There are many dental insurance providers in California, but finding the right dental insurance in California takes a little research. Finding low cost dental insurance in California is one part of the battle, but you also need to find the right fit—PPO or HMO and family dental insurance in California vs. individual dental insurance in California—for your business.

Consider discount plans—sometimes called reduced-fee-for-service plans—in addition to affordable dental insurance in California. Dental insurance companies in California will design discount plans for groups, families and individuals. Unlike insurance plans, discount plans typically have no annual limits.

1. Examine your California dental insurance needs—number of employees, their expectations, your budget—and narrow your focus.

2. See if your current insurance provider offers dental insurance in California.

3. Weigh the benefits and costs of discount dental plans and dental insurance in California.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Ask your health insurance provider about California dental insurance

Start your search for California dental insurance providers with the insurance company that handles health insurance for your business. You're already familiar with their people and the way they operate and they'll usually be more than glad to add family dental insurance in California or individual dental insurance in California to your policy. If you're starting from scratch and don't already have a health insurance provider, start with providers who have a large presence in the state.

I recommend: Blue Shield of California or UnitedHealthcare are good places to start if you're just getting started with both insurance and dental insurance in California.

Examine discount dental plans in tandem with dental insurance plans in California

When researching group dental plans in California, don't forget discount plans. Dentists who participate in discount dental plans provide services at 30% or more below retail prices. By itself, a discount dental plan probably doesn't offer your employees enough of a discount: a $1000 procedure would still cost them around $700, but it often makes sense to combine a discount plan with California dental insurance.

I recommend: Major California dental discount plans include Encore Dental and Liberty Dental Plan of California.

Search the Internet for the best dental insurance plans in California

Once you know what you want-co-pay amounts, PPO, HMO, discount plan, family plan or individual coverage-it's time to find a California dental insurance provider. Online dental websites can search among many California dental insurance providers to find the perfect fit your business.

I recommend: Start your search for California dental insurance with websites like DentalPlans.com. Call DentalInsurance.com at 800-296-3800 for a price quote for business dental coverage for 2 or more employees, or take advantage of getting the information by filling out a short form with your email and zip code on their website, and the company will advise you via email.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you sign up, make sure your California dental insurance or discount plan has many participating providers in your area. No one likes having to change dentists.