Coverage and Benefits

Delta Dental
Delta Dental offers a range of PPO and DHMO plans. Most include 100% coverage for preventive care (cleanings, X-rays, exams), 70–80% for basic services (fillings, extractions), and 50% for major procedures (crowns, root canals). Orthodontics and implants may be covered on higher-tier plans or offered as add-ons.

Beam Dental
Beam Dental provides PPO plans with similar benefits: 100% preventive care, 80% coverage for basic services, and 50% for major procedures. Some plans include orthodontic benefits. Beam emphasizes wellness by offering perks like a smart toothbrush and tracking tools to encourage healthy habits.

Network and Availability

Delta Dental
Delta Dental boasts the largest dental network in the U.S., with over 155,000 participating dentists. This widespread availability ensures members can easily find in-network providers across all 50 states.

Beam Dental
Beam Dental uses the Dental Benefit Providers network, offering access to over 400,000 access points nationwide. Despite being a newer provider, Beam’s network is broad and competitive, making it easy for members to find a provider near them.

Cost Comparison

Delta Dental
Plans typically range from $25 to $60/month, depending on the state and plan type. Deductibles usually fall between $50–$100, and annual maximums range from $1,000 to $2,000. Delta’s pricing is competitive but can be slightly higher on average.

Beam Dental
Beam plans start around $20/month and go up to about $55/month. Annual maximums usually range between $1,000 and $1,500, and deductibles are similar to Delta. Beam’s affordability, paired with its perks, makes it attractive to budget-conscious clients.

Waiting Periods and Restrictions

Delta Dental
Most plans cover preventive services immediately. Waiting periods for basic services are usually 6 months, and 12 months for major procedures. Some employer-sponsored or premium plans may waive these periods.

Beam Dental
Beam offers immediate preventive care and generally enforces 3–6 month waiting periods for basic services, and 12 months for major procedures. Select plans may offer no waiting periods, especially for group plans.

Ease of Use and Customer Service

Delta Dental
Delta offers a well-established member portal and mobile app. Users can search providers, review EOBs, and manage claims. Customer service is generally reliable, though response times can vary by region.

Beam Dental
Beam is built on a digital-first model, offering an intuitive mobile app, smart toothbrush integration, and real-time benefit tracking. Customer service is praised for being responsive, modern, and tech-friendly.

Additional Benefits and Perks

Delta Dental
Delta offers optional perks like vision discounts, teeth whitening savings, and night guard coverage on some plans. However, its focus is mainly on dental care without the integrated tech or wellness features.

Beam Dental
Beam includes a smart electric toothbrush, replacement brush heads, toothpaste deliveries, and a wellness-tracking app. These tools are included with most plans and promote consistent oral hygiene habits.

Reputation and Customer Reviews

Delta Dental
Delta has a long-standing reputation and is one of the most widely recognized dental insurers in the U.S. It’s trusted by employers and individuals alike but can receive mixed reviews depending on the plan and state.

Beam Dental
Beam is newer but growing rapidly in popularity due to its modern, tech-forward approach. Reviews often highlight its ease of use, friendly customer support, and added wellness tools.

Suitability and Recommendations

• Choose Delta Dental if you want access to the largest provider network, traditional coverage options, and a well-established company with broad availability across all states.

• Choose Beam Dental if you’re tech-savvy, want a wellness-driven plan with unique perks, and prefer a streamlined digital experience paired with affordability.

Conclusion

Both Delta Dental and Beam Dental are excellent choices for affordable dental insurance, each with unique advantages. Delta is a strong choice for those who value a wide network and traditional plan variety, while Beam excels in user experience and innovation.

Evaluate your dental care needs, digital preferences, and budget to choose the provider that delivers the best value and convenience for your lifestyle.