Dental insurance isn't just about keeping your smile bright — it's a smart way to protect your health and your wallet. Without it, many people face both serious health risks and unexpected bills. Let’s take a closer look at why dental coverage matters.
The High Price of Skipping Dental Coverage
In 2023, about 68.5 million adults in the United States didn’t have dental insurance — a number that could climb to more than 91 million due to changes in Medicaid coverage (CareQuest, 2023).
Without insurance, even a simple dentist visit can be costly. A routine dental exam with a cleaning and X-rays costs about $203 on average, with prices ranging from $50 to $350 depending on where you live and the office you visit (CareCredit, 2023).
If you need more serious work, the costs go up fast:
- Fillings can cost between $100 and $1,050 (GoodRx, 2023).
- Root canals may run anywhere from $700 to $2,100 (GoodRx, 2023).
- Crowns can range from $800 to $2,500 (GoodRx, 2023).
Without coverage, even one dental emergency could leave you with a hefty bill.
The Health Risks of Skipping Dental Care
Because dental care can be expensive, many people put off going to the dentist. In 2023, about 19% of adults said they skipped or delayed dental care because of cost concerns (Commonwealth Fund, 2024).
But ignoring dental care doesn’t make problems go away — it often makes them worse. Skipping regular checkups can lead to bigger health problems like infections, gum disease, or tooth loss. Not only are these conditions painful, but they are also expensive to fix.
Worse, dental health is closely tied to your overall health. Poor oral health has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even problems during pregnancy. Taking care of your mouth is one important way to take care of your whole body.
The Financial Impact of Untreated Dental Issues
Dental problems don’t just hurt your mouth or your bank account. They can hurt the economy too. Each year, the U.S. loses about $45 billion in productivity because of untreated dental disease (CareQuest, 2023).
Think about it: when people have toothaches or dental infections, they’re more likely to miss work or be less productive on the job. That lost time adds up, hurting both families and businesses.
How Dental Insurance Helps
Dental insurance helps protect you from these risks. Most dental plans — including the one you have — cover preventive care like exams and cleanings at little or no cost to you. These regular visits help catch small problems before they turn into big, expensive ones.
Insurance also helps lower the cost of treatments like fillings, crowns, and root canals. Instead of paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of pocket, your plan helps cover much of the cost.
Having insurance also encourages healthier habits. In 2022, about 70% of adults 65 and older with dental coverage had seen a dentist in the past year, compared to just 56% of adults without coverage (CDC, 2022). Regular checkups mean better oral health — and better overall health, too.
Peace of Mind
Besides saving you money, dental insurance gives you peace of mind. You don’t have to worry about delaying care or facing huge bills after a surprise dental issue. You can go to the dentist when you need to, take care of problems early, and protect your smile and your health.
It also feels good to know you’re covered. Studies show that people with dental insurance report higher satisfaction with their overall health compared to those without it (CareQuest, 2023).
The Bottom Line
Not having dental insurance can cost a lot — in money, in health, and in missed opportunities. Dental coverage isn’t just something you have — it’s something that works for you every day, protecting your health and your wallet.
With your dental plan, you’re taking a smart step toward better health and a brighter future. Regular care today means fewer problems tomorrow — and that’s something to smile about.
Sources
- CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, 2023: https://www.carequest.org/about/press-release/new-report-685-million-adults-us-dont-have-dental-insurance-may-rise-914
- CareCredit, 2023: https://www.carecredit.com/dentistry/costs/
- GoodRx, 2023: https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/dental-care/manage-dental-costs-without-insurance
- Commonwealth Fund, 2024: https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/surveys/2024/nov/state-health-insurance-coverage-us-2024-biennial-survey
- CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, 2023: https://www.carequest.org/content/state-oral-health-equity-america-2023
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db500.htm
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