Best Dental Insurance for Families in 2026

Choosing dental insurance for a family is more involved than picking a plan for yourself. You have to consider the needs of every family member, from toddler checkups and sealants to teenage orthodontics and adult crowns. The right family dental plan should cover preventive care for everyone, offer meaningful benefits for basic and major services, and remain affordable even when you are covering three, four, or more people.

According to the American Dental Association, families with dental insurance are significantly more likely to receive regular preventive care, and children with coverage are far less likely to have untreated cavities. With dental costs continuing to rise in 2026, having a solid family dental plan is one of the best investments you can make in your household's long-term health.

This guide breaks down the best family dental insurance options available in 2026, how family pricing works compared to individual plans, what the ACA requires for pediatric dental, and how to stretch your dental dollars when covering a whole household. If you are new to dental insurance, start with our comprehensive dental insurance guide for foundational information before diving into the family-specific details here.

Top Family Dental Insurance Plans for 2026

Several dental insurance carriers consistently stand out for family coverage. Each has different strengths, and the best choice depends on your family's size, dental needs, budget, and geographic location. Below are six of the top options worth comparing.

Delta Dental

Delta Dental is the largest dental insurance provider in the United States, covering more than 80 million Americans across its PPO and Premier networks. For families, Delta Dental offers one of the broadest provider networks in the country, which means you are more likely to find in-network dentists near you regardless of where you live. Family PPO plans typically run $55 to $85 per month and offer annual maximums of $1,000 to $2,000 per person. Delta Dental plans usually cover preventive care at 100%, basic services at 80%, and major services at 50%. Orthodontic coverage is available on select plans with a lifetime maximum of $1,000 to $1,500 per child. Delta Dental is best for families that want the largest possible network and straightforward, reliable coverage.

Cigna Dental

Cigna offers both DHMO and PPO family dental plans, giving families a choice between affordability and flexibility. Cigna DHMO family plans are among the most affordable on the market at $30 to $50 per month, with no annual maximums and no deductibles. Cigna PPO family plans range from $50 to $80 per month and offer annual maximums of $1,000 to $1,500 per person. Cigna is notable for its preventive care incentives: some plans increase your annual maximum by $100 to $200 each year you visit the dentist for a checkup, rewarding consistent preventive care. Orthodontic coverage is available with lifetime maximums of $1,000 to $2,000. Cigna is a good fit for families who want to start with a budget-friendly DHMO and potentially upgrade later.

Guardian Direct

Guardian Direct is a strong option for families looking for higher annual maximums and robust major service coverage. Family PPO plans from Guardian typically cost $60 to $90 per month and offer annual maximums up to $2,500 per person on their top-tier plans. Coverage follows the standard 100/80/50 model for preventive, basic, and major services. Guardian has a large national network and offers orthodontic benefits for children and adults with lifetime maximums up to $2,000. Waiting periods vary by plan: some Guardian plans have 6-month waiting periods for basic services and 12 months for major, while others have shorter waits. Guardian is ideal for families that anticipate needing significant dental work and want a higher annual maximum to offset costs.

Humana Dental

Humana offers a wide range of family dental plans through both employer groups and the individual market. Their Preventive Plus DHMO plans are among the least expensive family options, starting at $25 to $45 per month. For families that want PPO flexibility, Humana's Loyalty Plus PPO plans reward long-term members with increasing annual maximums, growing by up to $250 per year to a cap of $2,500. Standard family PPO premiums range from $50 to $75 per month. Humana's network is particularly strong in the Southeast and Midwest. Orthodontic coverage is available with lifetime maximums of $1,000 to $1,500 on most PPO plans. Humana is a smart choice for families planning to keep their dental coverage long-term and benefit from the loyalty maximum increases.

Spirit Dental

Spirit Dental, underwritten by Ameritas, stands out for families who need dental work right away because most of its plans have no waiting periods. Family plans range from $60 to $100 per month, which is higher than average, but the tradeoff is immediate access to coverage for basic and major services. Annual maximums range from $1,000 to $5,000 per person depending on the plan tier. Spirit Dental uses the Ameritas PPO network, which includes over 100,000 provider locations nationally. Orthodontic coverage is available with lifetime maximums up to $2,500. Spirit Dental is the best option for families that need dental work now and cannot afford to wait through 6 to 12 month waiting periods.

