Dental market trends are shifting. Be prepared to lead the response.
Rising costs, higher utilization, and new benefit strategies (like medical carrier bundling) are changing dental decisions. Employers and brokers who act early can help protect budgets, strengthen the employee experience, and drive long-term value.
Last updated May 11, 2026
Turn insight into action
What's happening
Dental costs are rising faster than general inflation. Between 2023–2024, costs increased 5.5%1 (a $100 service in 2020 is about $118 in 20242).
Why it matters
Higher dental costs can make it more expensive to offer competitive benefits and can lead to higher employee out-of-pocket costs if plans are not designed carefully.
Stand out with Guardian
Plans, like Guardian Choice and Guardian Value, are designed to encourage in-network care to help lower overall costs.
Thoughtful use of maximums, deductibles, and coinsurance promote better utilization and plan stability.
A strong dental network makes negotiating discounts for savings up to 44% possible.3
Ongoing member education and digital tools make it easier to find in-network dentists and use benefits.
What's happening
Dental utilization is increasing, not because people are visiting the dentist more often, but because more services are being performed during each visit. Diagnostic imaging, including intraoral periapical X-rays, are being used more frequently.
Why it matters
More services per visit can drive higher claims costs, which may lead to higher premiums or less predictable renewals over time.
Stand out with Guardian
Continuous monitoring of utilization patterns helps ensure clinical review logic aligns with real-world member behavior.
Plans are designed to help manage unnecessary cost growth and preserve access to appropriate, high-quality care.
Ongoing analysis helps ensure coverage remains valuable for employees while supporting employer cost control.
What's happening
More employers are considering dental bundled with medical for short-term savings—but bundling can reduce flexibility, limit network strength, and introduce unpredictability over time.
Why it matters
Medical insurance is more volatile by nature. When dental coverage is tied to medical, it can be harder to deliver consistent pricing, stable renewals, and predictable outcomes year over year.
Stand out with Guardian
Decades of dental care coverage experience and knowledge makes us better equipped to adapt to changes in the market.
Current dental clinic guidelines guide our claims management.
Committed to dental innovation and customer needs for the long term.
Tools and engagement strategies provided help employees understand and maximize their benefits.
The Broker Edge Podcast
Broker strategies for rising dental care costs
Learn how brokers can use smart plan design and clear messaging to retain clients and drive growth.
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Take action now
Ready to guide smarter dental decisions?
Connect with your Guardian representative for next steps. In the meantime:
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1 Economic Outlook and Emerging Issues in Dentistry, American Dental Association (ADA) Health Policy Institute, 2024
2 ibid.
3 Guardian internal reporting, 2025
DentalGuard Insurance is underwritten and issued by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY. Products are not available in all states. Policy limitations and exclusions apply. Optional riders and/or features may incur additional costs. Generic Policy Form # GP-1-DG2000, et al; GP-1-DEN-16; DG7-P. The state approved form is the governing document.
