Delta Dental Insurance Review

We value Delta Dental insurance for its transparency in service costs. They offer a cost estimator that conveniently estimates potential dental expenses before you undergo services.

With Delta Dental, you usually get two yearly preventive visits, like routine cleanings and checkups, without waiting periods.

While Delta Dental may cover up to 80% of basic services, there is a six-month waiting period. The average cost for an individual Delta Dental Premier plan is approximately $50.

To get a full picture of Delta Dental’s offerings, I’ll compare it to Ameritas, another popular dental insurance provider, considering factors like coverage, cost, and waiting periods.

Let’s take a closer look at what Delta Dental has to offer.

Delta Dental Insurance: Pros + Cons

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Pros:

• Comprehensive coverage with up to a $2,000 annual maximum payout.
• A cost estimator to help you understand expenses before you undergo services.
• Preventive care is covered at 100%, basic care at 80%, and major care at 50%.
• Orthodontic treatments are also covered at 50% for children and adults.
• Coverage is available nationwide.
• High ratings through AM Best and the BBB.

Cons:

• Delta Dental charges a $10 enrollment fee, unlike most competitors who do not have an enrollment fee.
• Some procedures may have limitations or exclusions. Be sure to verify if your preferred dentist is included.
• High annual maximum payouts provide extensive coverage but may come with higher premiums. For minimal dental care, the cost might outweigh the benefits.
• 6-month waiting period for basic care and a 1-year waiting period for major care.

Our Thoughts:

Delta Dental is known for offering some of the best plans on the market.

While the extensive range of options and high coverage limits appeal to potential customers, be mindful that the premiums can sometimes be higher than those of other providers.

Additionally, the long waiting periods for basic and major care can be a drawback for those requiring immediate dental attention.

Delta Dental Plan Options

Here’s a closer look at Delta Dental’s main plans, including premium ranges, coverage percentages, and key features.

Remember: Premiums and coverage details can vary depending on your location, age, and the plan you choose.

Delta Dental PPO

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How Delta Dental PPO Works:

A PPO dental plan gives you the flexibility to visit any licensed dentist, with extra savings when you stick to Delta Dental PPO network providers.

Here’s what you get:

• Monthly premiums between $25–$60
• 100% coverage for preventive care
• 70–80% for basic services
• 50% for major services

Annual maximums are typically $1,000–$2,000, and some plans may have a waiting period of 6–12 months. Orthodontic coverage is also available with select plans.

Best for: People who want the freedom to choose their dentist, with reasonable premiums and solid coverage.

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How Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier Works:

It combines the benefits of the PPO and Premier networks, offering a broader selection of dentists while maximizing cost savings.

Here’s what you get:

• Premiums ranging from $30–$75 per month
• 100% preventive care coverage
• 70–80% for basic services
• 50% for major services.

Annual maximums typically reach up to $2,000, with waiting periods of 6 months for basic and 12 months for major services. Some plans may also include orthodontic coverage.

Best for: People who want more dentist options and don’t mind paying a bit extra for added flexibility.

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How Delta Dental Premier Works:

This fee-for-service plan gives you access to the extensive Premier network, which includes many dentists who have agreed to Delta Dental’s set fees.

Here’s what you get:

• Plans typically cost $35–$80 per month
• Includes 100% coverage for preventive care
• 70–80% for basic services
• 50% for major services

Annual maximums range from $1,000 to $1,500, with standard waiting periods of 6 months for basic and 12 months for major services. Orthodontic coverage is less common.

Best for: People who want access to a wide network of dentists and might already have relationships with Premier network providers.

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How DeltaCare® USA (DHMO) Works:

The Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) plan requires members to choose a primary care dentist from the DeltaCare network.

Referrals are necessary for access to specialist services.

Here’s what you get:

• Premiums typically range from $15 to $30 per month.​
• Preventive care has fixed copayments, often $0 for services like exams and cleanings.​
• Basic and major services have fixed copayments as outlined in the plan’s fee schedule.​

There are no annual maximums and no waiting periods.  Orthodontic coverage is available with predetermined copayments.