Renaissance Dental

Renaissance Dental is another no-waiting-period option that deserves attention from families. Their plans feature annual maximums of $1,000 to $2,500 per person and use a 100/80/50 coverage structure. Family premiums typically fall between $55 and $90 per month. Renaissance uses a large PPO network and also allows out-of-network visits, though at reduced coverage levels. Orthodontic benefits for children are included on higher-tier plans with lifetime maximums of $1,000 to $2,000. Renaissance also offers a unique benefit where unused annual maximum amounts can roll over to the next year on some plans, which is valuable for family members who do not use all their benefits. Renaissance is well-suited for families that want no waiting periods combined with the ability to accumulate unused benefits over time.

Family vs. Individual Dental Insurance Pricing

Understanding how dental insurance is priced for families versus individuals is essential for making the most cost-effective choice. For a detailed breakdown of dental insurance costs at every level, see our guide on how much dental insurance costs.

Individual dental insurance premiums typically range from $20 to $50 per month for PPO plans and $8 to $25 for DHMO plans. If you were to buy separate individual plans for a family of four, you would be looking at $80 to $200 per month for PPO coverage. A family plan from the same carrier usually costs $50 to $90 per month for comparable PPO coverage, representing savings of 30% to 55% over individual plans.

Most dental insurers use one of two pricing models for families. The first is tiered pricing, where you choose from individual, individual-plus-one, or family tiers. The family tier covers two adults and all dependent children under one premium. The second model is per-member pricing, where the premium is calculated based on the number of people on the plan. Tiered pricing benefits larger families because the premium is the same whether you have two children or five. Per-member pricing can be more cost-effective for smaller families with only one child.

An important distinction for families: the annual maximum on a family dental plan almost always applies per person, not per family. So if your plan has a $1,500 annual maximum and you have a family of four, each person has $1,500 in available benefits, giving your family $6,000 in total potential coverage for the year. This is a critical factor that makes family dental insurance a particularly good value.

The ACA Pediatric Dental Mandate: What Families Need to Know

The Affordable Care Act classifies pediatric dental care as one of the ten essential health benefits. This means that health insurance plans sold on the HealthCare.gov marketplace are required to make pediatric dental coverage available for children under age 19. This coverage can be embedded in the health insurance plan itself or offered as a separate standalone dental plan.

Pediatric dental benefits under the ACA are required to include diagnostic and preventive care such as exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and X-rays. They must also cover basic restorative services like fillings and extractions, as well as major services including crowns and root canals when medically necessary. Importantly, medically necessary orthodontic treatment is also covered for children, which is a benefit not required for adults.

For families shopping on the marketplace, it is important to understand that while pediatric dental must be offered, you are not always required to purchase it. In most states, the pediatric dental benefit is embedded in the health plan and cannot be separated. In some states, it is offered as a standalone dental plan that you may or may not choose to buy. However, purchasing it is strongly recommended because the coverage is typically comprehensive and the premiums are relatively low when bundled with a marketplace health plan.

One limitation to be aware of is that ACA pediatric dental benefits are subject to annual out-of-pocket limits, not annual maximums. This is different from traditional dental insurance. The out-of-pocket limit for pediatric dental in 2026 is approximately $400 for one child and $700 for two or more children on standalone dental plans. Once you reach the out-of-pocket limit, the plan covers 100% of remaining costs for the rest of the year.

Orthodontic Coverage for Kids: What to Expect

Orthodontic treatment is one of the most expensive dental services families face. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, traditional braces cost $3,000 to $7,000 and clear aligners cost $4,000 to $8,000. Having insurance that contributes to these costs can make a meaningful difference. For a deep dive into how insurance handles braces specifically, read our article on whether dental insurance covers braces.

Most family dental PPO plans that include orthodontic benefits cover 50% of the cost up to a lifetime orthodontic maximum. This maximum is separate from your annual dental maximum and typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per child. Some premium plans offer lifetime orthodontic maximums of $2,500 to $3,000. The orthodontic benefit is usually a lifetime maximum, meaning it does not reset each year.

Waiting periods for orthodontic coverage are typically longer than for other dental services. Many plans require 12 to 24 months of enrollment before orthodontic benefits become available. If you know your child will need braces, enrolling in a plan with orthodontic coverage well in advance can help you satisfy the waiting period before treatment begins. Some carriers like Spirit Dental and Renaissance Dental offer plans with no orthodontic waiting period, though premiums are higher.

DHMO plans handle orthodontics differently. Instead of coinsurance and lifetime maximums, DHMO plans typically charge a fixed copay for orthodontic treatment. A DHMO plan might charge a copay of $1,800 to $2,500 for full orthodontic treatment, which can be less than the out-of-pocket cost on a PPO plan depending on the total treatment cost. The key advantage of DHMO orthodontic coverage is predictability: you know exactly what you will pay upfront.

