The Value of Dental Insurance vs. Paying Out-of-Pocket
Posted on August 22, 2022 in Insurance
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*Updated September 2026
Key takeaways about the value of dental insurance:
- Most adults recognize the importance of dental visits, but misconceptions about cost, coverage, and the value of dental insurance can prevent some from enrolling in a plan.
- Purchasing dental insurance may cover the cost of preventive care visits. Routine care helps dentists identify oral health issues earlier and lower the risk of more serious and costly treatments later on.
- Paying out of pocket may seem more affordable at first, but dental insurance can lower overall treatment costs through covered preventive care, negotiated rates, and reduced out-of-pocket expenses.
Ninety percent of adults admitted they “believe that a dental visit is as important as an annual physical,” according to the Delta Dental 2026 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report.
However, only 32% of adults made a preventive visit to the dentist in 2025 without dental insurance. If most Americans agree on the value of going to the dentist, why do so many opt out of having dental coverage?
Misconceptions about dental insurance
Many people skip dental insurance because of common misconceptions, such as it’s too expensive or only “worth it” if you need major dental work. In reality, dental insurance can be affordable and typically covers preventive care like cleanings and exams.
Others believe paying out-of-pocket is easier, but one unexpected dental procedure can be costly. According to GoodRx, a dental cleaning can range between $75 to $200 dollars without insurance, whereas a procedure like a root canal can cost between $700 to $2,100 dollars. Without coverage, even basic dental care can become a major expense.
Why have dental insurance?
Here are some things to consider when evaluating the true value of dental insurance:
Dental insurance helps control the costs of dental care
- Without dental insurance, you're responsible for the full cost of treatment. But with a Delta Dental of Iowa plan, you benefit from discounted rates and coverage that helps reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Preventive care exams and cleanings are often covered at 100 percent, meaning you pay nothing out-of-pocket. When you consider the cost of major procedures, dental insurance can often save you money.
Dental insurance helps prevent the development of more severe issues
- Because dental insurance focuses on preventive care, those with insurance are less likely to have severe dental problems. By visiting the dentist more frequently, dentists can detect problems early on and treat them before they develop into more severe issues. This creates peace of mind for those with dental insurance because they know they won’t have to suffer from painful complications due to untreated oral health problems.
Resources from Delta Dental help save time
- Visiting the dentist can be a time-consuming task. From finding a dentist, getting a quote from their office, and scheduling your appointment, there’s a lot to do. Fortunately, Delta Dental of Iowa offers a variety of tools to ease the process for our members, including:
Offering dental insurance fosters a better work environment
Dental insurance is a good investment
Dental insurance does more than just lower your dental bills, it helps protect the health of both you and your family. By reducing out-of-pocket costs and encouraging routine check-ups, dental coverage makes it easier to stay on top of preventive care and catch issues early, before they become more serious and expensive.
Whether it's for cleanings, fillings, or more advanced treatments, having the right dental plan can lead to better oral health and long-term savings. Explore your options and find a plan that fits your needs and your budget today.