Dental Select vs SureBridge Dental

Choosing the right dental insurance can be overwhelming, especially when balancing cost, benefits, and provider access. In this comparison, we take a closer look at Dental Select and SureBridge Dental, two affordable options with unique offerings for individuals and families seeking budget-friendly dental care.

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Coverage and Benefits

Dental Select offers traditional PPO plans with tiered coverage:

  • 100% preventive (cleanings, exams, X-rays)

  • 80% basic (fillings, extractions)

  • 50% major services (crowns, bridges)

SureBridge Dental offers fixed indemnity-style dental plans, where you receive set dollar amounts per procedure (e.g., $50 for a cleaning, $200 for a crown), rather than percentage-based coverage.

Key Difference:
Dental Select focuses on percentage-based traditional insurance, while SureBridge emphasizes predictable, cash payout plans for dental services.


Network and Availability

  • Dental Select partners with carefully curated PPO networks, available nationwide but stronger in the Mountain West and Southwest regions.

  • SureBridge Dental uses the First Dental Health or Careington network, depending on location, with broad national access.

✅ Both offer nationwide coverage, but Dental Select may have better negotiated rates due to PPO structure.


Cost Comparison

  • Dental Select premiums typically range from $25–$60/month, with varying deductible and annual maximum options.

  • SureBridge Dental premiums often range from $15–$45/month, depending on the benefit tier selected. Plans have no deductibles, but benefit caps per procedure.

✅ SureBridge may be more affordable monthly, while Dental Select can provide higher coverage limits for frequent dental users.


Waiting Periods and Restrictions

  • Dental Select generally enforces 6-month waits for basic services and 12-month waits for major procedures. Preventive services are usually covered immediately.

  • SureBridge Dental offers no waiting periods on most plans, with immediate payouts for all eligible services.

✅ SureBridge wins on immediacy, while Dental Select may offer better long-term value for ongoing dental care.


Ease of Use and Customer Service

  • Dental Select offers a modern member portal, electronic ID cards, and a cost estimator.

  • SureBridge provides easy claims with upfront payment to providers or reimbursement, along with simple online enrollment tools.

✅ Both offer user-friendly experiences, though Dental Select may have a slight edge with its claims integration via PPOs.


Additional Benefits and Perks

  • Dental Select offers vision and orthodontic coverage on some plans, plus teledentistry access.

  • SureBridge offers optional bundles for vision, hearing, accident, and hospital indemnity benefits, ideal for clients seeking multi-benefit packages.


Reputation and Customer Reviews

  • Dental Select is well-rated for its network quality and flexible plan designs, particularly in Utah, Arizona, and surrounding states.

  • SureBridge (a brand under Chesapeake Life/USHealth Group) has a reputation for affordable supplemental insurance, though plan complexity can sometimes be a downside for first-time users.


Suitability and Recommendations

  • Choose Dental Select if you prefer a traditional insurance model, want comprehensive percentage-based coverage, and live in a state with strong Dental Select network access.

  • Choose SureBridge Dental if you need immediate coverage, want a predictable payout model, or are bundling multiple benefits in one place.


Conclusion

Both Dental Select and SureBridge Dental offer compelling dental coverage options depending on your needs. If you prefer traditional insurance with higher annual limits, Dental Select is a strong choice. If you want simplicity, no waiting periods, and bundled benefit options, SureBridge may be the better fit—especially for cost-conscious individuals or families.

Feature Dental Select SureBridge Dental
Plan Type Traditional PPO Insurance Indemnity / Fixed-Payout Plans
Preventive Coverage 100% Flat payout (e.g., $50 per visit)
Basic Services 80% coverage Flat payout (e.g., $100–$200)
Major Services 50% coverage Flat payout (e.g., $200–$500)
Orthodontics Available on select plans Available on higher-tier plans
Network Size Nationwide PPO (strong in Mountain West) Careington or First Dental Health network
Waiting Periods 6–12 months for basic/major No waiting periods
Monthly Cost $25–$60 $15–$45
Best For Those wanting traditional insurance & higher coverage Those wanting immediate coverage & simple plans

FAQs: Dental Select vs. SureBridge Dental

Which provider offers better dental coverage, Dental Select or SureBridge?
Dental Select offers traditional PPO plans with percentage-based coverage (e.g., 100% preventive, 80% basic, 50% major). SureBridge provides fixed cash payouts per procedure (e.g., $50 for a cleaning, $200 for a crown) — not percentage-based insurance.
Is Dental Select or SureBridge more affordable?
SureBridge plans tend to start at lower monthly premiums (around $15–$45/month), while Dental Select premiums usually range from $25–$60/month. SureBridge may be more budget-friendly, but Dental Select can offer greater long-term value for frequent dental needs.
Do these providers have waiting periods?
Dental Select typically enforces 6-month waiting periods for basic services and 12 months for major care. SureBridge has no waiting periods, which is ideal for those needing immediate dental treatment.
What types of networks do they use?
Dental Select uses PPO networks with negotiated rates, ideal for cost savings and flexibility. SureBridge partners with Careington or First Dental Health, offering nationwide access with flat-rate discounts.
Do either plans include orthodontic coverage?
Yes. Both providers offer orthodontic coverage on select plans. Dental Select includes ortho in some PPO plans, while SureBridge includes ortho benefits in higher-tier indemnity plans.
Which is easier to use—Dental Select or SureBridge?
SureBridge is simpler, using a fixed reimbursement model — no deductibles or claims submissions. Dental Select is a traditional insurance model with claims processing, but offers broader coverage potential.
Who should choose Dental Select?
Choose Dental Select if you prefer traditional dental insurance with higher annual limits, percentage-based coverage, and PPO flexibility.
Who should choose SureBridge?
Choose SureBridge if you want predictable, flat-rate payouts, no waiting periods, or are looking to bundle with other supplemental products (like vision or hospital indemnity).
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Blake Nwosu

Blake Nwosu

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