LISTEN: Your dental insurance might not cover what you expect.
Russell Anthony made eight trips to the dentist last year. The 65-year-old retiree in Nashville, Tennessee, hopes to go less often in 2026, but he’s already made a few visits.
“I had a root canal just last week that was like $500,” he said. “The week before that, I had a crown that cost me several hundred dollars. And as we speak, I have a broken tooth, and I have to go and see the dentist soon.”
In all, Anthony — uncle of HealthQ host Cara Anthony — expects to pay about $2,000 for dental care this year, even though he has dental insurance.
“Trying to weigh the cost of when to go to get dental care and paying for it, versus the other needs that I have, is something that’s very important,” Russell Anthony said.
The American Dental Association reported that 77% of adults in the U.S. had dental insurance in 2021. But that coverage does not necessarily protect against large bills. In fact, 1 in 4 adults with dental insurance reported costs as a barrier to care, according to a 2023 survey by KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.
Here are three things to know to better understand your insurance plan and keep your dental costs as low as possible:
1. Even With Dental Insurance, You’ll Have To Pay for Procedures
Dental plans typically cover routine care in full but pay only a portion of additional work. Benefits vary, but many plan …