Beam Dental vs Starmount Dental

If you’re looking for dental coverage that balances affordability, flexibility, and ease of use, two solid options to consider are Beam Dental and Starmount Dental (also known as AlwaysCare, a subsidiary of Unum). Beam brings a modern, tech-focused approach, while Starmount has a more traditional offering with a wide range of plan options. This guide compares these two providers side-by-side to help you make an informed decision.

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Beam Dental vs Starmount Dental

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Coverage and Benefits

Beam Dental
Beam offers PPO dental plans with excellent preventive coverage (100%), basic services typically covered at 80%, and major procedures at 50%. Some plans also include orthodontic and implant benefits, especially through employer-sponsored plans. Beam is unique for integrating wellness incentives, rewarding users for brushing habits.

Starmount Dental
Starmount also provides PPO plans that cover preventive services at 100%, with basic services around 70%–80%, and major services at 50%–60%. They offer plans with orthodontic and cosmetic dental options and are widely used in both individual and group markets.


Network and Availability

Beam Dental
Beam partners with the Dental Benefit Providers network, offering access to over 400,000 dental locations nationwide. This makes Beam one of the most accessible PPO options across the U.S.

Starmount Dental
Starmount uses the DenteMax Plus and Careington networks, giving members access to a wide provider pool—approximately 290,000+ locations. They have broad national coverage with a strong presence in the South and Southeast U.S.


Cost Comparison

Beam Dental
Premiums for Beam plans typically range between $20–$55/month. Deductibles are standard at $50–$75, and annual maximums are typically $1,000–$1,500, with some employer group plans offering higher limits.

Starmount Dental
Starmount’s plans are competitively priced, starting around $15–$50/month. They often offer higher annual maximums (up to $2,000 on some plans) and family-friendly bundling options.


Waiting Periods and Restrictions

Beam Dental
Beam has no waiting periods for preventive care, and usually 3–6 months for basic services, with 12 months for major services. Some employer-sponsored plans waive these periods.

Starmount Dental
Starmount plans also cover preventive care immediately, with 6–12 month waits for basic/major services depending on the plan. They may waive waiting periods for members with prior dental insurance.


Ease of Use and Customer Service

Beam Dental
Beam is tech-first, offering a highly-rated mobile app, real-time benefit tracking, and seamless claims processing. Members get a free smart electric toothbrush with many plans, helping tie good habits to rewards.

Starmount Dental
Starmount provides a more traditional user experience with online portals and customer support via phone/email. They are known for quick claims processing and reliable service, particularly for group plans.


Additional Benefits and Perks

Beam Dental

  • Free smart toothbrush + supplies

  • Wellness tracking via app

  • Potential rate discounts for healthy behavior

  • Real-time dental care utilization feedback

Starmount Dental

  • Optional vision and hearing coverage

  • Access to discounts for LASIK and prescriptions

  • Employer-sponsored plans may include wellness packages


Reputation and Customer Reviews

Beam Dental
Customers love Beam’s digital tools, fast claims processing, and modern experience. It’s especially popular among young professionals and tech-savvy users.

Starmount Dental
Starmount has a longer industry history and is part of the Unum family. It receives high marks for plan variety, family and employer group plans, and customer support, though the experience is more traditional.


Suitability and Recommendations

  • Choose Beam Dental if you’re looking for a modern, tech-friendly plan, enjoy wellness incentives, and prefer digital tools.

  • Choose Starmount Dental if you want traditional PPO options, potentially higher annual max limits, and family- or group-friendly plans.


Conclusion

Both Beam and Starmount Dental offer strong, affordable dental coverage options. Beam is ideal for those who prioritize technology, rewards, and user experience, while Starmount is a great fit for clients wanting reliable, proven coverage with more traditional benefits and broader plan customization.

Evaluate your needs—whether you’re looking for low-cost preventive care, orthodontics, or a smart-toothbrush-driven wellness plan—and select the provider that best aligns with your lifestyle and dental goals.

Related Topics
Beam Dental vs. Starmount Dental FAQs

Which provider offers better dental coverage, Beam Dental or Starmount Dental?

Both providers offer strong PPO coverage. Beam Dental includes 100% preventive care, 80% for basic, and 50% for major services, plus optional orthodontics. Starmount Dental provides similar coverage percentages, with additional plan options that may include cosmetic and orthodontic services.

Is Beam Dental or Starmount Dental more affordable?

Both are affordable. Beam plans typically range from $20–$55/month, while Starmount offers plans starting around $15/month. Starmount may offer higher annual maximums, while Beam emphasizes smart wellness savings.

Which provider has a larger dental network?

Beam Dental accesses over 400,000 provider locations via Dental Benefit Providers. Starmount Dental, through DenteMax Plus and Careington, provides access to around 290,000+ locations. Both have strong national reach.

Are there waiting periods with either provider?

Yes. Beam typically has no wait for preventive, 3–6 months for basic, and 12 months for major services. Starmount also offers immediate preventive care, with 6–12 month waits for basic/major procedures.

Do they offer perks or wellness benefits?

Yes. Beam Dental includes a smart toothbrush, oral health tracking, and wellness-based incentives. Starmount Dental offers vision/hearing add-ons, prescription savings, and wellness perks in employer plans.

Which is more tech-friendly?

Beam Dental is highly digital-focused, offering real-time tracking, an app, and a digital-first onboarding experience. Starmount offers traditional service and portals, ideal for users who prefer a more classic experience.

Who should choose Beam Dental over Starmount?

Choose Beam if you want a modern, tech-savvy PPO plan with wellness incentives and a user-friendly experience.

Who should choose Starmount over Beam?

Choose Starmount if you need flexible family or employer coverage, want higher annual limits, or prefer more traditional plan options.

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Blake Nwosu

Blake Nwosu

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