Best Dental Savings Plans in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi has the highest rate of dental uninsurance in the country — over 1 million adults without dental coverage in a state of 3 million. The state consistently ranks last or near-last on dental health outcomes, dental access, and coverage rates. Poverty, rural geography, and a large workforce in agriculture and low-wage service jobs with no employer dental benefits all contribute. Mississippi did not expand Medicaid, leaving the coverage gap at its widest. A dental savings plan at $99–$149/year can provide some relief, but network access in rural areas is a genuine challenge.

Top Dental Savings Plans in Mississippi

1. Humana Dental Savings — Best Overall

Cost: $9–$14/month individual · $18–$25/month family Mississippi network: 2,500+ participating locations

In Mississippi, Humana's larger network is the top recommendation. The state's rural geography and limited provider base means network coverage is the primary concern. Humana has better rural MS coverage — the Delta, east MS, south MS outside the Coast — than any competing plan. The extra cost over Careington is justified by significantly better provider access.

Typical MS savings:

• Routine cleaning + X-rays: save $68–$130
• Crown: save $168–$330
• Root canal (molar): save $162–$305

2. Careington 500 Series — Best for Jackson and the Gulf Coast

Cost: $99/year individual · $149/year family Mississippi network: 1,500+ participating locations

Careington covers Jackson and the Gulf Coast (Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg) with a reasonable network. For Mississippi residents in these metro areas, Careington's $99/year flat rate is the best value available.

3. Aetna Dental Savings — Best for Southaven and North Mississippi

Cost: $8–$14/month individual · $16–$24/month family Mississippi network: 2,000+ participating locations

Southaven and DeSoto County (north MS, Memphis suburb) are economically part of the Memphis metro. Aetna's strong Memphis employer relationships provide better savings plan coverage in north Mississippi than most alternatives. If you live in DeSoto County and work in Memphis, Aetna covers both sides of the state line.

4. DentalPlans.com — Best for Jackson

Cost: From $7/month (varies by plan) Mississippi network: Search by your specific dentist

Jackson's medical community — University of Mississippi Medical Center is the state's primary healthcare institution — has a more research-oriented professional population. DentalPlans.com's dentist-first search is useful for Jackson area residents who want to verify their specific provider before buying.

Mississippi Dental Costs: With and Without a Plan

| Procedure | Jackson Avg (No Plan) | MS Average | With Savings Plan | |---|---|---|---| | Cleaning + exam + X-rays | $140–$238 | $128–$217 | $78–$140 | | Composite filling | $112–$188 | $102–$172 | $63–$112 | | Root canal (molar) | $620–$985 | $562–$898 | $412–$678 | | Crown (porcelain) | $755–$1,208 | $688–$1,100 | $500–$808 | | Implant (full) | $2,250–$3,800 | $2,050–$3,450 | $1,435–$2,520 |

Mississippi has the lowest dental costs in the country. Even here, a savings plan pays for itself in one visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Mississippi Medicaid cover dental for adults? Mississippi Medicaid covers emergency dental only for adults — primarily extractions. Mississippi did not expand Medicaid. Adult dental benefits are extremely limited, among the worst in the country. Most working Mississippians need private coverage.

Are dental schools in Mississippi available to the public? The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry (Jackson) offers public dental services at reduced rates. It's the state's only dental school and serves patients from across Mississippi.

Bottom Line for Mississippi

1. Rural MS: Humana is the top recommendation — network coverage is the primary concern in this state
2. Jackson: Careington at $99/year for metro residents; Humana for rural areas within driving distance
3. Gulf Coast: Careington for Gulfport/Biloxi; Humana for inland areas
4. North MS (DeSoto County/Memphis suburbs): Aetna for cross-state metro coverage

Also comparing chain dental offices? Aspen Dental runs its own in-house savings plan — see how it compares to a national network: Aspen Dental savings plan vs. a national plan →