The ColoHealth Health & Wealth Newsletter
July 2025
Vol. 28, Issue 7

Are Dental Plans Worth It?

Dental care isn’t just about maintaining clean, white teeth; It’s an important component of maintaining your long-term health.

Here’s why:

According to the Centers for Disease Control, half of U.S. adults have periodontal (gum) disease.

Meanwhile, the American Heart Association reports that people with severe gum disease have 2 to 3 times the risk of heart attacks, stroke, or other severe cardiovascular events.

Gum disease is particularly harmful for diabetics. This is because high glucose levels collect in your saliva, which leads to more bacteria and more infections. Meanwhile, diabetes restricts blood flow to the gums, which prevents healing.

Regular dental hygiene and access to professional dental care are critical for preventing and managing gum disease – before it leads to more severe health problems down the road.

If you want to see a dentist regularly, or if you need some acute care for a nagging dental problem, you have a choice: You can pay out of pocket directly, or you can purchase a dental plan. Which is better? Read on to find out! 

Are Dental Plans Worth It?

If you’ve ever put off going to the dentist because of cost, you’re not alone.

Dental care can be expensive, especially without insurance. But avoiding the dentist can lead to serious health problems—and even higher bills later on.

Why Dental Health Matters

Your dental health isn’t just about your teeth. It’s directly linked to your overall health.

• 91% of adults aged 20–64 in the U.S. have had cavities in their permanent teeth (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). 
• About half of adults over age 30 have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. (CDC)
• Gum disease is linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and even cognitive decline/dementia later in life. (American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association)
• Children with poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school because of dental pain.
  (American Journal of Public Health)

Your mouth is full of bacteria. Without regular cleanings and dental checkups, that bacteria eventually builds up and causes infections, inflammation, and tooth loss. Skipping dental care in the short run often leads to much more severe and expensive procedures later, like root canals, crowns, or even oral surgery.

But the pernicious effects of poor dental care don’t stop there. Gum disease increases systemic inflammation, which increases insulin resistance and makes chronic conditions like diabetes harder to manage.

So getting regular dental care pays big dividends when it comes to your long-term health. That’s where having a good dental plan comes in. 

Types of Dental Plans

Dental plans come in two main varieties: discount plans and insurance plans.

Insurance plans provide more benefits, – especially when it comes to higher-cost procedures like caps and root canals. But they also have higher monthly premiums.

Discount plans, in contrast, don’t provide an insurance benefit. You pay 100% of the costs for all dental procedures beyond basic preventative care. But the discount plan uses its purchasing power to arrange deep discounts with select dental providers.

Check out this quick guide on dental health insurance to learn more

Comparing the Costs

Let’s say you pay $30/month for a dental PPO plan. That’s $360 a year.

Without insurance, those two cleanings and exams alone can easily cost $300–$400 without insurance. So that’s very close to the break-even point right there.

As soon as you need an X-ray or a filling, you’re well past the break-even point. And if you need anything more significant than that, it’s a no-brainer. 

But the biggest savings come from avoiding more serious dental problems in the long run. Early detection through regular checkups can prevent root canals or extractions—procedures that can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket.

If your plan makes you more likely to get regular cleanings and exams, you’re much less likely to need those higher-cost services. So even if you only use the preventive care benefits, a good dental plan helps you stay healthier, catch problems early, and avoid pain and costly emergencies.

Tip: If you have a health savings account, you can use your HSA to pay for dental and orthodontic services tax-free! This includes copays and deductibles if you have a dental insurance plan. However, you can’t use your HSA to pay for health insurance or dental premiums. 

The Bottom Line

In most cases, the answer is yes: Dental plans are worth the cost.

If you use them properly.

This is especially true if:

• You want to save on regular cleanings and exams
• You’re at risk for cavities, gum disease, or tooth loss
• You have children who need regular dental care
• You want to avoid surprise bills for major procedures
• You’re managing a condition like diabetes or heart disease

If you’re self-employed or don’t have dental benefits through work, and you intend to use your benefits regularly, adding your own private dental plan makes a lot of sense.

It can also make sense if you can’t afford the full cost of a major dental procedure on your own, and you would need help to pay for it. A dental plan is usually a smarter choice than putting the procedure on a credit card at 20 percent interest! .

How to Enroll in a Dental Plan

At ColoHealth, we work with all the top-rated dental plans operating in Colorado. Whether you want to emphasize low premiums, broad coverage, or maximize freedom to choose any dentist, we can help you compare your options and find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

The most popular dental insurance plan we offer is through Ameritas. You can review options and self-enroll in less than 10 minutes.

If you want to join a dental plan, upgrade from a discount plan to a dental insurance plan, or offer a dental plan to your employees, you can also contact the PBM who sent you this email for a free recommendation and quote. There’s never any charge.

We’re here to make sure you get the most out of your benefits—and protect your health, one smile at a time.

To Your Health and Wealth,

Wiley P. Long III
President- ColoHealth

The ColoHealth Health & Wealth Newsletter is published monthly and emailed to subscribers at no charge. Subscribe now to stay on top of the critical information you need to know about health insurance, healthshare plans and managing your finances to achieve financial security.

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