Best Dental Insurance Plans in Alabama
Best Dental Insurance Plans in Alabama: A Detailed Comparison
Overview of Dental Insurance in Alabama
- Why dental insurance is important for Alabama residents
- Common dental care costs without insurance
- Types of dental insurance available in Alabama (HMO, PPO, Indemnity, Discount Plans)
- Role of employer-sponsored vs. private dental plans
Dental Insurance Cost Calculator
Get a Dental Insurance Quote
Compare top dental plans and get your personalized quote instantly:
- No waiting periods on most preventive care
- Flexible plan options for individuals & families
- Instant online enrollment
- Nationwide provider networks
Share This
Customer Reviews
Criteria for Selecting the Best Dental Plans
When choosing a dental insurance plan, consider the following factors:
Network of Providers: Ensure the plan includes your preferred dentist or offers a wide network of providers.
Coverage Levels: Look for plans that cover preventive, basic, and major dental work.
Cost and Affordability: Compare premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Waiting Periods: Some plans may have waiting periods before coverage for certain services begins.
Customer Service and Reviews: Evaluate the insurer’s reputation and customer satisfaction ratings.
Top-Rated Dental Insurance Providers in Alabama
Delta Dental of Alabama
Overview:
Delta Dental is one of the largest and most trusted dental insurance providers in Alabama, offering multiple plan options such as Delta Dental PPO, DeltaCare USA (HMO), and Delta Dental Premier.
Key Features:
- Large network of in-network dentists across Alabama
- Offers both low-cost preventive care plans and comprehensive major dental work coverage
- Higher annual maximums than some competitors
- Orthodontic coverage available on select plans
Best For:
- Families looking for broad network coverage
- Individuals needing orthodontic treatment
- Those who prefer higher annual maximums
Downside: Premiums may be higher than other providers, but the extensive coverage justifies the cost.
Cigna Dental
Overview:
Cigna is a top choice for individuals and families seeking affordable plans with no waiting periods on preventive services. They offer PPO plans with nationwide access.
Key Features:
- No waiting periods for preventive care
- Covers 100% of routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays
- Plans include Cigna Dental 1000 and Cigna Dental 1500, with the 1500 plan covering up to $1,500 annually
- Discounts for in-network providers
Best For:
- Those who need immediate preventive care coverage
- People who travel frequently and need nationwide coverage
- Those looking for lower premiums and flexible PPO options
Downside: Some major services may require a waiting period unless you choose the top-tier plan.
Humana Dental
Overview:
Humana is a strong choice, especially for seniors, due to its Loyalty Plus and Complete Dental plans that provide increasing benefits over time.
Key Features:
- Loyalty Plus Plan: Benefits increase after year 1, 2, and 3, reducing out-of-pocket costs over time
- Humana Preventive Value Plan: A low-cost option for basic dental care
- Major dental work, dentures, and implants are covered under select plans
- No waiting period for preventive care, but major services may have a 6- to 12-month waiting period
Best For:
- Seniors who need comprehensive and long-term benefits
- Those planning major dental work (crowns, implants, dentures)
- Budget-conscious individuals looking for tiered savings over time
Downside: Some plans have lower annual maximums compared to competitors like Delta Dental.
Aetna Dental
Overview:
Aetna offers affordable PPO and discount dental plans, making it a great choice for those seeking budget-friendly coverage.
Key Features:
- Aetna Dental Direct offers a range of PPO plans with access to a large network
- Aetna Vital Savings Plan: A discount program that offers reduced rates at participating dentists
- Low monthly premiums with preventive care coverage
- Some plans have no waiting period for preventive and basic services
Best For:
- Individuals on a tight budget looking for low-cost coverage
- Those who don’t need extensive major work but still want regular checkups
- People who prefer a discount plan instead of full dental insurance
Downside: The annual maximum is lower than some competitors, and major procedures may require waiting periods.
