Coverage and Benefits

Delta Dental
Delta Dental offers a wide range of PPO and DHMO plans. Most cover 100% of preventive care (cleanings, exams, and X-rays), 70%–80% for basic services, and 50% for major procedures. Select plans include orthodontics, implants, and even night guards, depending on plan level.

DentalSave
DentalSave is not insurance but a dental savings plan. Instead of coverage percentages, members receive instant discounts (typically 20%–50%) on services at participating providers. Discounts apply to preventive, basic, major, and cosmetic procedures, including orthodontics and implants—without annual limits or claim forms.

Network and Availability

Delta Dental
Delta has the largest dental network in the U.S., with 155,000+ dentists nationwide. Members can access in-network providers across all 50 states.

DentalSave
DentalSave partners with the Aetna Dental Access® network, which includes over 262,000 provider locations. While smaller than Delta’s, it still offers wide national availability, especially in urban and suburban areas.

Cost Comparison

Delta Dental
Monthly premiums typically range from $25 to $60, depending on the plan. Deductibles are around $50–$100, with annual maximums of $1,000–$2,000. Members may face out-of-pocket costs beyond those limits.

DentalSave
DentalSave costs as little as $9.99/month for individuals or $99/year, and $139/year for families. There are no deductibles, no waiting periods, and no annual caps, making it a low-cost alternative for those who prefer predictable savings over traditional coverage.

Waiting Periods and Restrictions

Delta Dental
Most plans cover preventive care immediately. Basic services typically require a 6-month wait, while major procedures may require a 12-month waiting period. Waivers may apply with prior coverage.

DentalSave
There are no waiting periods. Members receive instant discounts on all eligible procedures upon activation of their membership.

Ease of Use and Customer Service

Delta Dental
Delta offers a user-friendly website and mobile app to find providers, track claims, and view benefits. Customer service is generally reliable, though experiences may vary based on plan type and region.

DentalSave
DentalSave eliminates the need for paperwork or claims. Members simply show their membership card at participating dentists for immediate savings. The process is simple and convenient, and customer support is known for being friendly and responsive.

Additional Benefits and Perks

Delta Dental
Some plans include extras like vision and hearing discounts, teeth whitening savings, or night guard coverage. Perks vary depending on the specific plan.

DentalSave
DentalSave members also get access to discounts on vision, hearing, prescriptions, and chiropractic care, making it a more holistic savings option beyond just dental.

Reputation and Customer Reviews

Delta Dental
Delta is one of the most trusted names in dental insurance with decades of experience. Most customers appreciate the breadth of provider options and dependable coverage, though some report issues with claim approvals or understanding plan details.

DentalSave
DentalSave receives high marks for simplicity, affordability, and customer satisfaction. Users love the no-hassle savings, though some wish the network were even larger in rural areas.

Suitability and Recommendations

• Choose Delta Dental if you prefer traditional dental insurance with predictable coverage, access to the widest provider network, and don’t mind waiting periods or annual limits.

• Choose DentalSave if you want immediate discounts, no paperwork, no waiting, and an ultra-affordable alternative—especially if you only visit the dentist occasionally or want a backup to insurance.

Conclusion

Both Delta Dental and DentalSave offer strong options for affordable dental care—but in very different ways. Delta Dental provides structured coverage under traditional insurance, while DentalSave offers immediate, membership-based discounts without the complexity of deductibles or claims.

Your decision comes down to preference: Do you want traditional insurance with full coverage tiers, or simple, instant discounts? Evaluate your dental habits and budget to choose the right fit for your lifestyle.