Insurance Guides
Finding The Right Dental Insurance

How to choose the right dental insurance

Steps to choose the right plan

1

Assess your dental needs

Do you need preventive care like cleanings and exams?

Are you planning for orthodontics or major procedures like crowns?

Are you planning for orthodontics or major procedures like crowns?

2

Compare plan types

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Flexibility to see out-of-network providers, though at a higher cost.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Requires in-network providers but offers lower premiums.

Discount dental plans: Membership-based programs offering discounted rates rather than insurance coverage.

3

Understand coverage limits

Check the annual maximum the plan will pay.

Review what percentage of procedures are covered (e.g., preventive at 100%, basic at 80%, major at 50%).

Look for plans with no waiting periods for immediate coverage.

4

Review costs beyond premiums

Deductibles: Amount you pay before insurance covers expenses.

Copayments and coinsurance: Your share of costs for services.

Out-of-pocket maximums: The maximum you’ll pay annually for covered services.

5

Ensure your dentist is in-network

Use PepCare to find dentists who accept your insurance and are conveniently located.

Why dental insurance matters

Preventive care

Coverage for regular cleanings and exams ensures better long-term oral health.

Cost savings

Reduce out-of-pocket expenses for major procedures like root canals or crowns.

Peace of mind

Be prepared for unexpected dental emergencies.

Resources to help you decide

Healthcare.gov

Offers information on dental plans through the ACA Marketplace.

Look for dental plans
Medicaid & CHIP

Provides dental benefits for eligible children and, in some states, adults.

Visit Medicaid
HRSA-supported dental clinics

Federally funded clinics offering low-cost or free dental care.

Find a dental clinic
Dental schools

Many schools provide affordable care through supervised student clinics

Find a dental school

Tips for choosing the best plan

Look for comprehensive coverage

Ensure the plan covers preventive, basic, and major procedures.

Ask about orthodontic options

If you or a family member need braces, confirm coverage details.

Use PepCare for personalized searches

Quickly find dentists near you who align with your insurance.

Your questions answered

Explore our most asked questions and find out how we make healthcare communication simpler.

What is PepCare, and how can I use it as a patient?

PepCare is a platform connecting dental professionals with their peers and patients for referrals, secure messaging, and virtual care. It serves as a Software for Patient Referrals & Communication Management, helping patients easily find dentists, orthodontists, and other dental specialists. As a patient, you can use PepCare to search for trusted providers, schedule virtual consultations, securely communicate with your care team, and store or share dental records—all from one HIPAA-compliant platform. Whether you're looking for orthodontic treatment, a second opinion, or a new dental provider, PepCare simplifies your care journey at no cost.

Is my personal health information safe on PepCare?
Is PepCare free to use for patients?

Yes! All patient features on PepCare are 100% free. You can search for dentists, orthodontists, and other specialists, submit photos for virtual evaluations, send secure messages to your providers, and manage your dental records at no cost. PepCare is available on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, making it easy to access whenever you need it.

How do I find a dental specialist through PepCare?

PepCare's Doctor Finder tool makes it simple to connect with the right specialist. You can search by specialty (general dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, etc.), location, or insurance coverage to find the best provider for your needs. With PepCare, you can quickly discover highly rated dentists and orthodontists in your area and make informed decisions about your care.