What dental insurance is worth: Insights from the 2025 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report

For families, dental insurance can mean up to $1,000 a year in savings on care. That’s money staying in your pocket for groceries, school supplies, or family outings. According to Delta Dental’s 2025 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report, dental benefits deliver financial relief while also improving health and peace of mind.

However, many households still wonder: Is it really worth it? Here’s what the latest research reveals, and what it means for you.

Why Dental Insurance Matters

Protecting Physical Health

• 86% of adults say dental insurance is essential to protecting both oral and overall health.

• Preventive visits make a difference: adults with insurance are more than twice as likely to see the dentist regularly (67% vs. 28% without).

• Skipping coverage isn’t just about teeth, it can mean missing warning signs of bigger health issues. Fewer adults recognize the link between oral health and conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke, but the science is clear: what happens in your mouth affects the rest of your body.

Supporting Mental Well-being

• 85% of adults say dental insurance gives them peace of mind and encourages better oral habits.

• Feeling confident about your oral health removes a major source of everyday stress. When you know routine visits and potential emergencies are covered, you can focus on living, without dental anxiety or financial strain hanging over you.

Boosting Financial Security

• Most adults (84%) believe dental insurance helps save money in the long run.

• In 2024, insured households reported saving about $400 per individual or $1,000 for a family of four, enough to cover a weekend trip, several months of groceries, or other essentials.

• Beyond savings, 77% value the pre-negotiated discounts insurance provides, making costs more predictable and affordable. A small monthly premium can help avoid large, unexpected bills for fillings, crowns, or extractions, and keep family budgets stable.

Lowering Barriers to Care

• Dental anxiety and cost concerns are two of the biggest reasons people avoid visits. Insurance helps buffer unexpected expenses and makes preventive visits routine, reducing the likelihood of painful or costly emergencies down the road.

• Having coverage removes the fear of “what if something happens.” People are more likely to get the care they need when it’s affordable and predictable, which leads to better long-term outcomes and fewer emergencies.

Tips for Choosing Dental Insurance

Finding the right plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Keep these practical steps in mind:

1. Understand Your Needs
   Think about what you and your family use most, routine cleanings, orthodontics, or major dental work. Choose a plan that covers both regular and potential future needs.

2. Check Coverage Details
   Look for plans that include two cleanings a year, basic restoration, and emergency care. Pay attention to annual limits, waiting periods, and whether cosmetic procedures are included.

3. Confirm Provider Networks
   Make sure your current dentist is in-network, or that the plan offers plenty of choices near your home or workplace.

4. Balance Cost and Benefits
   Compare monthly premiums with expected out-of-pocket costs. Factor in what routine care would cost without coverage.

5. Look for Extras
   Some plans include discounts on orthodontics, coverage for children’s dental needs, or free preventive service, don’t overlook these added values.

6. Learn from Others
   Check reviews and ask friends or coworkers about their experience with specific insurers and networks.

Dental insurance is more than just a monthly bill, it’s an investment in your health and peace of mind. The 2025 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report shows that people with coverage have healthier habits, fewer financial worries, and more consistent preventive care.

If you’ve been putting off coverage, you’re not alone, but you’re also not without options. More than one in four uninsured adults plan to enroll in dental insurance this year, recognizing its long-term value.

So, ask yourself: When was your last preventive visit, and do you have the coverage to make the next one affordable and stress-free?