Why Dental Insurance for Young Adults Matters
Posted on August 21, 2025 in Insurance
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Welcome to adulthood and all of the important decisions to come, from launching a career to finding a place to live and managing monthly bills. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by new responsibilities. While it might not be at the top of your to-do list, don’t overlook the benefit of investing in dental insurance as a young adult.
The importance of dental insurance for young adults
Oral health is important at every life stage, and having dental insurance makes it easy for you to keep up with proper care. Even if your teeth and smile are in great shape now, taking proactive steps to maintain them is the key to long-term wellness for your oral health and your wallet.
Still not convinced? Here are some reasons why dental insurance for young adults matters:
Dental insurance provides affordable access to care
Most dental insurance plans fully cover preventive care services like check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays. By visiting your dentist regularly and making the most of your benefits, you significantly reduce the risk of developing serious and costly dental issues down the line.
Note: Dental coverage varies significantly. Be sure to review your specific plan to fully understand your benefits.
Making and keeping dental appointments is easier with dental insurance for young adults
During this period in life, it’s easy to skip over important dental check-ups. But missing these appointments can have long-term consequences. Neglecting regular dental care increases your risk of developing serious oral health issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and other preventable conditions.
If your parents used to handle your dental appointments, now is the time to take ownership. Dental insurance gives you access to a network of trusted local providers who make it easy to schedule visits, send reminders, and simplify your dental care experience.
Dental insurance for young adults helps lower costs during a dental emergency
Life happens, and sometimes dental emergencies are a part of life. A knocked-out or broken tooth, sudden and severe tooth pain, infection or abscess, or severe cuts inside the soft tissues of your mouth are all examples of dental emergencies. Unfortunately, they are more common than you think.
The American Dental Association estimates that two million people experience dental emergencies every year. Untreated, these dental emergencies can lead to pain, serious infections, and even life-threatening complications. Therefore, it’s important to get care as soon as possible.
Having dental insurance for young adults helps alleviate some of the costs of dental emergencies, which can add up quickly.
Note: Dental coverage varies significantly. Be sure to review your specific plan to fully understand your benefits relating to dental emergencies.
Good oral health care supports overall health now and in the future
As a young adult, conditions like heart disease or diabetes might not be on your radar, but the choices you make now can influence your long-term health. Believe it or not, taking care of your teeth can reduce the risk of serious medical conditions that can develop because of the strong connection between oral and overall health.
A study published in Nature reveals a significant link between oral health and systemic conditions, such as the connection between periodontitis and diabetes, and dental caries and hypertension. These findings explain why maintaining oral health is essential for preventing and managing chronic diseases.
While you might not be facing health issues now, the steps you take today can shape your future. Using dental insurance for young adults to stay ahead of oral health problems is an easy way to lower your risk of developing serious systemic conditions later in life.
Dental insurance for young adults is easy and simple to use
Delta Dental of Iowa offers an online portal where you can see important documents like your member ID, information about coverage, a list of in-network dentists, and more. If you have a smart device, you have everything you need to access your dental benefits.
How to get dental insurance for young adults
Young adults typically have the option to stay on their parents’ dental insurance plan until they are 26 years old. However, there are times when you're eligible to get your own dental insurance plan. If you start a family or get a job with dental benefits, then it may no longer make sense to be part of a family plan.
If it’s time to purchase your own dental coverage, young adults have two options: purchase coverage through an employer-provided plan or purchase an individual policy on your own.
Employer-provided dental insurance for young adults
Employer-provided dental insurance plans can be offered as part of an employee benefits package. Because employers typically subscribe to group policies, they may come at a lower cost with the employer paying a portion of the premium on your behalf. These plans likely include access to a network of dental providers and will cover preventive services like cleanings, exams, and X-rays.
For many young adults entering the workforce, this is a convenient and cost-effective way to maintain regular oral health care.
Individual dental insurance for young adults
An individual dental insurance policy is coverage that you purchase on your own. These plans are ideal for young adults who are self-employed, between jobs, or are no longer accepted on their parents’ insurance. Individual policies often offer flexibility in choosing your coverage level, provider network, and budget.
While premiums may be higher than employer-provided plans, they still typically cover preventive care and can be tailored to include more comprehensive services depending on your needs.
To help you better understand the differences between the two options, here’s a side-by-side comparison:
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Employer-provided
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Individual
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Cost
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Generally, a lower cost because the employer pays some of the premium.
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Generally, more expensive because you are paying the full premium.
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Flexibility
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Limited due to the options and provider networks chosen by the employer.
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Fully customizable based on your specific needs.
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Provider network
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Access to a pre-selected network of providers.
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Access to a wider range of providers.
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Enrollment
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Usually done automatically through an employer or during open enrollment.
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Usually done during open enrollment but can be completed anytime with a qualifying life event.
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Coverage continuity
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Coverage ends after you leave a job.
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Coverage stays with you regardless of job status.
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Ease of use
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Typically managed by HR at the employer.
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Self-managed.
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Don’t sleep on dental insurance for young adults
Becoming a responsible adult means making smart choices that support your long-term health and financial well-being. Dental insurance for young adults is one of those choices. From routine check-ups to unexpected emergencies, having coverage ensures you’re prepared and protected. Whether through an employer or an individual plan, investing in dental insurance today sets the foundation for a healthier tomorrow.
Don’t wait until problems arise! Take control of your oral health now and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being covered.
Learn more about our dental insurance plans here.
Interested in learning more about the benefits of dental insurance? Check out “Why dental insurance?”