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Pinned by mods · dental

Dental Coverage

Mechanics have above-average dental wear. Grit from blowing out brake dust, jaw clenching on stuck bolts, and gallons of energy drinks add up. Most techs skip dental until a crown costs $1,800 out of pocket. A $30/mo plan covers two cleanings and most of that crown.

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What's covered

  • Two preventive cleanings + exams per year, typically at 100%
  • Fillings, extractions, and basic restorative at 70–80%
  • Crowns, bridges, and root canals at 50% (after waiting period)
  • Annual maximums from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on plan tier
  • Optional orthodontic rider for dependents

Who it's for

  • Techs whose employer plan caps dental at $1,000/yr
  • Self-employed mechanics already on an ACA medical plan (which rarely includes dental)
  • Shop owners adding a low-cost benefit to retain techs
  • Families needing pediatric and orthodontic coverage

Top questions from the thread

Is there a waiting period for major work?

Most plans wait 6–12 months for crowns and root canals. We flag no-wait plans when you qualify — usually if you had coverage in the prior 12 months.

Will my dentist take it?

Most major carriers have 80%+ in-network coverage in metro areas. We check your dentist's network status before binding the policy.

Should I bundle with vision?

Bundles usually save 10–15% vs. buying separately. We quote both ways so you can compare.