Dental insurance remains a vital component of healthcare in 2025. With rising dental procedure costs, more Americans are realizing that preventive care can save thousands in long-term expenses. The key players in the industry — MetLife Dental vs Delta Dental — continue to dominate, making them the top choices for millions of policyholders nationwide.
The Role of Dental Plans in Oral and Overall Health
Poor oral health is linked to serious systemic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Regular cleanings, x-rays, and early treatment not only prevent tooth loss but also help avoid chronic illness complications. That’s why a solid dental insurance plan is more important than ever in 2025.
Overview of MetLife Dental
Company Background
MetLife is a global leader in insurance and employee benefit programs. With over 150 years of experience, MetLife Dental provides plans through employer-sponsored benefits and individual policies.
Coverage Options
In 2025, MetLife Dental offers three major plan types:
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PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)
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DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization)
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MetLife TakeAlong Dental (for individuals and retirees)
Each plan has tiered options (Basic, Standard, High) that affect premiums and coverage levels.
Cost Structure
MetLife typically offers:
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Preventive Care (100%)
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Basic Services (70–80%)
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Major Services (50%)
Premiums range from $25–$60/month for individuals and $50–$120 for families, depending on the tier and location.
Key Features in 2025
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AI-driven claims processing
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Mobile claim tracking
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There is no waiting period for preventive care
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Oral cancer screenings included
Overview of Delta Dental
Company History
As one of the oldest and largest dental insurance providers in the U.S., Delta Dental serves over 85 million Americans. They are a nonprofit network of independent companies operating under the Delta Dental brand.
Coverage and Network
Delta Dental’s plans cover:
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Preventive care (up to 100%)
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Basic restorative care (up to 80%)
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Major procedures (up to 50%)
It offers nationwide coverage and is especially strong in employer-sponsored plans and state Medicaid dental programs.
Popular Plans in 2025
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DeltaCare USA (HMO)
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Delta Dental Premier (fee-for-service)
Pricing Breakdown
Average 2025 monthly premiums:
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Individual: $30–$70
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Family: $60–$140
Delta also includes orthodontic options and lifetime maximums, depending on the plan.
MetLife Dental vs Delta Dental: Head-to-Head Comparison
Preventive Care
Both insurers offer 100% coverage for routine exams, cleanings, and X-rays with in-network dentists. MetLife sometimes provides one additional cleaning per year, while Delta is known for coverage flexibility for special needs populations.
Major Services & Orthodontics
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MetLife: Covers major procedures like crowns, bridges, and root canals at 50%, with optional orthodontic add-ons.
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Delta Dental: Often includes orthodontic coverage in PPO plans but with lifetime caps ($1,500–$2,000).
Network Size and Dentist Access
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MetLife: 146,000+ participating dentists
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Delta Dental: Over 155,000 in-network dentists (largest in the U.S.)
Out-of-Pocket Costs
MetLife tends to have slightly lower copays, but Delta has higher maximum annual benefits in many plans—up to $2,500/year vs. MetLife’s $1,500–$2,000.
Pros and Cons of MetLife Dental
Benefits
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No waiting periods on preventive services
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Flexible PPO and HMO plans
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Good for individuals and retirees
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Strong mobile app experience
Drawbacks in 2025
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Fewer orthodontic inclusions in standard plans
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Some dentists are dropping MetLife due to reimbursement delays
Pros and Cons of Delta Dental
Benefits
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Largest dentist network in the country
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Strong support for families and Medicaid recipients
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Great for orthodontics and complex dental needs
Limitations in 2025
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High premiums in some PPO plans
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Long wait times for claim resolution in select regions
Customer Experience & Satisfaction Ratings
What Users Say About MetLife
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Quick enrollment
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App praised for ease of use
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Some report billing confusion
Delta Dental Reviews and Ratings
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High dentist satisfaction
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More positive claims experiences
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Excellent senior support
Which Dental Insurance is Best for Families?
Pediatric Dental Care
Delta Dental often wins for pediatric dental, offering fluoride treatment, sealants, and early orthodontic screenings.
Orthodontics for Children
MetLife requires add-on riders, while Delta often includes child braces under family plans.
Family Plan Pricing
Both are competitive, but Delta Dental’s flexibility in coverage makes it slightly more appealing for large families.
Which Plan Is Better for Seniors?
Dentures & Implants
Delta Dental includes partial coverage for dentures and implants. MetLife also offers implant support in higher-tier PPO plans.
Medicare Supplement Plans
Delta partners with major Medicare Advantage providers for bundled coverage. MetLife focuses more on standalone senior plans.
Affordability for Retirees
MetLife TakeAlong Dental is budget-friendly and includes annual wellness reminders—perfect for aging individuals.
Dentist Availability and Network Strength
In-Network vs Out-of-Network Costs
MetLife PPO plans to allow some out-of-network coverage, but Delta Premier offers fee-for-service flexibility, appealing to those who want to keep their dentist.
Dentist Participation in Each Network
Dentists generally prefer Delta for timely reimbursements, although some areas report better tech support from MetLife.
Financial Strength and Trustworthiness
Ratings from AM Best, Moody’s, and Others
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MetLife: A+ (Superior) from AM Best
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Delta Dental: A (Excellent) from AM Best
Claim Payout Reliability
Both companies have strong reputations in claims, but Delta has a slightly higher customer retention rate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best dental insurance to have?
Delta Dental is often preferred for families and seniors, while MetLife excels for individuals and retirees with standalone plans.
Why are dentists dropping MetLife?
Some dentists have left the MetLife network due to delayed reimbursements and administrative complexities.
How much does MetLife pay for a root canal?
In 2025, MetLife typically covers 50%–80% of root canal costs, depending on the plan and whether the provider is in-network.
What is MetLife’s Preferred Dentist Program?
This is MetLife’s PPO network, where members get discounted rates and higher coverage percentages when visiting in-network dentists.
Final Thoughts
Summary of Key Comparisons
When comparing MetLife and Delta Dental, both providers offer strong dental coverage but cater to different needs. MetLife has a network of over 146,000 dentists and is known for offering a mobile app-focused experience, making it a great choice for individuals or retirees. They provide 100% coverage for preventive care and 50% coverage for major procedures, with premiums ranging from $25 to $120 per month.
On the other hand, Delta Dental boasts a slightly larger network of over 155,000 dentists and is well-suited for families and those seeking orthodontic coverage. Delta Dental offers web-based claims tools and a similar coverage structure, with preventive care covered and major procedures at 50%. Their premiums range from $30 to $140 per month.
Both plans offer similar benefits, but the choice between them depends on personal preferences, such as network size and technological tools.
Who Should Choose MetLife?
Choose MetLife Dental if:
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You’re self-employed or retired
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You want a reliable PPO with strong tech tools
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You need flexibility without employer sponsorship
Who Should Choose Delta Dental?
Choose Delta Dental if:
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You have a family
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You prioritize orthodontic and pediatric care
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You prefer the largest network of dentists
Affordable health insurance starts here! Get your free quote now at NewHealthInsurance.com or call 📞 (833) 877-9927.
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