Best for: People or families who want predictable costs and don’t mind a managed care setup, like choosing a primary dentist.

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How Delta Dental Patient Direct Works:

This is a discount program, not traditional insurance, offering members access to reduced rates from participating dentists for an annual membership fee.

Membership costs $75–$100 annually and offers discounted rates on most dental services. There are no annual maximums, no waiting periods, and orthodontic discounts are available.

Best for: People with no major dental problems who want to save money without dealing with traditional insurance plans.​

• Important to note:

  While HMO plans may offer lower premiums, PPO plans might be more cost-effective for those with significant dental care needs.

Overview of Delta Dental for Seniors

One thing we appreciate about Delta Dental is that they are transparent about service costs. Their Dental Care Cost Estimator conveniently provides you with an estimate of potential costs before you receive services.

Let’s look at some more details about Delta Dental.

#1. Preventive Care Coverage

With Delta Dental, members typically have access to two preventive sessions annually, including routine cleanings and checkups, without waiting periods.

Tip: Certain medications can increase susceptibility to dental caries and periodontal diseases, so be sure to inform your dentist about any medications you take so they can monitor you properly.

#2. Basic and Major Services

Delta Dental covers a wide range of dental procedures, including:

• Routine cleanings
• Dentures
• Periodontal cleaning
• Scaling and root planing
• Gum tissue grafts

Delta Dental offers potential savings of up to 80% on basic and major dental services.

#3. Waiting Periods and Exclusions

I want you to be aware that certain services under Delta Dental may have waiting periods. For instance, restorative services like fillings and non-surgical extractions may have a 6-12 month waiting period, while major services like crowns, bridges, and dentures typically have a standard 12-month waiting period.

However, Delta Dental offers graduated benefits, where coverage for select services may start from 10% – 25% in the first year and increase to 25% – 50% in subsequent years, up to the annual maximum.

Does Delta Dental Offer Any Additional Perks?

Yes, Delta Dental offers extra perks and benefits beyond traditional dental coverage.

These can vary a bit depending on your plan and location, but here are some common ones you might get:

• Vision and Hearing Discounts: Through partnerships with providers like Amplifon, members can access savings such as up to 66% off hearing aids and related services.
• LASIK Surgery Savings: Members may benefit from discounts of up to 35% on LASIK eye surgery through QualSight. ​
• Teledentistry Services: Certain Delta Dental plans include virtual dental consultations at no additional cost, allowing members to receive professional dental advice remotely.
• Oral Health Product Discounts: Through the BrushSmart™ program, members can obtain discounts on oral health products like toothbrushes and flossers.
• Discount Marketplace: Members have access to exclusive discounts on various health and wellness products and services, including gym memberships and identity theft protection.

Is There A Better Option Then Delta Dental?

Delta Dental is known for its great reputation, large provider network, and solid dental insurance plans. With a range of options, wellness perks, and flexibility, it’s a popular pick for many individuals and families.

But while Delta Dental is a reliable choice, there’s another provider that stands out even more – Ameritas.

Up next, we’ll explain why Ameritas brings extra value, more flexibility, and better long-term benefits, making it our top pick for dental insurance.

Ameritas Dental Overview:

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Ameritas Dental Insurance is a great choice for individuals and families who want reliable, flexible, and affordable dental coverage. With no waiting periods, high annual maximums (up to $3,000), and coverage for major services and orthodontics, Ameritas offers solid value.

The plans are straightforward—no hidden fees—and you can choose from a large national network or go out-of-network and still possibly get reimbursed.

Ameritas offers individual dental plans with monthly premiums starting at just $25, depending on where you live and the coverage you choose.

Most plans include 100% coverage for preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays), 80% coverage for basic services (like fillings and extractions), and 50% for major services (think crowns, root canals, or dentures).

Many plans also include orthodontic benefits and come with no waiting periods for preventive or basic care. With annual maximums ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, these plans give you plenty of coverage and flexibility.