For families with multiple children who may need orthodontic treatment, the total cost can be substantial even with insurance. Consider staggering treatment if possible, as each child has their own lifetime orthodontic maximum. If two children need braces simultaneously, you can use both of their lifetime maximums in the same year.

What to Look for in a Family Dental Plan

When evaluating family dental plans, five factors matter most. Focusing on these will help you avoid surprises and get the best value for your family's dental spending.

• Annual maximum per person: This is the most the plan will pay for each family member per year. Look for plans with at least $1,000 to $1,500 per person. Families with active dental needs should aim for $2,000 or more. Remember that each family member has their own maximum, so a four-person family on a $1,500 plan has $6,000 in total available benefits.
• Waiting periods: Shorter is better, especially for families that need dental work soon. Preventive care should be covered immediately. Plans with no waiting periods for basic and major services exist but cost more. If you can wait, plans with standard 6 to 12 month waiting periods are significantly cheaper.
• Network size and location: A large network means more choices for finding in-network dentists near your home, your children's school, or your workplace. Check the provider directory before enrolling to ensure there are multiple in-network options in your area. Families in rural areas should pay special attention to network availability.
• Preventive coverage: The best family plans cover preventive care at 100% with no deductible. This should include two cleanings per year per person, exams, X-rays, fluoride treatments for children, and sealants. Preventive care is the foundation of good family dental health and should not come with out-of-pocket costs.
• Orthodontic benefits: If you have children between the ages of 7 and 14, orthodontic coverage is worth prioritizing. Look at the lifetime maximum, the coinsurance percentage, the waiting period, and whether the plan covers both traditional braces and clear aligners. Even a modest $1,500 lifetime maximum can save your family real money on a $5,000 orthodontic bill.

DHMO vs. PPO for Families: Which Is Better?

The choice between a DHMO and a PPO is one of the biggest decisions families face when selecting dental insurance. For a full comparison of these two plan types, see our detailed article on DHMO vs. PPO dental insurance. Here is how each type works specifically for families.

DHMO family plans are the most affordable option, with premiums typically 40% to 60% lower than comparable PPO plans. A family DHMO might cost $30 to $50 per month compared to $55 to $90 for a family PPO. DHMO plans also have no deductibles and often no annual maximums, which is beneficial for families with high dental utilization. Each family member selects a primary care dentist from the network, and all care is coordinated through that provider.

The downside of DHMO for families is the limited network. Each family member must choose an in-network primary dentist, and it may be difficult to find a single practice that accepts the plan and can accommodate the entire family. If different family members need to see different dentists due to network limitations, the convenience factor diminishes. DHMO networks also tend to be smaller than PPO networks, which can be a problem in suburban and rural areas.

PPO family plans cost more but offer significantly more flexibility. Family members can see any dentist, and while in-network providers cost less, out-of-network visits are still partially covered. PPO plans use the standard coinsurance model, typically covering preventive care at 100%, basic services at 80%, and major services at 50%. Annual maximums of $1,000 to $2,000 per person apply. PPO plans are generally the better choice for families that already have established relationships with dentists they want to keep.

For budget-conscious families with generally healthy teeth who primarily need preventive care, a DHMO plan offers excellent value. For families that want the freedom to choose their own dentists, need specialist access, or anticipate needing significant dental work, a PPO plan is usually the better investment despite the higher premium.

Cost Strategies for Multi-Child Families

Families with three or more children face unique considerations when it comes to dental insurance costs. Here are several strategies that can help larger families manage their dental expenses effectively.

Choose a plan with tiered family pricing rather than per-member pricing. With tiered pricing, the family rate is the same whether you have two children or six. This can save a large family hundreds of dollars per year compared to a per-member pricing model. Most major carriers including Delta Dental, Cigna, and Guardian offer tiered family pricing on at least some of their plans.

Take advantage of the ACA pediatric dental mandate if you purchase health insurance through the marketplace. The embedded pediatric dental benefit covers all of your children under 19, and the out-of-pocket maximum for standalone pediatric dental plans caps at approximately $700 for two or more children regardless of how many children you have. This effectively means your third, fourth, and fifth children add no additional out-of-pocket dental exposure.

Consider a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account for dental expenses that exceed your insurance coverage. If you have an HSA-eligible health plan, you can set aside pre-tax dollars specifically for dental costs. FSA dental accounts through your employer allow you to set aside up to $3,300 in pre-tax dollars in 2026 for dental expenses. For a large family with multiple children needing fillings, sealants, or orthodontics in the same year, the tax savings can be substantial.

