Services Only (ASO) option, depending on the carrier.6
Here's what your dental benefits can cover
Even a basic dental plan will cover regular checkups at little or no cost, and more comprehensive plans can help your employees pay for major services that might otherwise cost thousands. Your insurance professional can explain the plan options and how different types of services may be covered under your company's plan:
Preventive care | Checkups, cleanings, routine x-rays, and fluoride treatments |
Basic restorative care | Fillings and extractions |
Major restorative care | More complex treatments such as root canals, crowns, bridges, and dentures |
Orthodontic treatment | Braces and other types of teeth aligners |
What will it cost my employees, and my business?
That’s an important question — and it may cost less than you think. For one, group dental benefit premiums can be employer-paid or voluntary (i.e., employee-paid), with easy automatic monthly deductions. Either way, they're typically more affordable than they would be for an individual plan with the same level of benefits.
Again, when you or your employees visit the dentist, there’s typically little or no cost for checkups and basic preventive care. But for other procedures and treatments there can be other costs, depending on the plan.
Deductibles | The yearly amount you have to pay before the insurance carrier starts to cover services (but typically, plans cover preventive care without a deductible) |
Coinsurance | The percentage of costs you owe for services once you've met your deductible |
Copay | Fees charged for specific services or treatments |
Annual maximums | The most the insurance carrier will pay for dental services in a given year; you are responsible for all charges over the maximum |
Choose between Dental PPO and Dental HMO plans, or offer both: the Dual Choice option
1. Dental PPO: More Dentist Choice
Similar to PPO health plans, these dental insurance plans typically have an extensive network of providers, but also let you see out-of-network dentists. But when employees stay in network, they pay less and don't need to submit claims.
2. Dental HMO: Lower overall costs
These dental plans tend to offer lower premiums, but there's also less flexibility with a limited network of providers. Like HMO health care plans, you choose a Primary Dentist and have to go through him or her for all your care, including specialist referrals. Many DHMO dental plans have no deductibles or maximums — and while there are copayments for most non-preventive treatments, your overall costs will likely be lower.
Could an Administrative Services Only (ASO) dental insurance plan be right for your business?
With an ASO plan, your company funds the plan, and the insurance company provides all the administrative services, including claims processing, access to network providers, and more. It’s an option that could make great sense if your company has 25 or more employees. Benefits of Guardian’s ASO Dental offering can include:
13% – 17% cost savings, on average (savings vary by company)
Better cash flow
No ACA taxes
Fewer state regulations
Frequently asked questions about dental insurance for small business
As with health plans, average cost estimates vary widely depending on business size, location, plan type, and coverage levels. Even so, the cost of quality, employer-paid coverage is much lower than a health plan, commonly in the range of $26 to $52 per person per month.7 Plus, you could qualify for a tax credit.8 It’s also important to note that dental insurance can also be offered as a voluntary (i.e., employee-paid) benefit, with minimal costs to the business. Employees still come out ahead because employer plans offer affordable group rates and may have more features than a comparable individual plan.
Group plan eligibility typically starts at companies with two or more employees; if you are self-employed, you’ll likely have to get individual dental coverage. Plans vary in their combinations of benefits, features, rates, and coverage options. Generally speaking, the best dental insurance for an individual or family is the plan that provides the most value by letting them see a dentist they like and offers coverage for the treatments they’re likely to need at a price that fits their budget. While dental discount plans may seem like an attractive alternative, you should note that they only offer discounts and don’t encourage preventive care by paying for the entire cost of routine checkups.
Yes, absolutely. If a group plan isn’t available through your employer, you can still find a quality dental insurance plan. Many major insurance companies make it easy for individuals and families to compare quotes.
Effectively communicating dental insurance details to employees is crucial for ensuring they understand and utilize their benefits. Small business owners can use various channels to share information about dental insurance, such as online portals and communications, employee handbooks, and benefits meetings. Insurance providers can support new members by providing useful information and education to help them understand, use, and appreciate their benefits. By making this information easily accessible and understandable, small business owners can help employees better maintain good oral health.
Dental insurance is subject to various regulations and compliance requirements, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Small business owners must ensure that their dental insurance plans comply with these regulations, which can be complex and time-consuming. To navigate these requirements, it’s recommended that small business owners work with a licensed insurance broker or consultant. These professionals can help ensure that dental insurance plans are compliant with all relevant regulations, which in turn helps protect the business from potential legal issues.