Why Dental Insurance for Young Adults Matters

Entering adulthood comes with a whirlwind of important decisions, from launching a career to finding a place to live and managing monthly bills. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities. One decision that often gets overlooked is investing in dental insurance for young adults.

While it might not seem like a top priority when you're still figuring out how to 'adult', taking the time to understand the value of dental insurance for young adults is a smart step toward protecting both your oral and overall health now and in the future.

The importance of dental insurance for young adults

Oral health is important at every stage in life, and having dental insurance makes it easy for you to care for it. Even if your teeth and smile are in great shape now, taking proactive steps to maintain them is the key to long-term wellness for both your oral health and your wallet.

Still not convinced? Here are some reasons why dental insurance for young adults matters:

Dental insurance provides affordable access to care

Most dental insurance plans fully cover preventive care services like check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays. By visiting your dentist regularly and making the most of your benefits, you significantly reduce the risk of developing serious and costly dental issues down the line.

Note: Dental coverage varies significantly. Be sure to review your specific plan to fully understand your benefits.

Making and keeping dental appointments is easier with dental insurance for young adults

During this period in life, it’s easy to skip over important dental check-ups. But missing these appointments can have long-term consequences. Neglecting regular dental care increases your risk of developing serious oral health issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and other preventable conditions.

If your parents used to handle your dental appointments, now is the time to take ownership. Dental insurance gives you access to a network of trusted local providers who make it easy to schedule visits, send reminders, and simplify your dental care experience.

Dental insurance for young adults helps lower the cost of a dental emergency

Life happens, and sometimes dental emergencies are a part of life. A knocked-out or broken tooth, sudden and severe tooth pain, infection or abscess, or severe cuts inside the soft tissues of your mouth are all examples of dental emergencies. Unfortunately, they are more common than you think.

The American Dental Association estimates that two million people experience dental emergencies every year. Untreated, these dental emergencies can lead to pain, serious infections, and even life-threatening complications. Therefore, it’s important to get care as soon as possible.

Having dental insurance for young adults helps alleviate some of the costs of dental emergencies, which can add up quickly.

Note: Dental coverage varies significantly. Be sure to review your specific plan to fully understand your benefits relating to dental emergencies.

Good oral health care supports overall health now and in the future

As a young adult, conditions like heart disease or diabetes might not be top of mind, but the choices you make now can influence your long-term health. Believe it or not, taking care of your oral health can reduce the risk of serious medical conditions thanks to the strong connection between oral health and overall wellness.

A recent study published in Nature reveals a significant link between oral health and systemic conditions, such as the association between periodontitis and diabetes and between dental caries and hypertension. These findings highlight the need for holistic healthcare strategies, emphasizing how maintaining oral health can play a crucial role in preventing and managing chronic diseases.

While you might not be facing health issues now, the steps you take today can shape your future oral and overall health. Using dental insurance for young adults to stay ahead of oral health problems is a simple yet powerful way to lower your risk of developing serious systemic conditions later on.

Dental insurance for young adults is easy and simple to use

For the most part, the days of needing documents to understand and access your dental insurance are long gone. Dental insurance companies have modernized their products to fit the digital-first lifestyle many people live.

Delta Dental of South Dakota offers an online portal where you can see important documents like your member ID, information about coverage, a list of in-network dentists, and more. If you have a smart device, you have everything you need to access your dental benefits.

How to get dental insurance for young adults

Many young adults have the option to stay on their parents’ dental insurance plan until they are 26 years old. However, there are times when you're eligible to get your own dental insurance plan, such as when starting a family, with coverage through an employer, or if you no longer qualify for your parents' coverage due to age restrictions.

Fortunately, finding dental insurance for young adults isn’t complicated. There are two primary ways to get coverage: through an employer-provided plan or by purchasing an individual policy on your own.

Employer-provided dental insurance for young adults

Employer-provided dental insurance plans are offered through your job as part of your employee benefits package. These coverage options typically come at a lower cost because they’re part of a group policy, and employers often pay a portion of the premium on your behalf. They usually include access to a network of dental providers and cover preventive services like cleanings, exams, and X-rays.

For many young adults entering the workforce, this is a convenient and cost-effective way to maintain regular oral health care.

Individual dental insurance for young adults

An individual dental insurance policy is coverage that you purchase on your own, rather than through an employer. These plans are ideal for young adults who are self-employed, between jobs, or are no longer accepted on their parents’ insurance. Individual policies often offer flexibility in choosing your coverage level, provider network, and budget.

While premiums may be higher than employer-provided plans, they still typically cover preventive care like cleanings and exams, and can be tailored to include more comprehensive services depending on your needs.

To help you better understand the differences between the two options, here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Don’t sleep on dental insurance for young adults

Becoming a responsible adult means making smart choices that support your long-term health and financial well-being. Dental insurance for young adults is one of those choices. From routine check-ups to unexpected emergencies, having coverage ensures you’re prepared and protected. Whether through an employer or an individual plan, investing in dental insurance today sets the foundation for a healthier tomorrow.

Don’t wait until problems arise! Take control of your oral health now and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being covered.

Learn more about our dental insurance plans here.

Interested in learning more about the benefits of dental insurance? Check out “The Value of Dental Insurance vs. Paying Out-of-Pocket”