Routine visits help your dentist detect oral health issues early on, so you can address them before they become more serious. Even so, many people delay or skip these visits due to cost concerns. In fact, over half of adults who don’t visit the dentist cite cost as the reason.1
That’s where affordable dental insurance can make a meaningful difference. The right plan can make preventive care more accessible and help you stay consistent with your routine checkups.
What is preventive dental care?
The purpose of preventive dental care is to help you maintain your oral health and reduce your risk of developing more serious problems. Common preventive services include:
According to the CDC, you should visit the dentist at least once a year.2 Meanwhile, most dentists recommend having a professional cleaning every six months.3
Why preventive dental care matters
Preventive care plays a much larger role in oral health than many people realize. Routine dental visits can help your dentist spot early signs of cavities, gum disease and other oral health concerns.
Treating these issues early is often less invasive and more affordable than waiting until they worsen. Left untreated, minor concerns can develop into more serious problems that require complex procedures, such as root canals, crowns or extractions.
Preventive care is also correlated with better overall health. When dental issues go untreated, the resulting inflammation and bacteria may increase your risk of chronic health conditions, such as:4
By taking good care of your teeth and gums with preventive treatments, you can maintain a brighter smile and support your overall well-being.
The missing piece: consistency
More than 90% of adults recognize that oral health is an essential part of their overall health.5 However, this awareness doesn’t always translate into regular visits to the dentist. Nearly one-third of young adults haven’t seen the dentist in the past 12 months.6
Lack of insurance coverage is a leading reason people delay their dental care. In 2024, nearly 70% of insured patients booked a preventive dental visit, compared to just 28% of patients without dental insurance.7
How dental insurance supports preventive care
Dental insurance is designed to encourage patients to keep up with their preventive care. That’s because insurance companies understand that routine visits help lower your risk of needing more costly treatments down the line.
As a result, many dental insurance plans cover preventive services at or near 100%. This means you can often receive biannual cleanings and routine exams with little to no out-of-pocket cost.
How preventive care helps you save money over time
Along with enhancing your oral health, preventive care can help you save money in the long run. Studies show that every $1 spent on preventive care saves patients an average of $8 to $50 on more invasive, restorative treatments.8 In other words, investing in your routine care today can help you avoid larger dental bills in the future.
How dental insurance supports other types of care
While preventive services are often covered at the highest level, dental insurance can also help reduce the cost of more complex treatments, including many basic and major services.
Basic dental services
Basic services treat common dental issues that require timely care to prevent them from getting worse. Insurance plans can share the cost of these treatments, often covering up to 80%.
Common basic services include:9
Major dental services
Major services involve more complex or restorative procedures. Since these treatments tend to be more expensive, insurance plans usually cover a smaller percentage, often around 50%.
Examples of major services include:10
The verdict: Is dental insurance worth it?
Dental insurance can help you stay on track with preventive care by making the cost of your routine visits more manageable and predictable. Additionally, 84% of surveyed policyholders claim their dental insurance helps them save money in the long term.11
For these reasons, the overwhelming majority of policyholders believe their dental plan is worth it. By getting the right plan, you can enjoy the same peace of mind.