I think in NJ with my dentist, out of pocket is about $182 for a tooth cleaning without X-ray, and about $292 for one without tooth cleaning, for a total of about 474. With my PPO insurance, it goes down to 51.30 and $131.50 for a total of 182.80. With insurance I pay 291.20 less.

Through work the dental is 6.54 per pay pay period, or 13.08 per month, which ends up being 156.96. Savings is $134.24, and I have coverage in case something major happens like a broken tooth, etc. So, for me it makes economic sense to have the dental.

I could save even more, but that would mean leaving my dentist, who I have been with for over 20 years now. I think with a preferred dentist the exams are essentially completely covered.

I do find it incredibly annoying that it’s so hard to find out what a standard tooth cleaning visit will cost up front.