Lost Your Employer Dental Insurance? Here's What to Do

Losing your employer dental insurance can feel overwhelming, whether it happens because of retirement, a job loss, a layoff, or a reduction in work hours. Employer-sponsored dental is the most common way Americans get dental coverage, and it is usually subsidized by the employer, making it relatively affordable. When that coverage ends, you need to find a replacement or risk paying full price for dental care.

The good news is that you have several options. This article walks through each one, explains the costs and trade-offs, and helps you figure out the best path forward based on your situation. Acting quickly matters, because some options have enrollment deadlines.

Why You Lost Your Employer Dental Coverage

Employer dental insurance typically ends when the qualifying event occurs. The most common reasons include:

• Job loss or layoff: Coverage usually ends at the end of the month in which you lose your job, though some employers end it on the last day of employment.
• Retirement: When you retire, employer dental benefits usually end unless your employer offers retiree benefits, which is becoming increasingly rare.
• Reduction in hours: If your hours are reduced below the threshold for benefits eligibility (often 30 hours per week), you may lose dental coverage.
• Employer drops dental plan: Some employers discontinue dental benefits entirely. This also counts as a qualifying event for special enrollment in other plans.

Regardless of the reason, losing employer dental coverage triggers a special enrollment period that allows you to sign up for new coverage outside of the normal open enrollment window. You typically have 60 days to act.

Option 1: COBRA Dental Continuation

COBRA, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, allows you to continue your employer dental coverage for a limited time after you lose it. COBRA applies to employers with 20 or more employees. Some states have mini-COBRA laws that extend similar protections to employees of smaller businesses.

Here is what you need to know about COBRA dental:

• Duration: 18 months for most qualifying events (job loss, reduction in hours). Up to 36 months for certain events like divorce or a dependent aging out.
• Cost: You pay the full premium (your share plus the employer's share) plus up to a 2% administrative fee. This typically comes to $40 to $70 per month for dental-only coverage.
• Advantages: You keep the same plan, same network, and same coverage. There are no new waiting periods. This can be valuable if you are in the middle of treatment.
• Disadvantages: COBRA is often the most expensive option because there is no employer subsidy. You also have a limited window to elect COBRA, usually 60 days from the date you receive the COBRA notice.

COBRA dental makes the most sense as a short-term bridge while you arrange new coverage, or if you are currently receiving dental treatment and need to maintain continuity of care.

Option 2: ACA Marketplace Dental Plans

The Affordable Care Act marketplace offers standalone dental plans in most states. These plans are available through Healthcare.gov or your state's exchange. Losing employer coverage qualifies you for a special enrollment period of 60 days.

Key details about marketplace dental plans:

• Types: Marketplace dental plans come in two categories: high coverage and low coverage. High coverage plans have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs. Low coverage plans are more affordable but cover less.
• Cost: Standalone marketplace dental plans typically cost $20 to $60 per month depending on the coverage level and your location.
• Subsidies: Unlike health insurance, standalone dental plans on the marketplace are generally not eligible for premium tax credits. You pay the full premium.
• Waiting periods: Some marketplace dental plans have waiting periods for basic and major services, similar to other standalone dental plans.

Some marketplace health plans also include embedded dental coverage for children, as pediatric dental is an essential health benefit under the ACA. Adult dental coverage through the marketplace is optional and available as a separate plan.

Option 3: Standalone Dental Insurance

You can also buy dental insurance directly from a private insurance company, outside of the marketplace. Many major insurers sell individual dental plans year-round with no special enrollment period required. For a full breakdown of pricing, see our guide to how much dental insurance costs in 2026.

Standalone dental plans come in PPO, DHMO, and indemnity varieties:

• PPO plans ($30 to $60/month): Offer a network of dentists at lower rates but allow you to see out-of-network providers at higher cost. No referrals needed for specialists.
• DHMO plans ($15 to $30/month): Lower premiums but restricted to in-network dentists. You choose a primary dentist and need referrals for specialists.
• Indemnity plans ($40 to $70/month): Most flexibility. See any dentist with no network restrictions. Usually the most expensive option.

