Looking for dental insurance that offers extensive network access and flexible coverage options? Equitable dental insurance provides tiered plans with coverage for preventive, basic, and major dental services across a nationwide network of over 136,000 dentists. With 100% coverage for preventive care and no deductible across all plans, Equitable helps individuals and families maintain oral health while managing costs effectively.
Understanding Equitable’s Dental Insurance Network
In 2025, Equitable offers access to one of the largest dental networks in the United States, with over 136,000 dentists participating in their PPO and DHMO networks. This extensive coverage ensures you can find convenient in-network care almost anywhere in the country.
Using in-network providers can save you 50-60% on dental procedures compared to out-of-network costs. These savings apply across preventive, basic, and major services, making a significant difference in your overall dental expenses.
For those selecting the Platinum DHMO plan, you’ll need to choose a primary care dentist who coordinates all your dental care. While this adds a step to the process, the DHMO model often eliminates deductibles and annual maximums, potentially offering better value for those requiring extensive dental work.
Coverage Tiers: Finding the Right Fit
Equitable offers multiple tiers of dental coverage, each designed to meet different needs and budgets. Understanding these options helps you select the plan that best aligns with your oral health requirements and financial situation.
Bronze Plan: Basic Protection
The Bronze plan offers essential coverage with a focus on preventive and basic care:
- $100 individual/$300 family deductible
- $1,000 annual maximum benefit
- 100% coverage for preventive care with no deductible
- 80% coverage for basic services after deductible
- No coverage for major services or orthodontia
This plan works well for individuals and families who maintain regular dental checkups and only occasionally need basic treatments like fillings.
Silver Plan: Enhanced Coverage
The Silver plan builds on the Bronze benefits with added protection:
- $100 individual/$300 family deductible
- $1,500 annual maximum benefit
- 100% coverage for preventive care with no deductible
- 80% coverage for basic services after deductible
- 60% coverage for major services after deductible
- 50% coverage for orthodontia for children up to age 19
This tier provides a good balance for families with children who might need orthodontic work.
Gold Plan: Comprehensive Protection
The Gold plan offers the most comprehensive PPO coverage:
- $50 individual/$150 family deductible (lower than other plans)
- $2,500 annual maximum benefit
- 100% coverage for preventive care with no deductible
- 80% coverage for basic services after deductible
- 80% coverage for major services after deductible
- 50% coverage for orthodontia for both children and adults
This premium option works best for those anticipating significant dental needs or families with multiple members requiring orthodontic treatment.
Platinum Plan (DHMO): No Annual Limits
The Platinum DHMO plan operates differently:
- No deductibles
- No annual maximum benefits
- Coverage varies by specific carrier
- Services typically covered at predetermined copayment amounts
- Requires selection of primary care dentist
This option may provide better value for those requiring extensive dental work, as it eliminates the annual cap on benefits found in traditional PPO plans.
Covered Services Under Equitable Dental Plans
Equitable’s dental insurance covers a wide range of services across three main categories:
Preventive Care
Across all plans, preventive dental care receives 100% coverage with no deductible. This includes:
- Routine cleanings (typically covered twice per year)
- Regular dental exams
- X-rays (frequency varies by plan)
- Fluoride treatments (usually for children)
- Sealants (typically for children)
The emphasis on preventive care reflects the understanding that regular maintenance helps avoid more costly treatments later.
Basic Restorative Care
Basic services typically receive 80% coverage after meeting your deductible. These include:
- Fillings
- Simple extractions
- Non-surgical periodontal treatment
- Root canals
- Oral surgery
These services address common dental issues that go beyond routine maintenance.
Major Restorative Care
Coverage for major services varies by plan level, ranging from no coverage (Bronze) to 80% coverage (Gold). Major services include:
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Dentures
- Implants
- Inlays and onlays
- Surgical periodontal treatment
These more extensive procedures typically address significant dental issues or replace missing teeth.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontia coverage depends on your selected plan:
- Bronze: No coverage
- Silver: 50% coverage for children up to age 19
- Gold: 50% coverage for both children and adults
- Platinum: Varies by carrier
Most plans that include orthodontia have separate lifetime maximums for these services, distinct from the annual maximum for other dental care.
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Bronze Plan | Silver Plan | Gold Plan | Platinum Plan (DHMO) |
| Deductible (Individual/Family) | $100/$300 | $100/$300 | $50/$150 | None |
| Annual Maximum | $1,000 | $1,500 | $2,500 | None |
| Preventive Care | 100% | 100% | 100% | Varies by carrier |
| Basic Care Cost Share | 20% after deductible | 20% after deductible | 20% after deductible | Copayment schedule |
| Major Care Cost Share | Not covered | 40% after deductible | 20% after deductible | Copayment schedule |
| Orthodontia | Not covered | 50% for children up to 19 | 50% for children and adults | Varies by carrier |
| In-Network Savings | 50-60% | 50-60% | 50-60% | Must use network |
| Primary Dentist Required | No | No | No | Yes |
Additional Benefits and Considerations
Customization Options
Employers and individuals can compare different carriers (including Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, MetLife, and UnitedHealthcare) and plan levels during enrollment. This flexibility allows you to find the best fit for your specific needs and budget.
Digital Tools and Customer Support
Equitable provides resources to help manage your dental benefits, including:
- Mobile apps for checking eligibility and tracking claims
- Online provider directories
- Dedicated customer service teams
These tools make it easier to maximize your dental benefits and find in-network providers.
Financial Planning Integration
Dental insurance through Equitable is positioned as part of overall financial wellness. Regular dental care prevents more expensive treatments later, making dental insurance a smart component of comprehensive financial planning.
Important Limitations
When considering Equitable dental insurance, keep these key points in mind:
- It does not qualify as comprehensive health insurance under ACA requirements
- Coverage details vary by state and specific plan
- Optional features may increase costs
- Certain specialized procedures might have waiting periods
- Pre-existing conditions may have limited coverage
Choosing the Right Equitable Dental Plan
When selecting an Equitable dental plan, consider these factors:
- Current dental health needs: Assess your family’s typical dental requirements based on past history.
- Anticipated procedures: If you know you’ll need major work or orthodontia, select a plan with appropriate coverage.
- Provider preferences: Check if your preferred dentists participate in Equitable’s network.
- Budget considerations: Balance monthly premiums against potential out-of-pocket costs.
- Family composition: Families with children might benefit from plans with orthodontia coverage.
If you have complicated dental needs or anticipate major procedures, the Gold or Platinum plans likely offer better value despite higher premiums. For those with generally good dental health who mainly need preventive care, the Bronze plan may be sufficient.
Final Thoughts
Equitable dental insurance offers flexible, tiered plans with access to an extensive national network. With 100% coverage for preventive care across all plans and options for more comprehensive coverage depending on your needs, these plans help maintain oral health while managing costs effectively.
The choice between PPO plans (Bronze, Silver, Gold) and DHMO options (Platinum) depends on your specific situation, provider preferences, and anticipated dental needs. By understanding the coverage levels, network benefits, and cost-sharing structures, you can select the plan that best fits your oral health requirements and budget.
Looking for more information about insurance options for you and your family? Visit Wealthopedia to explore comprehensive guides on various insurance products, financial planning tools, and expert advice to help secure your financial future.
