Self-employed dental insurance gives you access to dental care that you might not otherwise have as a self-employed individual. It helps you maintain your oral health and save money on expensive dental procedures. This type of dental insurance also gives you peace of mind and provides coverage when you need it. 

If you are self-employed and want to learn more about dental insurance for independent contractors, this guide will cover everything there is to know about the subject. Visit our dental insurance page if you’re ready to begin shopping for plans. 

What Is Self-Employed Dental Insurance?

Self-employed dental insurance is covers freelancers who would otherwise not have access to an employer-sponsored dental plan. This provides coverage for routine dental exams, teeth cleanings, major repairs, and more to independent contractors and freelancers. It is one of the many health insurance options for self-employed individuals who want dental care at reasonable costs. 

Understanding the Self-Employed Status

Individuals who work for themselves, operate their own businesses, or provide freelance services are typically considered self-employed. This status can apply to a wide range of occupations, including consultants, freelancers, small business owners, independent contractors, and sole proprietors.

People choose self-employment for various reasons, including the desire for independence, the opportunity to pursue their passions, and the potential for higher earnings. Self-employment allows individuals to have greater control over their work, set their own schedules, and make decisions about their businesses. However, it often comes with responsibilities such as managing taxes, obtaining health insurance, and handling retirement planning independently. Many self-employed individuals seek insurance options like private health plans, including those available through the Health Insurance Marketplace or through professional associations and organizations, to secure coverage for themselves and their families.

Are You Legally Required to Have Dental Insurance?

No, you are not legally required to have dental insurance, but having dental insurance for self-employed individuals is highly beneficial for your oral health. You will save money on dental care and know your teeth are in good health.

Although you are not required to have dental insurance coverage, taking care of your teeth by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting a dentist can be beneficial. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that healthy oral practices can prevent teeth, gum, and mouth diseases. 

The American Dental Association also states that maintaining your hygiene with routine cleanings can prevent the need for major procedures that may cost a lot of money. Significant procedures, such as crown implants or bridges, require out-of-pocket fees and can cost over a thousand dollars without insurance. Finding an affordable dental plan may save you money at the end of the day.

Since there are plenty of low-cost dental options available, you may be able to have dental insurance coverage and stay within your budget. Plus, having dental coverage can provide additional financial benefits. 

Financial Benefits for Enrolling in Self-Employed Dental Coverage

Getting a dental insurance self-employed policy helps you save money on a majority of your dental care. Having self-employed dental coverage allows you to save money on procedures and avoid issues that can become more expensive over time. Dental insurance for self-employed freelancers, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs can make it easier to ensure your teeth stay in better condition for longer.

Taking care of your teeth helps you avoid major repairs now and in the future. Although your teeth will inevitably need an expensive restoration, such as a root canal with a dental crown, you can financially prepare for that repair if the dentist indicates that you’ll need to undergo the procedure at some point in the future.

One benefit of buying dental insurance for independent contractors is that you may be able to take advantage of tax incentives. Being self-employed has tax benefits, some of which apply to your dental insurance. Opportunities for tax breaks may allow you to buy an affordable dental plan and keep costs down even more by using your dental costs as a tax deduction.

There may be IRS tax deductions that apply to you, which will help save you money as you file your taxes as a self-employed individual.

Consider possible tax deductions when calculating the price of having self-employed dental insurance versus opting out. Make sure to talk with an accountant or a licensed tax professional for personal advice.

How to Get Dental Insurance if You’re Self-Employed

As a self-employed individual, you may need to look for your own dental coverage instead of getting coverage from an employer. There are two ways to purchase dental insurance for independent contractors, freelancers, and other self-employed individuals, including through your health insurance plan or a stand-alone dental insurance plan.

Dental insurance with your health insurance plan

You can often buy health insurance that includes dental insurance, meaning you’ll have one monthly premium for both. Depending on the plan’s costs and coverage details, this insurance package may give you low-cost dental insurance.

Stand-alone dental insurance plans

You can also purchase dental coverage separately from your health insurance. This means having a stand-alone dental plan with a premium that is paid separately from your health premium.

