PPO dental insurance plans
Enjoy the freedom to see any provider and save more when you visit a network dentist.
Last updated February 9, 2026
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PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. A PPO dental plan allows you to see any licensed provider, but offers a vast network of "preferred" dentists where you'll pay less for care. Here's why so many individuals and families choose dental PPO coverage from Guardian:
Visit any dentist
You can visit almost any dentist and still receive coverage, but you'll save the most money if you see a dentist in Guardian’s nationwide network.
No referrals
Guardian PPO plans do not require you to choose a primary dentist or get a referral before seeing the dentist of your choice.
Network discounts
You’ll get significant discounts — up to 42% — when you see a Guardian network dentist1, even if you haven’t met your deductible yet.
No hassles
With over 138,000 providers in Guardian’s national network1 it’s easy to find a nearby dentist. And for added convenience, they file claims for you.
Need dental insurance?
All plans allow you to see any qualified dentist and cover preventive care — such as exams and cleanings — from day one with no deductible.
Plans | Premier | Diamond | Achiever | Core | Starter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price per month¹ | Starting at $57 | Starting at $37 | Starting at $29 | Starting at $19 | Starting at $15 |
Preventive care coverage | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Basic care coverage | 80% | 80% | 70% | 50% | 50% |
Major care coverage | 60% | 50% | 50% | 50% | Not covered* |
Orthodontia (applies to dependents under age 19 only) | 60% | 50% | 50% | Not covered* | Not covered* |
Teeth whitening | 50% | 50% | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Table reflects in- and out-of-network benefits as of Q3 2025; Out-of-network benefits subject to change Q1 2026.
* Except where state mandated
Deductibles and max benefit details
In-Network Preventive Care | $0 Deductible | $0 Deductible | $0 Deductible | $0 Deductible | $0 Deductible |
Out-of-Network | $50 Deductible | $50 Deductible | $50 Deductible | $50 Deductible | $50 Deductible |
All Other Dental Services (Except teeth whitening) | $50 Deductible | $50 Deductible | $50 Deductible | $50 Deductible | $50 Deductible |
Teeth Whitening | Additional $50 Deductible | Additional $50 Deductible | Additional $50 Deductible | Additional $50 Deductible | Additional $50 Deductible |
Maximum Yearly Benefit** | $3,000 | $3,000 | Year 1: $1,000 Year 2: $1,250 Year 3+: $1,500 | Year 1: $500 Year 2: $750 Year 3+: $1,000 | Year 1: $500 Year 2: $750 Year 3+: $1,000 |
**Yearly maximum benefit exceptions: Orthodontia has a separate annual maximum that does not count against the regular plan maximum; implants and teeth whitening also have separate annual maximums which do count toward the plan’s yearly maximum benefit.
Can’t decide between a dental PPO and HMO? Here’s how they compare
PPO | HMO | |
|---|---|---|
Premium Cost | Typically higher monthly premiums | Typically lower monthly premiums |
Deductibles | Usually has a deductible | Usually none |
Annual Maximum Benefit | Annual maximum cap on benefits | Usually no annual maximum |
Provider Choice | Can use any dentist (lower costs in-network) | Must use network dentists (assigned or selected) |
Specialist Visits | Can usually see specialists directly | Need referral from primary dentist |
Out-of-Network Coverage | Partial coverage out-of-network | Typically no out-of-network coverage |
Copays | Coinsurance and/or copays after deductible; costs vary | Fixed copays, more predictable costs |
Paperwork & Claims | May need to submit claims for out-of-network providers | Minimal paperwork, handled by provider |
Is PPO dental insurance right for you?
If you’re looking at different dental plans, PPOs and HMOs can both be great options that help keep your mouth and gums in top shape while contributing to your overall health. If you want the freedom to choose your own dentist, or see specialists without getting referrals, then a PPO plan is probably the way to go — and a basic plan for preventive services can be especially affordable. Additionally, if you live in a rural area with limited providers or have family members who prefer to see different dentists, a PPO plan may be your only realistic option for coverage. On the other hand, if you want a full coverage dental plan with more predictable costs, consider a dental HMO. Your choice of providers will be more limited, and you may have to go a bit farther to get oral health care, but your overall costs will likely be lower, especially if you need basic and major services.
Frequently asked questions about PPO dental insurance
A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) dental insurance plan is a type of dental coverage that gives you access to a network of dentists who have agreed to provide services at pre-negotiated, discounted rates. Members can visit any dentist, but they save the most by choosing participating providers in-network. And while PPO dental plans are a popular choice, plan benefits, network size, and costs vary greatly, so consider looking for a provider that offers a large network, deep discounts, and a choice of plans in order to match covered services to your specific needs.
With a PPO dental plan, you can receive care from any licensed dentist, but likely you'll have lower out-of-pocket costs when seeing a dentist within the plan’s network. Plans emphasize preventive care and typically cover most or 100% of the cost of checkups, x-rays, and standard cleanings. Basic services (like a simple tooth extraction) and major procedures (like a root canal) are usually covered at set percentages (e.g., 80% and 50%, respectively) after you meet an annual deductible, and there’s typically an annual maximum benefit limit. Signing up is easy, because insurance companies typically don't require prior coverage, and you do not need a referral to see a specialist with these plans, and claims are usually filed directly by the provider.
Generally speaking, dental PPO dental plans offer four advantages:
Wide choice of providers: You’re free to see any dentist, with extra savings when you go to an in-network dentist.
No referrals needed: You get direct access to specialists as needed, without approval from a primary dentist.
Cost transparency: Plans negotiate a set of discounted rates with each provider, making costs more predictable.
Flexibility: You can switch dentists or even see out-of-network providers and still get coverage, although your cost-sharing will be higher, and you may need to file your own claims.
PPO dental insurance offers greater flexibility and provider choice, but plans with comprehensive dental benefits typically have higher premiums, cost-shares, and potentially deductibles. Dental HMO plans are generally more affordable — especially if you need major care as opposed to basic and preventive care services — but they restrict you to a smaller network, and require referrals for specialist care.
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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.
1 Guardian internal reporting, Guardian June 2024,