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Dental insurance can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs for preventative care, basic services, and major services. Since there are several types of dental insurance offering different features and benefits, you may be wondering which type of coverage is right for your needs. Aflac offers network dental insurance, supplemental dental insurance, and Dental, Vision and Hearing (DVH) plans for individuals that you can purchase directly. Read on to learn more about some common types of dental insurance so you can choose the best coverage option.
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With a dental insurance policy, you can pay a monthly premium to keep your coverage active. When you visit the dentist, the dental office will bill your insurance provider for services. Depending on the visit and your coverage, you may have to pay a deductible, copayments, or the remainder of what wasn’t covered by insurance. Typically, dental insurance policies cover:
There are several types of dental insurance plans that may be available to you, including:
A PPO plan is a common type of dental insurance that allows you to choose your own primary care dentist and does not require referrals for specialist care. These plans typically have deductibles and require copayments for certain services. If you see an out-of-network dentist, you may still receive partial reimbursement for services.1
Dental HMOs are policies that require you to select a primary care dentist from within an insurance company’s network. Compared to PPO plans, HMOs are usually more affordable, but they require a referral whenever you need to see a specialist and may not allow you to keep your current primary care dentist.1
An EPO is an employer-provided benefit that gives employees access to a broader network of dentists than typically offered by an HMO plan. They offer lower premiums than PPO plans but greater flexibility than HMO plans.2
A POS plan is another type of dental insurance plan that combines features of both HMO and PPO plans. Like HMOs, it requires you to have a primary care dentist and get referrals for specialist services. But similar to PPOs, it also provides coverage for out-of-network services. Instead, you may just have to pay more than if you used an in-network service.3
Dental discount plans differ from dental insurance in that they don’t pay any dental expenses for you. Rather, you join a membership program to access discounted prices on services from participating dentists. There are no deductibles, waiting periods, or annual maximums, just discounted prices on dental work.4
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedAflac offers these types of dental insurance policies for individuals and families that you can purchase directly:
If you’re wondering which dental insurance plan is right for you, here are some factors to consider when deciding on what type of coverage to apply for:
Some people may need to see the dentist more than others. If you have only preventative care needs and don’t have a strong attachment to a specific dentist, an HMO may be a better way to save. If you’ve had many fillings or surgical procedures like root canals or implants, you may prefer a PPO’s flexibility to choose your own dentist.
Every plan has different costs and coverage limits. Generally, PPOs cost more than HMOs and have annual coverage limits, while HMOs do not.1 Plans like EPOs and POS plans may be effective ways to balance the benefits of both PPOs and HMOs.
If you already have a dentist, ask about their provider networks. You may be able to save on an HMO if you choose an insurer that includes your dentist in their network.
There are several types of dental insurance plans to choose from, so it’s important to consider factors like your budget and needs to find the right coverage option. Aflac offers network dental insurance plans for individuals, as well as supplemental dental insurance to give you a range of dental plan options. Start chatting with an agent and get a quote today for help determining your coverage needs.
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The costs of dental care can add up quickly without insurance. Learn how you can save money on dental care costs with Aflac dental insurance.
Dental insurance can save you money on dental care. Learn how it works, what it covers, and how to get a dental insurance plan.
The costs of dental care can add up quickly without insurance. Learn how you can save money on dental care costs with Aflac dental insurance.
Dental insurance can save you money on dental care. Learn how it works, what it covers, and how to get a dental insurance plan.
1 Investopedia – Dental Insurance HMO vs. PPO: What’s the Difference? Updated February 26, 2024. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://www.investopedia.com/dental-insurance-hmo-vs-ppo-whats-the-difference-8553452.
2 Rippling – What’s the difference between EPO vs. HMO vs. PPO plans? Updated January 31, 2025. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://www.rippling.com/blog/epo-vs-hmo.
3 Investopedia – Point-of-Service (POS) Plan: Definition, Pros & Cons, Vs. HMO. Updated September 22, 2024. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/pointofservice-plan-pos.asp.
4 Healthinsurance.org – What’s the difference between dental insurance and dental discount plans? Updated January 15, 2024. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://www.healthinsurance.org/faqs/whats-the-difference-between-dental-insurance-and-dental-discount-plans/.
5 Anthem – What Does Dental Insurance Cover? Accessed June 6, 2025. https://www.anthem.com/individual-and-family/insurance-basics/dental-vision-insurance/coverage.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Dental: In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Coverage underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company:
Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Dental claims are administered by SKYGEN USA, LLC. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.
Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
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