Massachusetts Dental Insurance

Features & Costs in the Bay State

MA Dental Plan Overview

Massachusetts is a relatively small state in New England but it still boasts 2,414 general dentistry practices and 2,492 specialty practices according to Dentagraphics. Alongside these dental practices are top dental schools such as the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, the School of Dental Medicine at Tufts University, and the Boston University Dental School. Not only do these schools train some of the best dentists in the nation but they also provide dental clinics to help students train and provide dental care at a low-cost to people with modest incomes.

By Insurance Industry Expert & Author

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In this article

If you live in Massachusetts, this article will provide with:

Our recommended plans in Massachusetts

Company logo for Renaissance Dental bestselling

Plan II

In and Out of Network Benefits

Plan Type: PPO

Plan Maximum: $1,000

Company logo for NCD by MetLife bestselling

NCD Complete by MetLife

$10,000 per Calendar Year per person

Plan Type: PPO

Plan Maximum: $10,000

Company logo for Renaissance Dental bestselling

Max Choice Plus

Coverage for Major Services that escalates to 50% in the third year

Plan Type: PPO

Plan Maximum: $1,000 - $3,000

MA Dental Plans & Premiums

An examination of 16 different dental plans offered by six different insurance brands established a monthly premium range (assuming a 33 year-old applicant in Pittsfield) from $26.85 a month (Humana Bright Plus PPO) to $94.37 (Nationwide’s Classic 2000 + VSP Premium). The average premium for the plans surveyed was $54.46 a month. 10 of the 16 plans reviewed had monthly premiums below the average. The companies represented in this review included:

All the Massachusetts plans reviewed had a maximum benefit (an annual limit on insurance company spending on client dental care). The average limit of dental costs an insurer would pay for covered dental treatment in the first year of enrollment was $1,809. This limit on insurer contributions is known as the “maximum benefit” and dental bills in excess of this amount are paid in full by the customer, not the insurance company. Before the maximum benefit was reached, insurer payments toward dental services such as filling for a cavity averaged 55 percent of the total cost of treatment. Some plans increased their contributions for consumers who stayed enrolled for a second and third year of coverage.

Deductibles varied by dental plan, but to a much lesser extent than deductibles vary among traditional medical insurance plans. The lowest single-person deductible among the Massachusetts dental plans reviewed was $50 annually. The highest deductible for an individual was $150, though this was a one-time deductible whose satisfaction lasted as long as the customer was continuously enrolled in the dental plan (Humana Loyalty Plus PPO). On average, deductibles required an individual enrollee to pay $68.75 in dental costs before the insurance company would begin paying for expenses.

Some plans capped the maximum deductible expense for an entire family (e.g. $150) while other plans had a deductible for each family member (e.g. $50 per person). The family caps were as high as $450 a year. Some plans with deductibles waived the deductible obligation for preventive services such as annual teeth cleaning performed by an in-network dentist.

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Great State for Dentists?

Nearly 7,000,000 people live in Massachusetts, with the majority of them residing in the eastern portion of the state. The population leans toward the better educated with 90.8 percent having at least a high school degree and about 44 percent with a college Bachelors degree according to the U.S. Census. A 2019 study by 24/7 Wall St. claimed that Massachusetts was the best state for a dental practice when considering dentists per capita, salary, the presence of dental schools, and quality of life.

Low-Income Options

Massachusetts understands the importance of regular dental care for people with modest financial means. The information below outlines the state’s dental benefits within its Medicaid program. Our resource labeled "Low-Cost Dental Clinics" at the bottom of this page also provides additional options for people with limited finances but ineligible for Medicaid.

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Medicaid and Dental Care in Massachusetts

Medicaid is a government-run insurance program providing health coverage to people (children as well as adults) who have a low household income. In the state of Massachusetts, the program is named "MassHealth." MassHealth does offer dental benefits for individuals who qualify for the program. Covered dental services may include annual dental exams, preventive services, x-rays, teeth cleaning, dental sealants, fillings, crowns, and root canals.

To determine if you are eligible for MassHealth, visit the State of Massachusetts's webpage detailing the eligibility requirements for MassHealth, the Health Safety Net, and Children's Medical Security Plan.

Insurance Rates in Your Region

Dental insurance rates can vary across a state. To see how dental plan costs compare in your region, use our tool to get dental insurance quotes for the available plans. You can also see what plans are popular in the state by reviewing the below list of the bestselling Massachusetts plans on DentalInsurance.com.

We can help you find the plan that best suits YOUR needs.

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Oral health resources for Massachusetts Residents

We've pulled together information to help you find resources in your state to help you maintain your oral health.

Massachusetts Coalition for Oral Health

The Massachusetts Coalition for Oral Health (MCOH) is an association of dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, researchers, policymakers, and educators promoting oral health advances accomplished through a combination of:

  • Education
  • Prevention measures
  • Access to care
  • Health promotion

Notable member organizations within the MCOH include the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The MCOH promotes community-focused efforts to improve the oral health of all the residents of the state of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Dental Association (MDS)

The MDS belongs to the American Dental Association and represents approximately 5,000 members working in the state of Massachusetts. The MDS was organized over a century ago in 1864 and incorporated the following year. MDS's objectives include:

  • The professional development of its members
  • Advocacy of the highest professional standards
  • Advancing oral health in the Commonwealth

Massachusetts Dental Resources

This web page links to resources pertaining to dental insurance as well as low-cost dental care options from dental schools and community centers.

Low-Cost Dental Clinics in Massachusetts

This resource lists no-cost and low-cost dental care providers located within the state of Massachusetts. The options include clinics and community health centers.

Need help choosing a plan? Call us at 800-296-3800

Our knowledgeable customer service team will assist you with any questions you may have prior to enrolling in a dental plan. They can guide you through the process of choosing coverage that matches your needs as well as your budget.

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