Offering dental insurance is a smart way to support your employees’ overall health—and it can boost morale and retention, too. But with so many plan types and coverage levels available, choosing the right option for your company can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re offering dental benefits for the first time or reviewing your current plan, this guide will help you navigate the key decisions more confidently.
Let’s break it down into what matters most:
plan types,
covered services, and how to match your choice with your team’s needs.
Understanding the 3 Main Types of Dental Plans
There are three common types of dental coverage employers typically offer. Each has its own pros and cons when it comes to flexibility, provider access, and cost.
Indemnity Plans
These fee-for-service style plans are the most common type. They require employees to pay monthly premiums to the insurance company, which agrees to reimburse dentist offices for the costs of the services provided.
What makes these plans so popular is the freedom that covered individuals have in choosing their own dentist. Fee-for-service plans cost more than other plans, but many people are willing to pay more to retain the ability to choose their own practitioner.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) Plans
PPO dental plans are less expensive than indemnity plans, while still providing a large pool of dentists to choose from. Individuals covered under PPO plans are given the choice of receiving care from any provider within the plan's dentist network or choosing a non-network dentist and paying a little more in out-of-pocket expenses.
DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization) Plans
A DHMO is the least expensive type of plan. Covered individuals are given an even smaller pool of in-network dentists and may not receive coverage if treated at a non-network facility. DHMOs are able to cut costs by placing a strong focus on preventative care and by offering a selective number of dentists to choose from. The downside? Lack of provider choice.
What Services Will Be Covered?
Once you’ve picked a plan type, you’ll also need to decide what services your dental benefits will include. Some plans are comprehensive and cover everything from preventative care to major procedures, while others only cover preventative services.
Here’s a quick overview of care types:
- Preventive care: Includes check-ups, cleanings, x-rays, fluoride and sealants (usually for kids). Most plans cover these at 100%.
- Basic care: Covers fillings, simple extractions, and some oral surgeries.
- Major care: Includes root canals, crowns, bridges, dentures, and more complex procedures.
- Optional add-ons: Orthodontics (like braces or Invisalign), cosmetic procedures (such as whitening), and dental implants can often be added as riders or supplements for an extra cost.
Customizing your dental plan gives you flexibility—whether you want to offer just the basics or provide more robust benefits for a healthier, happier team.
Final Thoughts: Start with Your Employees
When choosing a dental plan, it’s all about finding the right fit between cost, coverage, and what your employees value most. Some teams prefer flexibility in choosing their provider, while others may prioritize low premiums.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Get feedback from your employees to understand their preferences.
- Consider offering voluntary supplemental options for orthodontics or cosmetic care, so employees can enhance their coverage if they wish—without extra cost to your business.
- Work with a licensed insurance broker, like us, who can help you compare plans side by side.
By offering thoughtful dental benefits, you’re not just checking a box—you’re helping your employees protect their health, reduce long-term medical costs, and feel valued. We are here to support you as you make these important dental decisions.
