Coverage and Benefits

UnitedHealthcare Dental

• Offers preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) often covered at 100%.

• Basic services (fillings, extractions) typically covered at 80%, major services (crowns, dentures) at 50%, depending on the plan.

• Some plans include orthodontic coverage for children.

MetLife Dental

• Also covers preventive care at 100% on most plans.

• Basic services range from 70%–80%, major services typically covered at 50%.

• Orthodontics and dental implants may be included on premium PPO plans.

Network and Availability

UnitedHealthcare Dental

• Access to one of the largest dental networks in the U.S., with over 350,000 dental professionals.

• Nationwide availability with strong coverage in both urban and rural areas.

MetLife Dental

• Extensive PDP Plus network with over 490,000 access points nationwide.

• Especially strong in PPO and employer-sponsored plans.

Cost Comparison

UnitedHealthcare Dental

• Premiums range from $20 to $60/month, depending on coverage level and location.

• Many plans feature no deductibles for preventive care and low annual maximums ($1,000–$3,000).

MetLife Dental

• Premiums typically range from $25 to $60/month.

• Plans offer competitive deductibles and annual maximums up to $2,000–$3,000 on higher-tier options.

• Some employer-based plans offer zero-dollar copays for preventive care.

Waiting Periods and Restrictions

UnitedHealthcare Dental

• No waiting period for preventive services.

• Basic services often have a 6-month wait, major services up to 12 months.

• Some plans offer waived waiting periods with prior dental coverage.

MetLife Dental

• Also provides immediate coverage for preventive care.

• Basic and major services typically have 6-12 month waiting periods.

• Some plans waive waiting periods for those with proof of prior insurance.

Ease of Use and Customer Service

UnitedHealthcare Dental

• Offers a modern portal and mobile app for managing claims, coverage, and dentist searches.

• Customer service is generally rated well for Medicare Advantage and group plan members.

MetLife Dental

• Known for its user-friendly online tools and efficient claims processing.

• Offers strong customer support via web, phone, and employer channels.

Additional Benefits and Perks

UnitedHealthcare Dental

• Plans may include discounts on vision, hearing, and pharmacy services.

• Integrated health savings options when bundled with medical plans.

MetLife Dental

• Employer plans often come bundled with vision and life insurance.

• Offers teledentistry access, wellness resources, and international dental benefits on select plans.

Reputation and Customer Reviews

UnitedHealthcare Dental

• Widely trusted with strong brand recognition in the Medicare and individual market.

• Positive reviews for network strength and cost transparency, though some note plan complexity.

MetLife Dental

• Highly rated for reliability and claims support, especially in employer group plans.

• Praised for ease of enrollment, network size, and customer satisfaction.

Suitability and Recommendations

✅ Choose UnitedHealthcare Dental if you:

• Want a large national network

• Prefer bundled benefits with medical or vision

• Need options tailored for Medicare Advantage or individual plans

✅ Choose MetLife Dental if you:

• Have access to employer-sponsored plans

• Want high annual maximums and broad PPO flexibility

• Need orthodontic or implant coverage with premium options

Conclusion

Both UnitedHealthcare Dental and MetLife Dental are excellent options for affordable, comprehensive dental coverage. Your choice will depend on your priorities—UnitedHealthcare may offer more value with medical integration and Medicare options, while MetLife shines in the PPO space and group benefits. For preventive-focused plans and solid basic coverage, either provider can be a great fit.