
In Washington state, you have several options for dental insurance plans to choose from. There are two main types of dental insurance plans: PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HMO (Health Maintenance Organization).
A PPO plan allows you to see any dentist you choose, but you'll typically pay more out-of-pocket for services from dentists outside the plan's network. This type of plan is a good option if you value flexibility in choosing your dentist.
With a PPO plan, you can expect to pay around 20-50% of the total cost for dental services, depending on the plan and provider. This can add up quickly, so it's essential to carefully review your plan's details before signing up.
Most dental insurance plans in Washington state cover routine cleanings and exams, but the extent of coverage varies depending on the plan. Some plans may also cover more extensive procedures like fillings, crowns, and root canals.
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Types of Plans
There are two main types of dental insurance plans.
Delta Dental offers a great selection of private dental insurance plans for Washington state residents.
Individual dental plans are a type of dental insurance plan.
These plans are designed for people who don't have access to group insurance through their employer, or who prefer to purchase their own insurance.
Delta Dental offers a great selection of private dental insurance plans for Washington state residents.
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Choosing a Plan
First, ask about the plan's costs, benefits, and exclusions. This will help you understand what you're getting into and what's covered.
You should also find out which dentists participate in the plan. This will ensure that you can see a dentist you trust and feel comfortable with.
Consider whether you'll need major dental work in the near future. If so, you'll want to choose a plan that covers a wide range of services.
Regular exams and cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health. Make sure the plan covers these services.
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Don't forget to think about your last dentist visit. If you're due for a checkup or cleaning, you'll want to choose a plan that covers these services.
You may also need x-rays or other services. Check the plan's coverage to ensure you're prepared.
To help you compare plans, consider the cost of paying for dental insurance versus paying for services without insurance. This will give you a clear picture of the plan's value.
Finally, find out how to cancel the policy if you no longer want it. This will give you peace of mind and ensure you're not locked into a plan you no longer need.
Here's a quick checklist to help you evaluate plans:
- Costs
- Benefits
- Exclusions
- Participating dentists
- Major dental work coverage
- Regular exam and cleaning coverage
- X-ray and other services coverage
- Cost comparison
- Cancellation policy
Coverage and Services
Washington dental insurance plans offer a range of services to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Preventative care is usually completely covered, and there's no office copay for preventative services.
Diagnostic services, such as routine exams and X-rays, are also covered. You can get these services at any dentist who accepts Apple Health.
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The Enhanced Plan covers cost sharing for all major dental procedures and restorative services, except for preventative care. This plan is an upgraded alternative to the Classic plan.
Here are some of the services covered by Washington Medicaid and CHIP:
- Routine exams
- Cleaning
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Fluoride application
- Extractions (pulling teeth)
- Limited services are available for children with cleft palate or other serious dental problems (covers medically necessary services with prior authorization)
- Periodontal (gum disease)
- Endodontic (root canal)
- Dentures/Partials
- Oral Surgery
Kids age 6 and under can get no-cost dental care through the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry program (ABCD).
Services Covered Under Pediatric Benefit
The pediatric dental benefit covers a range of services to help keep your child's teeth and gums healthy. Diagnostic services are included, which is essential for catching any potential problems early on.
Preventive care is also covered, which means regular cleanings and checkups to prevent cavities and other issues. This is especially important for kids, as it helps them develop good oral hygiene habits from a young age.
Restorative care, which includes fillings and crowns, is also part of the pediatric dental benefit. This helps to repair any damage to your child's teeth and prevent further problems.
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Oral surgery and reconstruction are also covered, which may be necessary if your child has a more serious dental issue. Periodontics, which involves treating gum disease, is also included in the benefit.
Root canals are also covered, which can help to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
Here are some of the specific services covered under the pediatric dental benefit:
- Diagnostic services
- Preventive care
- Restorative care
- Oral surgery and reconstruction
- Periodontics
- Root canals
What If I See an Out-of-Network Provider?
If you see an out-of-network provider, you'll be responsible for the costs.
You'll need to have your provider complete and sign a claim form.
Cost and Providers
Adults who purchase stand-alone dental coverage in Washington can expect to pay between $16 to $43 per month.
Individual dental insurance costs around $50 per month, which can be a significant expense for those who don't have access to employer-sponsored plans.
You can save money by choosing a dentist who is part of the plan's network, such as with a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan, which costs a little more than DHMOs but offers added flexibility.
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How it works
You can choose a dental plan that fits your needs, such as a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or a Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO).
PPO plans give you flexibility to visit out-of-network providers, although it may cost a bit more.
Individual dental insurance costs around $50 per month.
You'll need to pay a deductible and coinsurance, in addition to your monthly premium.
Contacting an insurance agent will help you choose a plan based on coverage, cost, and providers.
If your preferred dentist is part of the plan's network, you'll pay significantly less.
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Cost
Dental insurance costs in Washington can range from $16 to $43 per month for adults purchasing stand-alone coverage through the exchange.
If you're purchasing coverage through the Washington Health Plan Finder, the premiums associated with pediatric dental coverage may or may not be offset by premium tax credits, depending on the health plan.
Individual dental insurance typically costs around $50 per month, with a deductible and coinsurance to consider.
The Clear Plan, designed for those ages 51+, offers fixed out-of-pocket costs for most major procedures, providing more predictable expenses.
The Premium Plan is the most comprehensive option, with a plan year maximum out-of-pocket cost nearly twice that of other plans, making it a good choice for those needing frequent or extensive dental procedures.
Expect to pay a monthly premium close to twice that of the Basic Plan for the Premium Plan.
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Available Providers
In the US, there are several providers that offer affordable health insurance options.
UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest health insurance providers in the US, covering over 70 million people.
Aetna is another major provider, offering a range of health insurance plans, including individual, family, and group coverage.
Cigna is a global health insurance provider that offers a variety of plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Humana is a well-established provider that offers a range of health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid coverage.
Ambetter is a provider that offers affordable health insurance plans to individuals and families, with a focus on Medicaid and CHIP coverage.
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Uniform UDP

