Comparing DentaQuest® and Principal® Dental? Start with preventive coverage, coinsurance on basic/major services, waiting periods, annual maximums, and—most important—your dentist’s network. Use the links below to pull live plans and prices for your ZIP in minutes.
| Feature | DentaQuest (typical positioning) | Principal Dental (typical positioning) | What to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive | Often 100% in-network; frequency limits apply | Often 100% in-network; frequency limits apply | Confirm cadence (cleanings/exams/X-rays) and adult fluoride/sealants |
| Basic services | Fillings/simple extractions; coinsurance varies by tier | Fillings/simple extractions; coinsurance varies by tier | Where periodontal maintenance is classified (preventive vs basic) |
| Major services | Crowns/bridges/dentures; waiting period common | Crowns/bridges/dentures; waiting period common | Replacement intervals (e.g., 5–7 yrs) and per-tooth limits |
| Implants | Available on select tiers; limits/lifetime caps vary | Available on select tiers; limits/lifetime caps vary | Coverage of abutments/bone grafts and any lifetime max |
| Orthodontics | On higher tiers; child/adult rules vary | On higher tiers; child/adult rules vary | Lifetime max, age eligibility, and waiting period |
| Annual maximum | Commonly ~$1,000–$2,000+ by tier | Commonly ~$1,000–$2,000+ by tier | Look for rollover/accumulator features if offered |
| Deductible | Per person/family; preventive often waived | Per person/family; preventive often waived | Check separate OON deductibles |
| Out-of-network | MAC or UCR schedules; balance billing possible | MAC or UCR schedules; balance billing possible | Ask how OON reimbursements are calculated |
| Missing tooth | Limitations are common | Limitations are common | Critical if replacing teeth extracted pre-coverage |
| Network access | Broad national panels; participation varies locally | Broad national panels; participation varies locally | Verify by the plan’s network name, not only the carrier |
Premiums track with benefit richness. Entry tiers usually have lower premiums, smaller annual maximums, and higher coinsurance; upper tiers raise the max and may shorten waiting periods—useful if you anticipate crowns, implants, or orthodontics.
Confirm your dentist’s participation by network (e.g., PPO name) rather than carrier brand alone. If you’ll see an OON dentist, ask whether reimbursements are MAC or UCR and whether balance billing can apply; request a pre-treatment estimate for major work.
Availability and specifics vary by state and product. Compare multiple plan summaries before you enroll.
| State | Major cities we serve |
|---|---|
| Arizona (AZ) | Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale |
| Alabama (AL) | Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa |
| Texas (TX) | Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth |
| California (CA) | Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento |
| New York (NY) | New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, Syracuse |
| Ohio (OH) | Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron |
| Florida (FL) | Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, St. Petersburg |
| North Carolina (NC) | Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem |
| Virginia (VA) | Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, Alexandria |
| Georgia (GA) | Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, Columbus, Macon |
| Oklahoma (OK) | Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, Edmond |
| New Mexico (NM) | Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Roswell |
| Iowa (IA) | Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City |
| Kansas (KS) | Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, Topeka, Olathe |
| Michigan (MI) | Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint |
| Nebraska (NE) | Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney |
| South Carolina (SC) | Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Spartanburg |
| South Dakota (SD) | Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, Watertown |
| West Virginia (WV) | Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling |
Many plans pay in-network preventive at or near 100%, subject to frequency limits and inclusions (e.g., fluoride, sealants, panoramic X-rays). Confirm in the Summary of Benefits.
Some tiers include implant benefits with coinsurance, waiting periods, and lifetime caps. Verify which components (implant, abutment, crown) are covered.
Usually on higher tiers; lifetime maximums and age rules are common. Check whether adult ortho is included.
Possibly. It depends on the plan’s MAC/UCR method and your dentist’s fees. Ask for a pre-treatment estimate.
Most changes occur at renewal; mid-year changes can reset waiting periods. Review plan rules before switching.
Compliance: Benefits, premiums, waiting periods, networks, and reimbursements vary by plan and state and may change. Review the plan’s Summary of Benefits and policy forms before enrolling.
Trademarks: DentaQuest® and Principal® are the property of their respective owners. Blake Insurance Group LLC is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by those brands.
Share This
Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: info@blakeinsurancegroup.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
Owner & Principal Agent