Regardless of which option you select, it’s a good idea to compare different plans to find the best dental insurance for your situation.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Self-Employed Dental Plan

Much like self-employed health insurance, different dental plans will have different costs, and it’s always important to consider your needs. This is especially important as an independent contractor or freelancer since you won’t have the benefit of an employer subsidizing the cost of your dental care. You may have to do some planning to figure out how to find low-cost dental insurance that works for you.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind as you evaluate your dental insurance needs:

How much dental care you need

Think about your history of dental services – do you need fillings, crowns, root canals, or other services fairly often? Then a plan with a high premium but lower deductible and cost-sharing may actually end up being a budget-friendly dental insurance option for you. This way, you may be able to avoid paying high copayments for procedures that are not fully covered by your insurance. Being a freelancer or independent contractor sometimes means having an unpredictable income flow, and you may like knowing up front what your costs will be.

Preventive services covered

If you plan on only needing preventive services, which may be covered in full, then a self-employed dental insurance plan with a low deductible might be best for you. In many cases, these preventive services may include:

• Examinations
• X-rays
• Teeth cleaning
• Fluoride treatment
• Sealants (for ages 0-18)

Preferred dentist

If you have a dentist that you want to continue using, you will have to consider that while picking dental insurance for independent contractors. There are usually two types of dental plans for self-employed dental insurance: 

• Health Maintenance Organization (HMOs): These plans have provider networks you are required to use to be covered. You will also need to see your primary dentist if you need to get a referral for specialist care.
• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): A dental PPO lets you use non-network dentists, but usually at a higher cost. The plan may also have a list of participating dentists you can use with lower copayments. You will not need to get a referral for specialist care.

Interest in cosmetic procedures

If you are looking for a dental plan to cover a cosmetic procedure, such as braces or teeth whitening, it might be hard to find. Cosmetic procedures are usually not covered by insurance; if they are, the plan itself may be expensive. Keep in mind that if the policy doesn’t cover certain procedures you need or want, you will have to pay for these costs out of pocket.

There is no universal answer as to whether or not you should buy dental insurance—all you can do is decide what will be the best low-cost dental insurance for you. You can also read about the pros and cons of being covered and whether or not dental insurance is worth the cost.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is dental insurance necessary for self-employed individuals?

Dental insurance can be incredibly beneficial for self-employed individuals. While it’s not mandatory, having dental coverage provides financial protection against unexpected dental expenses, encourages preventive care, and helps maintain good oral health, which is essential for overall well-being and productivity.

What types of dental insurance plans are available for self-employed individuals?

Self-employed individuals have several options when it comes to dental insurance plans:

• Traditional Dental Insurance: These plans typically involve monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-payments for covered services. They may offer various levels of coverage, including preventive, basic, and major dental care.
• Dental Discount Plans: These plans involve paying an annual membership fee in exchange for discounted rates on dental services from participating providers. While they don’t function like traditional insurance, they can still provide significant savings on dental care expenses.

How much does dental insurance cost for self-employed individuals?

The cost of dental insurance for self-employed individuals varies depending on several factors, including the level of coverage, the provider, and your location. On average, monthly premiums can range from around $20 to $50 per month for individual coverage. Additionally, you may encounter deductibles and co-payments for specific services, so it’s essential to review plan details carefully to understand your financial obligations.

Are there any tax benefits to purchasing dental insurance as a self-employed individual?

Yes, there may be tax benefits associated with purchasing dental insurance as a self-employed individual. In many cases, dental insurance premiums paid by self-employed individuals are considered a deductible business expense, reducing taxable income and potentially lowering overall tax liability. However, it’s crucial to consult with a tax professional to understand specific tax implications and eligibility criteria based on your individual circumstances.

eHealth Makes It Easy to Get Self-Employed Dental Insurance

Caring for your oral health does not have to be complicated. You can access the same quality of coverage that an employer-sponsored policy offers, keep your dentist if you want through a DPPO, or save even more money with a DHMO self-employed dental insurance policy. The premiums you pay for self-employed dental insurance may also be tax deductible through your IRS Schedule C.

Ultimately, you save money by getting self-employed dental insurance, worry less about the condition of your teeth, and get the dental care you need when you need it.

eHealth makes it easy to find dental insurance for freelancers and contractors. With eHealth, you can browse a wide variety of dental plan offerings, including HMOs and PPOs, at different price points. Check out our selection of dental insurance plans from top dental care providers and easily find the one that fits your needs. Or, speak with an eHealth licensed insurance agent to determine the best plan for your lifestyle today.