A shocking 72 million adults in the United States don’t have dental insurance, according to a recent survey conducted by CareQuest Institute. With roughly half of Americans receiving dental benefits from their employers, that leaves a growing segment of non-traditional freelance, contract, and self-employed workers to search for their own coverage.

Whether you run your own business, are still in school, or work fewer than 40 hours a week, navigating dental insurance plans can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: it’s not as complicated as you might think! By understanding a few basics and exploring the available options, you can be confidently covered in no time.

Why dental insurance matters

There are many reasons why you should have dental insurance. Maintaining proper oral care is about more than just a pretty smile, as your oral health is directly tied to your overall health. In fact, the mouth can be an early warning system for numerous diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, HIV, and even different cancers.

Having dental insurance helps make preventive care and necessary treatments more affordable, which can ease financial stress for you and your family. Dental insurance reduces out-of-pocket costs and makes it easier to stay on top of routine visits. Research shows that people with dental insurance are twice as likely to receive preventive care compared to those without coverage.

How do I know if I need to find my own dental insurance? 

Unfortunately, dental insurance isn’t guaranteed. Even if you have a full-time job, employers aren’t required by federal law to offer dental coverage. Company size, budget, and employment type are all factors that may determine whether your company decides to offer dental benefits.

If you fall into the following categories, you’ll likely need to secure your own dental insurance:

• Freelancers and gig workers: If you run your own business, work on contract, or take on gig jobs (think Uber, Postmates, or freelance photography), you’re considered self-employed, and that means dental coverage is up to you to secure.
• College and graduate students: Most dental insurance plans allow dependents to stay on a parent’s plan until they are 26 years old. If you’re under 26 and covered by a parent, you’re likely good for now. If you fall outside of this, make sure to explore getting your own coverage! Be sure to check with your university to see if they offer student health plans at a discounted rate.
• Part-time employees: Generally, anyone who works at a job fewer than eight hours a day or 40 hours a week is considered a part-time employee. Of course, what is considered “part-time” can vary depending on your employer. Often, part-time employees don’t receive a complete benefits package, so dental insurance may be yours to acquire.

Choosing the right plan for you

Most insurance companies offer plans for individuals and families to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for dental care. Before digging in, take the time to evaluate your dental needs, budget, and anticipated level of care.

Ask yourself questions like:

• Are you buying dental insurance for just you or your family?
• Do you have a history of oral health issues?
• How much can you afford to spend each month?

These answers will help guide you as you begin to search for available plans. Generally, there are four different types of plans: PPO, HMO, Discount, and Managed-Fee-for-Service plans. Each plan operates differently in terms of out-of-pocket costs, benefits, deductibles, and provider flexibility.

For more information on these four types of plans, check out this blog.

What to look for when comparing dental insurance plans

Once you start comparing plans, you’ll want to examine the coverage, network size, and cost associated with each one. Most insurance websites will have a dedicated page to help you shop for benefits with a personalized quote.

Look for answers to questions like:

• What services are included? (e.g. cleanings, fillings, emergency procedures, etc.)
• Is my preferred dentist in-network?
• What are the monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, and annual maximums with this plan?

If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team and speak with a representative who can help walk you through your options.

Ready to sign up for dental insurance? Here’s how to enroll today!

Delta Dental of Wisconsin’s individual plans make it easy to stay covered, no matter your employment status. Contact our customer experience team to speak with a plan specialist.