Uniform UDP is a preferred-provider organization (PPO) plan. This means you have the freedom to choose any dental provider you want.
You can change providers at any time, which is convenient if you need to switch to a different dentist.
Seeing a network provider can save you money, as your out-of-pocket expenses are generally lower.
Under UDP, you pay a percentage of the plan's allowed amount (coinsurance) for dental services after meeting the annual deductible.
The annual deductible is not specified in the article, so we can't provide more information on that.
UDP pays up to an annual maximum of $1,750 for covered benefits for each enrolled family member, including preventive visits.
Eligibility and Enrollment
To be eligible for Washington dental insurance plans, you must be a resident of the state.
Washington residents can enroll in dental insurance plans through their employers, the Health Benefit Exchange, or private insurance companies.
You can enroll in a plan during the annual open enrollment period, which typically takes place in November and December.
If you're eligible for Medicaid, you can enroll in a Medicaid dental plan, which provides comprehensive coverage for low-income individuals and families.
You can also enroll in a dental plan as an individual or family member through the Health Benefit Exchange, which offers a range of plans from different insurance companies.
Some plans may have age restrictions, so it's essential to check the eligibility requirements for each plan.
You can enroll in a dental plan at any time of the year if you experience a qualifying life event, such as losing your job or getting married.
It's recommended to review the plan's details, including the network of dentists, coverage, and costs, before enrolling.
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Plan Options
When choosing a Washington dental insurance plan, you have several options to consider.
You can opt for a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan, which allows you to visit any dentist, but you'll pay more out-of-pocket for services from non-network providers.
A HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plan is another option, which requires you to choose a primary care dentist and get referrals for specialist care.
Kids

Kids' dental care is essential, and it's great to know that pediatric dental care is considered an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Individual and small group plans are required to cover pediatric dental care either as part of the health plan or through a separate pediatric dental plan.
If you purchase a health plan for a child through the Washington Healthplanfinder, you'll be required to enroll them in a pediatric dental plan.
You'll need to provide written proof that you also bought a pediatric stand-alone dental insurance plan if you purchase a health plan outside of the Washington Healthplanfinder.
Family
Family plans are a smart option for families of 3 or more.
For families with multiple members, family dental insurance plans can provide great coverage and protection from unforeseen expenses.
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Marketplace and Insurers
In Washington, there are four insurers that offer stand-alone individual/family dental coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder. These insurers are Delta Dental of Washington, LifeWise WA, Dentegra Insurance Company, and Companion Life Insurance Company β EMI Health.
You can purchase these plans during open enrollment (November 1 to January 15) or during a special enrollment period triggered by a qualifying life event.
These plans are compliant with the ACA's rules for pediatric dental coverage, which means the out-of-pocket costs for pediatric dental care won't be more than $425 per child in 2025 (or $850 for all the children on a family's plan).
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Pediatric on the Exchange?
If you're looking for pediatric dental coverage on the exchange, you'll be happy to know that stand-alone pediatric dental plans are available via Washington Healthplanfinder.
These plans will comply with the ACA's pediatric dental coverage rules, which means out-of-pocket costs for pediatric dental care won't be more than $400 per child in 2024 (or $800 for all the children on a family's plan), and there is no cap on medically necessary pediatric dental benefits.
You can expect these plans to cover a range of services, including diagnostic services, preventive care, restorative care, oral surgery and reconstruction, periodontics, and root canals.

For 2025, the out-of-pocket maximums will increase to $425 and $850, respectively.
The state's benchmark plan, which guides the coverage requirements for pediatric dental care on the stand-alone plans offered via Washington Healthplanfinder, includes coverage for both basic and major dental services for children.
Here are some of the services you can expect to be covered:
- Diagnostic services
- Preventive care
- Restorative care
- Oral surgery and reconstruction
- Periodontics
- Root canals
Buying Outside of Exchange
You can buy dental insurance outside of Washington's exchange through stand-alone dental plans sold directly to consumers. These plans are regulated by the Washington Division of Insurance.
If you're looking to purchase a non-ACA qualified dental plan, ask a dentist for recommendations or search online.
Marketplace Insurers
In Washington, you can find stand-alone individual/family dental coverage through the Washington marketplace.
Four insurers offer this type of coverage: Delta Dental of Washington, LifeWise WA, Dentegra Insurance Company, and Companion Life Insurance Company β EMI Health.
These plans can be purchased through Washington Healthplanfinder during open enrollment or a special enrollment period triggered by a qualifying life event.
Exchange-certified stand-alone dental plans are compliant with the ACA's rules for pediatric dental coverage.
Here's a list of the insurers that offer stand-alone individual/family dental coverage through the Washington marketplace:
- Delta Dental of Washington
- LifeWise WA
- Dentegra Insurance Company
- Companion Life Insurance Company β EMI Health
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is dental insurance in Washington state per month?
Dental insurance in Washington state typically costs between $15-$40 per month for an individual and $30-$80 per month for a family. Check our FAQs for more information on what's covered.
Which is better, dental plans or dental insurance?
Dental discount plans may be a better option than traditional dental insurance for those needing extensive dental work, offering significant savings on multiple procedures
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