The dental insurance market in Tennessee for 2025 offers a wide range of options tailored to meet the diverse needs of residents. With nearly seven million people in the state, the competition among providers ensures that consumers can find plans that balance cost, coverage, and convenience. This article presents a detailed overview of the top 8 dental insurance companies in Tennessee in 2025, highlighting their key features, coverage options, and benefits to help you make an informed choice.
Introduction to Dental Insurance in Tennessee 2025
Dental insurance in Tennessee typically covers preventive, basic, and major dental services. Preventive care includes routine exams, cleanings, and X-rays. Basic services cover fillings and extractions, while major services include crowns, root canals, and implants. Most plans do not cover orthodontics, or they provide limited orthodontic benefits with separate deductibles and lifetime caps.
Premium costs vary widely, with monthly rates ranging roughly from $8 to over $90 depending on the plan type and coverage level. The average monthly premium is about $38.50, with annual maximum benefits averaging around $1,780. Some plans offer higher maximum benefits, reaching up to $3,000 or even $10,000 for comprehensive coverage.
Top 8 Dental Insurance Companies in Tennessee 2025
1. Delta Dental of Tennessee
Delta Dental is Tennessee’s leading dental insurer, known for its extensive network and strong customer satisfaction. Their DPPO (Dental Preferred Provider Organization) plan allows members to use any dentist but offers the best savings and coverage when visiting in-network providers. The plan covers 100% of preventive care before deductibles and pays 50%-80% for basic and major care after deductibles and waiting periods. Delta Dental also supports teledentistry and does not require referrals for specialists. The company has a low complaint rate and high customer satisfaction, making it a top choice for standalone dental insurance.
2. Cigna Healthcare
Cigna offers DHMO and PPO dental plans with competitive premiums and comprehensive coverage. Their DHMO plans require members to use network dentists and typically have lower premiums and copayments. Cigna’s PPO plans provide more flexibility in choosing providers and cover a broad range of dental services. Cigna is a popular option for those seeking affordable plans with solid preventive and basic care coverage.
3. DentaQuest Insurance Company Inc.
DentaQuest is known for its strong emphasis on preventive care and customer service. Their PPO plans cover 100% of preventive services and pay 50% for basic care and 30%-50% for major care, depending on the region. Although premiums and deductibles may be higher than some competitors, DentaQuest scores well on customer satisfaction and offers plans with reasonable annual maximums.
4. Guardian
Guardian offers a variety of dental insurance plans, including PPO and DHMO options. They provide coverage for preventive, basic, and major services, with some plans including orthodontic benefits. Guardian’s plans often feature competitive premiums and a broad network of dentists, making them a good choice for families and individuals looking for flexible coverage options.
5. Humana
Humana provides comprehensive dental insurance plans with coverage for preventive, basic, and major dental services. Their plans often include higher annual maximums and coverage for procedures like crowns and root canals. Humana is also noted for offering dental plans that combine vision and dental benefits, which can be convenient for consumers seeking bundled coverage.
6. BEST Life
BEST Life offers stand-alone dental insurance plans through the Tennessee health insurance marketplace. Their plans comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) pediatric dental coverage rules and provide essential dental benefits with affordable premiums. BEST Life is a good option for families seeking ACA-compliant pediatric dental coverage.
7. DentaTrust/DentaSpan
DentaTrust and DentaSpan provide dental insurance plans that are available through the Tennessee marketplace. These plans offer coverage for preventive and basic dental services and comply with ACA standards for pediatric dental care. They are suitable for individuals and families looking for marketplace dental insurance options with moderate premiums.
8. Truassure Insurance Company
Truassure is another insurer offering stand-alone dental plans in Tennessee’s marketplace. Their plans focus on essential dental benefits and provide coverage for preventive and basic services. Truassure is a viable choice for those who want straightforward dental coverage with competitive pricing.
Key Considerations When Choosing Dental Insurance in Tennessee
Network Size and Flexibility: PPO plans like Delta Dental and Cigna allow you to see any dentist, but you save more with in-network providers. DHMO plans require using network dentists but often have lower premiums.
Coverage Levels: Check if the plan covers preventive, basic, and major services. Some plans exclude orthodontics or limit coverage.
Premiums and Out-of-Pocket Costs: Monthly premiums vary widely. Also, consider deductibles, copayments, and annual maximum benefits.
Waiting Periods: Some plans impose waiting periods for major procedures like implants or root canals.
Customer Satisfaction: Companies like Delta Dental and DentaQuest have strong reputations for customer service and low complaint rates.
Pediatric Dental Coverage: ACA-compliant plans must cover essential pediatric dental benefits with limits on out-of-pocket costs.
Conclusion
In 2025, Tennessee residents have access to a robust selection of dental insurance providers. Delta Dental of Tennessee stands out as the top overall choice due to its comprehensive coverage, extensive network, and high customer satisfaction.
Other notable insurers like Cigna, DentaQuest, Guardian, and Humana offer competitive plans that cater to various needs and budgets. Additionally, marketplace providers such as BEST Life, DentaTrust, and Truassure provide ACA-compliant options for families and individuals seeking standalone dental coverage.
