Best Dental Savings Plans in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, driven by oil (Bakken shale), agriculture, and a strong service sector. Despite relatively high employment, over 200,000 North Dakotans lack dental coverage. The state's oil patch workers and agricultural self-employed are the primary uninsured populations. ND dental costs are below the national average, but access in rural areas outside the major cities is limited.

Top Dental Savings Plans in North Dakota

1. Humana Dental Savings — Best Overall

Cost: $9–$14/month individual · $18–$25/month family ND network: 600+ participating locations

Humana has the best North Dakota coverage — Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot, with some reach into the Bakken oil country communities (Williston, Minot area). For ND's sparse geography, Humana's network breadth is the primary advantage.

Typical ND savings:

• Routine cleaning + X-rays: save $82–$155
• Crown: save $202–$390
• Root canal (molar): save $196–$368

2. Careington 500 Series — Best for Fargo

Cost: $99/year individual · $149/year family ND network: 350+ participating locations

Careington covers Fargo and West Fargo adequately. Fargo is ND's largest city and has the densest provider network. The $99/year flat rate makes sense here.

North Dakota Dental Costs: With and Without a Plan

| Procedure | Fargo Avg (No Plan) | ND Average | With Savings Plan | |---|---|---|---| | Cleaning + exam + X-rays | $165–$278 | $148–$250 | $92–$162 | | Composite filling | $134–$225 | $120–$202 | $75–$132 | | Root canal (molar) | $732–$1,168 | $658–$1,050 | $488–$795 | | Crown (porcelain) | $890–$1,422 | $800–$1,278 | $592–$938 | | Implant (full) | $2,672–$4,450 | $2,400–$4,000 | $1,680–$2,940 |

Frequently Asked Questions

Does North Dakota Medicaid cover dental for adults? ND Medicaid covers comprehensive adult dental — preventive, restorative, and emergency services — with an annual benefit limit. Coverage is real, but income eligibility excludes many working adults who then need private coverage.

Are dental schools in North Dakota available to the public? North Dakota does not have a dental school. ND residents typically use the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (Minneapolis) or Creighton University School of Dentistry (Omaha) for reduced-cost student-supervised care.

Bottom Line for North Dakota

1. Fargo: Careington at $99/year in ND's most competitive dental market
2. Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot: Humana for the broadest coverage in secondary cities
3. Oil patch / rural ND: Humana is the only realistic option with any rural 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 →