Ohio Dental Insurance Guide for Individuals and Families

Ohio has a unique dental insurance landscape, with both individual and family plans available.

Most Ohioans can purchase dental insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, but some may also be eligible for Medicaid dental coverage.

In Ohio, dental insurance plans must cover a range of services, including routine cleanings, fillings, and extractions.

Preventive care is often covered at 100% or a low copayment, making it an affordable way to maintain good oral health.

If you're looking for dental insurance options in Ohio, there are 13 insurers that offer stand-alone individual/family dental coverage through the health insurance Marketplace in Ohio. These plans can be purchased through HealthCare.gov during open enrollment or a special enrollment period.

In 2025, you can choose from insurers like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, BEST Life, Delta Dental of Ohio, and many others. Here's a list of the 13 insurers that offer dental coverage in Ohio:

Keep in mind that not all plans may be offered in all areas, so be sure to check availability in your region.

In Ohio, you can choose from various types of dental insurance plans that cater to different needs and budgets. There are five common types of dental insurance in Ohio: Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Dental Indemnity, Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Point of Service (POS).

If you're looking for flexibility, consider a PPO plan, which allows you to see any dentist you want, although it may cost more. On the other hand, DHMO plans are more limited, requiring you to choose a dentist from a list of in-network providers.

Here are the main types of dental coverage:

There are several types of dental insurance plans available, each with its own benefits and limitations. One type is the PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan, which allows you to see any dentist you want, but may cost more than other plans. PPO plans often have higher annual benefit maximums, up to $2,500, and shorter waiting periods for basic, complex, and major services.

DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization) plans are another option, but they require you to choose a dentist from a list of in-network providers. If you see a dentist outside of your network, you won't be able to use your benefits.

Discount plans are also available, but they're not really insurance - they're more like a discount card that dentists agree to offer to plan members. These plans are usually the cheapest option, but they don't pay for any amount of your dental care costs.

Here are the main types of dental insurance plans:

Ultimately, the type of plan you choose will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Be sure to read the fine print and understand what's covered and what's not before making a decision.

If you're looking for temporary dental insurance, you should consider short-term dental insurance options. This type of insurance can provide coverage for a few months until you switch to long-term dental insurance. Short-term dental insurance can help bridge the gap between policies.

COBRA health insurance can serve as a temporary bridge between policies. Make sure to understand the cancellation policy implemented by the insurance company before signing up.

There are 13 insurers that offer stand-alone individual/family dental coverage through the health insurance Marketplace in Ohio.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, BEST Life, Delta Dental of Ohio, DentaQuest Insurance Company Inc- OH, DentaTrust/DentaSpan, Dominion National, EMI Health, Guardian, Humana, Paramount, Solstice Healthplans of Ohio, Inc., Truassure Insurance Company, and UnitedHealthcare are the insurers offering dental coverage in Ohio.

You can purchase this coverage through HealthCare.gov during open enrollment (November 1 to January 15) or during a special enrollment period triggered by a quality life event.

Delta Dental is a nonprofit organization that offers PPO dental insurance coverage to individuals, families, and businesses in Ohio and beyond.

Some of the top dental insurance providers in Ohio include Delta Dental, Ameritas, and Guardian Direct.

Delta Dental offers plans with deductibles as low as $25 a year and higher-tier plans have no deductibles at all.

Ameritas offers plans with a $1,000 annual maximum and orthodontic inclusion from just $34 a month.

Guardian Direct makes it easy for new Ohio transplants to find dental offices in their area that accept Guardian Direct plans.

Here are some of the top dental insurance providers in Ohio:

In Ohio, you can expect to pay between $7 and $49 per month for a stand-alone dental coverage through the exchange, depending on the plan you choose.

The average cost of dental insurance in Ohio is around $30 to $45 per month, which is relatively affordable compared to health insurance.

Most dental insurance plans cover 3 types of services: precautionary care (e.g. cleanings and X-rays), essential services (e.g. cavity fillings and simple tooth extractions), and major services (e.g. bridges and dentures). The costs for these services can vary significantly depending on the plan and provider.

Here's a rough breakdown of what you can expect to pay for each type of service:

Keep in mind that the specific costs and coverage can vary greatly between plans, so it's essential to read the fine print and understand what's included and excluded.

You may need a separate dental plan if you want more choices and better benefits for your family. Separate plans usually offer more options than what's available through a medical plan.

In some states, including Ohio, you can purchase stand-alone dental coverage through the exchange. In Ohio, premiums for adults range from about $7 to $49 per month in 2025.

Availability of separate dental plans does vary by state, so it's essential to check what's available in your area.

Dental insurance costs in Ohio can be as low as $7 per month for adults who purchase stand-alone coverage through the exchange.

For a relatively cheap plan, the average Ohio resident can expect to pay about $30 a month, while a more expensive plan can cost up to $45 per month.

You can find dental discount plans in every state, which are not insurance but can offer discounted rates at participating dentists.

To get a better idea of the costs, consider the following breakdown:

Keep in mind that these costs are averages and can vary depending on your specific needs and circumstances.

Dental insurance plans often have annual maximum benefit limits, deductibles, and exclusions, so be sure to read the fine print and choose a plan that meets your needs and budget.

Some plans may not cover basic treatments like dentures and teeth whitening, so make sure to review the plan's inclusions and exclusions before signing up.