Coverage Options: Preventive, Basic, and Major Dental Work
- Preventive Care: Routine exams, cleanings, X-rays
- Basic Services: Fillings, extractions, simple root canals
- Major Services: Crowns, bridges, dentures, implants, orthodontics
| Provider | Monthly Premium | Annual Deductible | Annual Max Coverage | Waiting Periods | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Dental | $20 - $50 | $50 - $100 | $1,000 - $2,000 | Varies | Families |
| Cigna | $25 - $45 | $50 | $1,000 - $1,500 | No waiting period for Preventive | No waiting period plans |
| Humana | $17 - $60 | $50 - $150 | $1,000 - $1,500 | Varies | Seniors & Major Dental Work |
| Aetna | $22 - $40 | $50 | $1,250 | Some plans have no waiting | Budget-friendly |
| BCBS Alabama | $25 - $55 | $50 - $75 | $1,000 - $1,500 | Varies | Local network |
Customer Reviews and Ratings
- Delta Dental: 4.5/5 ⭐ – Highly rated for network size but can be pricey
- Cigna: 4.3/5 ⭐ – Great value for no waiting period plans
- Humana: 4.2/5 ⭐ – Good for seniors but limited provider network
- Aetna: 4.1/5 ⭐ – Affordable, but some plans lack major service coverage
- BCBS Alabama: 4.4/5 ⭐ – Strong customer support but higher premiums
How to Enroll in a Dental Plan in Alabama
- Step 1: Assess your dental care needs (Preventive vs. Major work)
- Step 2: Compare plans using online tools or insurance brokers
- Step 3: Check if your preferred dentist is in-network
- Step 4: Apply online through the provider’s website or Healthcare.gov
- Step 5: Review the terms, waiting periods, and start date before purchasing
Final Thoughts: Which Plan is Best for You?
- Best for families: Delta Dental or BCBS Alabama
- Best for no waiting period: Cigna Dental
- Best for seniors: Humana Dental
- Best affordable option: Aetna Dental
- Best for comprehensive coverage: Delta Dental Premier
Small Group Health Insurance in Arizona
Find the best small business health plans tailored for Arizona-based companies.
Learn MoreHealth Insurance in Ohio
Explore health insurance options available in Ohio, customized to meet your needs.
Learn MoreHealth Insurance in Alabama
Compare top health insurance providers and coverage options in Alabama.
Learn MoreCalculate Vision Insurance Cost
Use our calculator to estimate vision insurance costs and find the best plan for you.
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best dental insurance in Alabama?
The best dental insurance in Alabama depends on your needs. Delta Dental, Cigna, Humana, Aetna, and BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama offer great options. Delta Dental is ideal for families, while Cigna is best for no waiting period plans.
Does dental insurance in Alabama cover braces and orthodontics?
Yes, but not all plans cover orthodontics. Providers like Delta Dental and Humana offer plans with braces and orthodontic benefits, though waiting periods and coverage limits may apply.
How much does dental insurance cost in Alabama?
The cost varies based on coverage level. Basic preventive plans start at $15–$25 per month, while comprehensive plans with major dental coverage range from $30–$60 per month.
Are there dental insurance plans with no waiting period in Alabama?
Yes, Cigna, Humana, and Aetna offer plans with no waiting periods for preventive care. However, major procedures may still have waiting periods.
Can I get dental insurance in Alabama if I’m self-employed?
Yes, self-employed individuals can choose individual dental insurance from providers like Delta Dental, Aetna, and Cigna, or join a dental discount plan for savings.
What does dental insurance typically cover?
Most plans cover:
✅ Preventive Care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) – usually 100% covered
✅ Basic Services (fillings, simple extractions) – 50–80% coverage
✅ Major Services (crowns, root canals, dentures) – 50% or less covered
Does Alabama Medicaid cover dental services?
Alabama Medicaid offers limited dental benefits for adults but provides more coverage for children through CHIP (All Kids Program). Adults typically only get emergency extractions covered.
What’s the difference between HMO and PPO dental insurance in Alabama?
- HMO Plans: Lower cost, limited dentist network, requires referrals.
- PPO Plans: More flexibility, higher cost, wider dentist network, no referrals needed.
Can I use dental insurance immediately?
Most preventive care services (cleanings, exams) are covered immediately. However, major procedures like crowns and root canals may have waiting periods (6-12 months).
Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
Blake Nwosu
Owner & Principal Agent