Ameritas Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• No waiting periods on many plans for preventive, basic, and even some major services
• High annual maximums, often up to $2,000 or more
• Coverage for orthodontics, including adult braces on select plans
• 100% preventive care coverage on most plans
• Large national provider network with out-of-network flexibility
• Transparent pricing and easy-to-understand benefits
• Fast claims processing and strong customer service reputation

Cons

• Limited bundling options (vision or medical not typically bundled)
• Higher premiums on plans with richer benefits or no waiting periods

Our Opinion:

If you’re looking for dependable dental insurance without long waiting periods or limited benefits, Ameritas is a smart and simple choice.

Delta Dental vs. Ameritas: A Detailed Comparison

In order to determine which provider offers the better value, we should directly compare Delta Dental vs. Ameritas.

Here’s a brief overview of how these two stack up against one another:

• Ameritas Dental:
  • Waiting Periods: None for most services.
  • Vision & Hearing: Offers plans that can include vision and hearing benefits alongside dental coverage.
  • Preventative Coverage: Covered at 100% with no waiting period, including up to three exams and cleanings per year.
  • Basic Services Covered: 65%-90% coverage right away, without any waiting period.
  • Major Services Covered: Begins at 20%-50% coverage with no waiting period.
  • Orthodontia: Available for children, with some plans covering it.
  • Teeth Whitening: Covered under some Ameritas plans.
  • Annual Maximums: Ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, which is relatively high.
• Delta Dental:
  • Waiting Periods: None, but only for preventative services.
  • Vision & Hearing: No bundling plan options for vision and hearing.
  • Preventative Coverage: 100% covered with no waiting period, limited to two yearly exams and cleanings.
  • Basic Services Covered: Up to 80%, but with a waiting period of 6 months.
  • Major Services Covered: 50% coverage after a 12-month waiting period.
  • Orthodontia: Yes, but will vary by plan.
  • Teeth Whitening: Coverage varies by plan.
  • Annual Maximums: Ranges between $1,000 and $2,000, which can be less than what Ameritas offers.

In a nutshell:

Ameritas Dental offers more immediate benefits, with no waiting periods for most services, higher coverage percentages from the start, and additional benefits for vision and hearing in some plans.

Delta Dental provides solid preventive care coverage but has waiting periods for more significant procedures and less generous annual maximums.

Bottom Line

Delta Dental has a large network of dentists and is a popular choice for many seniors.

But, when you compare Delta Dental with Ameritas, Ameritas really stands out. One big perk is there are no waiting periods with Ameritas. Plus, they offer three exams and cleanings a year, while Delta Dental gives just two.

Delta Dental might cover basic services a bit more, up to 80%, but there is a six-month waiting period.

Before deciding about dental insurance, it’s important to understand your dental needs. Some may only require basic preventative care, such as regular cleanings and check-ups, while others may need more extensive procedures, such as root canals or dentures.

If you need any help comparing dental plans, feel free to give us a call.  We’d be happy to help!

Sources:  Delta Dental for Seniors  |  Ameritas Dental

FAQs

• Does Delta Dental offer plans specifically for seniors?

  Yes, Delta Dental offers dental insurance plans specifically designed for seniors to address their specific dental care needs.

• Does Delta Dental have a wide network of providers?

  Yes, Delta Dental has a wide network of over 112,000 dentists and 152,000 providers, offering seniors access to quality dental care nationwide.

• How much are braces without insurance?

  Braces without insurance can be quite costly, with prices varying based on the type of treatment and how complex your dental needs are. On average, traditional metal braces usually cost between $4,500 and $7,000. Ceramic braces are slightly more expensive, ranging from $5,000 to $8,000, while Invisalign or other clear aligners typically fall between $3,500 and $8,000, depending on the case.

• Do most dentists accept Delta Dental?

  Yes, most dentists in the U.S. accept Delta Dental insurance—in fact, Delta Dental has one of the largest provider networks in the country. Their network includes over 155,000 dentists at more than 400,000 locations nationwide.

• Does Original Medicare cover dental?

  Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally doesn’t cover dental care like cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, or crowns. However, it may cover medically necessary dental services, such as tooth extractions before certain surgeries, jaw reconstruction after an accident, or hospital stays related to dental procedures (excluding the dental work itself).