Best Dental Savings Plans for Kids (2026): What Parents Need to Know
Most dental savings plans include children as household members on the family plan — no age restrictions, no separate enrollment, no per-child fee. For families without employer dental coverage, a family dental savings plan is usually the fastest and most cost-effective way to cover pediatric dental care. See our full breakdown of the best dental savings plan for families for how the household pricing compares across plans.
What Pediatric Dental Care Costs Without Insurance
| Procedure | Without Coverage | With 25% Plan | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child cleaning + exam | $100–$200 | $75–$150 | $25–$50 |
| Bitewing X-rays | $40–$80 | $30–$60 | $10–$20 |
| Fluoride treatment | $25–$50 | $19–$38 | $6–$12 |
| Dental sealant (per tooth) | $40–$90 | $30–$68 | $10–$22 |
| Child composite filling | $100–$200 | $75–$150 | $25–$50 |
| Stainless steel crown (baby tooth) | $200–$400 | $150–$300 | $50–$100 |
| Space maintainer | $300–$500 | $225–$375 | $75–$125 |
| Pediatric pulpotomy (baby tooth root canal) | $200–$400 | $150–$300 | $50–$100 |
| Orthodontic consult | $100–$200 | $75–$150 | $25–$50 |
| Braces (full treatment) | $3,000–$5,500 | $2,250–$4,125 | $750–$1,375 |
For two kids with routine care (2 visits each/year):
- Without coverage: $720–$1,440
- Family plan + visits: $189 + $540–$1,080 = $729–$1,269
- Break-even immediately — plus coverage for any fillings, sealants, or future braces
Does CHIP or Medicaid Cover Dental for Kids?
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) and Medicaid cover dental for eligible children, typically for free or very low cost. Coverage includes:
- Routine cleanings and X-rays
- Fillings and extractions
- Emergency dental care
- Some states include orthodontics for severe cases
Check eligibility first. If your children qualify for CHIP or Medicaid dental, that's your primary option — it's more comprehensive than a dental savings plan for eligible families.
Dental savings plans are best for families whose children don't qualify for CHIP/Medicaid — typically households above the income threshold but without employer dental benefits.
Sealants: One of the Best Uses of a Dental Savings Plan
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities. They're especially effective for children ages 6–14.
Cost without coverage: $40–$90 per tooth. A full sealant treatment (4–6 molars) runs $160–$540.
With a 25% dental savings plan: $120–$405.
Most pediatric dentists recommend sealants strongly. A dental savings plan makes this preventive treatment genuinely affordable.
Braces Coverage for Kids
Dental insurance typically covers $1,000–$2,500 lifetime for orthodontics — after a 24-month waiting period. For a $4,000–$6,000 orthodontic case, that covers maybe 25–40% of the cost.
A dental savings plan with orthodontic coverage offers 15–20% off with no waiting period. For a $5,000 case:
- Insurance: $1,500–$2,500 covered, but only after 24 months
- Savings plan: $750–$1,000 off, immediately
If your child needs braces soon, the savings plan is typically the better call. If you can wait 2 years and have other high dental needs, insurance might be worth exploring.
Best Plans for Families With Kids
| Plan | Family Price | Kids Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Careington 500 Series | $189/yr | All household members, no age limit | Largest network — find a pediatric dentist easily |
| Cigna Dental Savings | $189/yr | All household members | Includes orthodontic discounts for kids |
| DentalPlans.com | $119–$299/yr | Varies by plan | Search for pediatric dentists in your area first |
| Humana Dental Savings | $189/yr | All household members | Good coverage at Pediatric Dental chains |
Tips for Using a Dental Savings Plan for Pediatric Care
- Verify your pediatric dentist is in-network — pediatric specialists participate in some networks more than others
- Check the sealant fee — look up procedure code D1351 in the fee schedule
- Get the braces fee schedule — codes D8080 (metal) and D8090 (clear aligner) show exactly what you'll pay
- Use it for the whole family — the family plan costs the same whether you use it for 2 or 5 members
Not sure which plan has the best pediatric network in your area? Take our 2-minute quiz — we'll help you find a plan with a pediatric dentist near you.