Stagger major dental work across calendar years when possible. Because the annual maximum resets each year, scheduling one child's crown in December and another's in January effectively doubles the available benefit. This strategy is particularly useful for orthodontics, which often spans multiple calendar years anyway. Coordinate with your dentist to develop a multi-year treatment plan that makes the most of your annual maximums.

Look into dental schools in your area. Many accredited dental schools offer services performed by supervised students at 50% to 70% of regular prices. For families with multiple children needing similar procedures, the savings can be significant. Services are performed carefully and thoroughly because students are closely supervised and graded on their work.

Employer Family Dental vs. Marketplace Plans

If you or your spouse has access to employer-sponsored dental insurance, it is almost always worth comparing it to marketplace and direct-purchase options before making a decision. Employer dental plans have several structural advantages that are hard to match on the individual market.

Employer-sponsored family dental plans typically cost $20 to $50 per month for the employee's share because the employer subsidizes a significant portion of the premium. The same level of coverage on the individual market might cost $60 to $90 per month. Employer plans also tend to have higher annual maximums, often $1,500 to $2,500 per person, compared to $1,000 to $1,500 on individual plans at similar price points.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of employer dental plans is the lack of waiting periods. Most employer group dental plans provide immediate coverage for all services, including major work and orthodontics. On the individual market, waiting periods of 6 to 12 months for major services and 12 to 24 months for orthodontics are standard. This alone can make employer coverage the better deal for families that need dental work in the near future.

However, there are scenarios where a marketplace or direct-purchase plan may be preferable. If your employer's dental plan has a very limited network and your family's dentists are not in it, paying more for a plan that covers your preferred providers could save money in the long run. If both spouses have access to employer dental, compare both options because one employer's plan may offer significantly better family coverage than the other.

Another consideration is orthodontic coverage. Some employer dental plans do not include orthodontic benefits, or they offer minimal lifetime maximums of $500 to $1,000. If orthodontics is a priority for your family, you might get better value from a marketplace plan that offers a higher orthodontic lifetime maximum, even if the overall premium is higher. In some cases, families choose to carry employer dental for preventive and basic care while adding a separate individual plan for orthodontic coverage.

How to Choose the Right Family Dental Plan

Selecting the best dental plan for your family comes down to matching your family's specific needs with the right plan features. Start by assessing each family member's dental health and anticipated needs for the coming year. Does anyone need a crown, root canal, or other major work? Are any children approaching the age where orthodontic evaluation is recommended, typically around age 7? How often does each family member visit the dentist?

Next, calculate the total annual cost for each plan you are considering. Add up twelve months of premiums, the per-person deductible multiplied by the number of family members who will use services, and the estimated out-of-pocket costs based on each plan's coinsurance percentages and your expected services. The plan with the lowest premium is not always the cheapest option when you factor in total costs.

Verify that your family's current dentists are in the plan's network. If you need to switch dentists, make sure there are quality in-network options convenient to your home. For families with young children, look for pediatric dentists in the network as well. Some family dental plans include access to pediatric dental specialists at no additional cost.

Finally, do not overlook the value of preventive care. The best family dental plan is one that makes it easy and free for every family member to get regular cleanings and checkups. Preventive dental care catches problems early when they are least expensive to treat, and it establishes good dental habits for children that will benefit them for life. A plan that covers preventive care at 100% with no deductible and no waiting period should be the baseline for any family plan you consider.

The Bottom Line

Family dental insurance is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your household's oral health and avoid unexpected dental bills. The best plan for your family depends on your budget, your family size, your dental needs, and whether you have access to employer coverage. Delta Dental and Cigna offer the broadest networks and most flexible options. Guardian provides higher annual maximums for families that need more coverage. Humana rewards long-term enrollment with increasing benefits. Spirit Dental and Renaissance are ideal for families that need immediate coverage without waiting periods.

For most families, the decision comes down to whether a DHMO or PPO plan better suits their needs and budget. DHMO plans save money but restrict your choice of dentists. PPO plans cost more but offer the flexibility that many families value. Whichever type you choose, make sure the plan covers preventive care at 100%, has a reasonable annual maximum per person, and includes orthodontic benefits if your children may need braces.

Take the time to compare at least three to four plans before enrolling. Calculate total annual costs, check provider networks, and read the details on waiting periods and coverage limits. A few hours of research can save your family hundreds or even thousands of dollars in dental costs over the course of a year.