The main downside of standalone plans is waiting periods. Many require 6 to 12 months before covering major services. If you need dental work soon, factor this in. Some plans advertise no waiting periods but may charge higher premiums or have lower annual maximums.

Option 4: Medicare Advantage Dental (If You Are 65+)

If you are 65 or older and eligible for Medicare, losing employer coverage may open a Medicare enrollment opportunity. As we explain in our article on Medicare dental coverage, Original Medicare does not cover most dental care. However, about 98% of Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 include some dental benefit.

Key considerations for Medicare Advantage dental:

• Many plans include dental at no additional premium beyond the plan's base cost.
• Coverage typically includes preventive care. Some plans also cover basic and major services.
• Annual dental maximums are often $1,000 to $2,000.
• Usually no waiting periods for dental benefits.
• You must use the plan's provider network for all care.

If you are retiring at 65 and losing employer coverage at the same time, you may be able to use your Medicare initial enrollment period or a special enrollment period to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental.

Option 5: Dental Discount Plans and Other Resources

If traditional dental insurance does not fit your budget or situation, there are other ways to reduce your dental costs:

• Dental discount plans: These are not insurance. You pay an annual fee of $80 to $200 and receive discounts of 10% to 60% at participating dentists. No waiting periods and no annual maximum. They can be a good bridge if you need dental work immediately.
• Community health centers: Federally Qualified Health Centers offer dental services on a sliding fee scale based on your income. Find locations at HRSA.gov.
• Dental schools: Dental schools provide care at 20% to 50% below typical rates. Treatment is performed by supervised students. This can be a good option for expensive procedures.
• State and local programs: Some states offer dental assistance programs, especially for low-income adults and seniors. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or state health department for information.

Timeline: What to Do and When

When you lose employer dental coverage, timing matters. Here is a recommended timeline to follow:

1. Day 1 -- Know your end date: Find out exactly when your employer dental coverage ends. Ask your HR department for the specific date.
2. Days 1-14 -- Use remaining benefits: If you have preventive visits or other covered services you have not used yet this year, schedule them before your coverage ends.
3. Days 1-30 -- Review your COBRA notice: Your employer should send you a COBRA election notice. Review it to understand the cost and deadline for electing COBRA.
4. Days 1-30 -- Research replacement options: Compare marketplace plans, standalone plans, and Medicare Advantage (if eligible) to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
5. Before day 60 -- Enroll in new coverage: Your special enrollment period typically lasts 60 days. Enroll in your chosen plan before this window closes to avoid a gap in coverage.

The 63-day gap rule is also worth keeping in mind. Some dental insurance plans impose new waiting periods if you have a gap in coverage of more than 63 days. Maintaining continuous coverage, even through a short-term COBRA election, can help you avoid this.

How to Compare Your Options

When comparing dental coverage options, look at these factors side by side. For help with the cost-versus-benefit calculation, see our article on whether dental insurance is worth it.

• Monthly premium: What you pay each month. COBRA will usually be the most expensive option. Standalone plans and marketplace plans are often cheaper.
• Waiting periods: COBRA has none. New plans may require 6 to 12 months before covering major services.
• Provider network: Check whether your current dentist is in the new plan's network.
• Annual maximum: The most the plan will pay per year. Typically $1,000 to $2,000.
• Coverage structure: Look at what percentage the plan pays for preventive, basic, and major services. The standard is 100/80/50.

The Bottom Line

Losing employer dental insurance does not mean you have to go without coverage. COBRA provides a short-term continuation of your existing plan but at full cost. The ACA marketplace and private insurers offer standalone dental plans at $20 to $60 per month. If you are 65 or older, Medicare Advantage plans with dental benefits are a strong option. And if insurance does not fit your budget, dental discount plans and community resources can help reduce costs.

The most important thing is to act within your 60-day special enrollment window. Waiting too long can leave you with a gap in coverage that may trigger new waiting periods when you eventually enroll in a new plan.

Plans and coverage vary by location. This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute individual advice. Contact a licensed insurance agent, visit Healthcare.gov for marketplace plans, or visit Medicare.gov if you are eligible for Medicare.