Dental Insurance North Carolina: A Complete Guide
Good oral health is essential for overall well-being, and having dental insurance in North Carolina can help residents access affordable dental care.
Whether you’re an individual, a family, or a senior, finding the right dental insurance plan ensures you get routine checkups, preventive care, and coverage for major procedures. This guide will help you navigate your options and choose the best plan for your needs.
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Overview of Dental Insurance in North Carolina
Dental insurance in North Carolina covers a range of services, including preventive, basic, and major dental care. Most plans offer 100% coverage for preventive care, such as exams, cleanings, and X-rays, while more advanced plans include fillings, root canals, crowns, dentures, and orthodontic care.
North Carolina residents can purchase dental insurance through private providers, employer-sponsored plans, and government-assisted programs like Medicaid. Choosing the right plan depends on your dental needs, budget, and preferred network of dentists.
Types of Dental Insurance Plans Available
North Carolina offers several types of dental insurance plans:
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) Plans – Offer flexibility to visit any dentist, with better rates for in-network providers. These plans balance cost and choice.
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) Plans – Require members to use a specific network of dentists, often with lower premiums but fewer provider choices.
Indemnity Plans (Fee-for-Service) – Allow you to visit any dentist, with reimbursement for a percentage of costs. These plans offer maximum flexibility but come with higher out-of-pocket expenses.
Dental Discount Plans – Provide reduced rates on dental procedures at participating dentists. They are not traditional insurance but can help lower costs.
Medicaid and CHIP Dental Coverage – North Carolina Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide dental benefits for eligible low-income individuals and children.
Top Dental Insurance Providers in North Carolina
North Carolina residents have access to several well-known dental insurance providers, including:
- Delta Dental – Offers PPO and HMO plans with a large provider network.
- Cigna Dental – Provides affordable coverage with strong preventive care benefits.
- Humana – Known for budget-friendly plans, including options for seniors.
- MetLife Dental – Offers employer-sponsored and individual plans with extensive coverage.
- Guardian Dental – Provides competitive rates and a variety of plan options.
- UnitedHealthcare – Offers individual and employer-sponsored plans with low copays.
- Ameritas – Features flexible plans with no waiting periods for preventive care.
Each provider has different plan options, so it’s essential to compare costs, coverage, and network availability before choosing a policy.
Average Costs of Dental Insurance in North Carolina
The cost of dental insurance in North Carolina varies depending on coverage levels, plan types, and providers. Here’s a general cost breakdown:
- Basic Preventive-Only Plans: $10 – $25 per month
- Mid-Level PPO Plans: $30 – $50 per month
- Comprehensive Coverage Plans: $50 – $100+ per month
- Family Plans: $75 – $150 per month, depending on dependents
Most plans include:
✅ Deductibles ranging from $50 to $150 per person
✅ Annual maximum benefits between $1,000 and $2,500
✅ Preventive care coverage at 100%
✅ Waiting periods for basic and major procedures in some plans
To get the most out of your plan, compare different providers to find the best mix of coverage and affordability.
Coverage Options and Limitations
Most dental insurance plans in North Carolina cover three levels of care:
Preventive Care (100% covered in most plans) – Exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments.
Basic Procedures (70-80% covered) – Fillings, extractions, root canals.
Major Procedures (50% covered or less) – Crowns, dentures, bridges, implants, and orthodontics (if included).
Common limitations:
- Waiting periods – Many plans have waiting periods of 6-12 months for major procedures.
- Annual maximum limits – Most plans cap benefits at $1,000 to $2,500 per year.
- Orthodontic coverage – Not all plans cover braces or Invisalign, and those that do often have age restrictions.
- Network limitations – Some plans require you to use in-network dentists to get full benefits.
Understanding these limitations will help you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
How to Choose the Right Plan
When selecting a dental insurance plan in North Carolina, consider these key factors:
✔ Coverage Needs – Do you need just preventive care, or do you require major dental work?
✔ Budget – Compare monthly premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs.
✔ Provider Network – Check if your preferred dentist is in-network.
✔ Waiting Periods – If you need immediate care, find a plan with no or short waiting periods.
✔ Plan Reviews & Ratings – Research customer satisfaction and provider reliability.
By weighing these factors, you can select a plan that fits your dental health needs and financial situation.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best dental insurance in North Carolina requires careful comparison of plans, costs, and coverage. Whether you’re looking for a low-cost preventive plan or a comprehensive dental policy, choosing the right provider ensures you receive quality dental care without financial stress.
Would you like assistance in comparing specific plans or finding a provider near you
| Provider | Coverage Options | Customer Satisfaction | Network | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Careington | Dental savings plan offering 20-60% discounts on most procedures, including orthodontics. | A+ rating from BBB; immediate coverage and no age limits. | Large network of participating dentists. | $8.95/month for individuals; $15.95/month for families. |
| Ameritas | Comprehensive plans covering preventive, basic, major services, and orthodontics. | A+ rating from AM Best and BBB; offers carry-over of unused annual maximum. | Nationwide network of over 490,000 dental locations. | Plans start at $25/month; $37/month for plans with orthodontic coverage. |
| Physicians Mutual | Plans with no deductibles, covering preventive, basic, major services, and orthodontics. | A+ rating from BBB; known for reliable customer service. | Nationwide network of over 500,000 dental locations. | Plans typically start around $30/month. |
| Guardian Direct | PPO and DHMO plans covering preventive, basic, major services, and orthodontics. | A+ rating from AM Best and BBB; strong customer satisfaction. | Nationwide network of over 120,000 dental locations. | Plans typically start around $20/month. |
| Blue Cross NC | Preventive PPO, Value 1500 PPO, and Core 1000 plans covering preventive, basic, and major services. | Known for reliable customer service and comprehensive coverage options. | Large network of contracted dental providers across all 100 counties in NC. | Specific cost details not provided; generally affordable. |
| Delta Dental | Preventive, Enhanced, and Premium plans covering preventive, basic, major services, and orthodontics. | Highly rated for extensive network and comprehensive coverage options. | Largest network of dental providers in the U.S. | $28.76/month (Preventive); $43.91/month (Enhanced); $65.38/month (Premium). |
| Humana | Preventive Plus, Dental Loyalty Plus, and Complete Dental plans covering preventive, basic, major services, and orthodontics. | Well-regarded for customer service and comprehensive plan options. | Large network of dental providers. | Plans typically start around $22/month. |
| BEST Life | Various plans covering preventive, basic, and major services. | Known for reliable customer service and comprehensive coverage options. | Large network of dental providers. | Plans typically start around $22/month. |
| Dominion | DHMO and PPO plans covering preventive, basic, major services, and orthodontics. | Well-regarded for customer service and comprehensive plan options. | Large network of dental providers. | Plans typically start around $20/month. |
frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to dental plans in North Carolina
- Preventive Services: Routine exams, cleanings, and X-rays, often covered at 100%.
- Basic Services: Fillings, extractions, and root canals, typically covered at 50-80% after the deductible.
- Major Services: Crowns, bridges, dentures, and oral surgery, often covered at 50% with higher coinsurance rates or waiting periods.
Blake Nwosu
Owner & Principal Agent
Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed