Californians, we've got your dental plan
There's more to good health than eating right, exercising, and getting regular checkups. Taking care of your teeth is important, too. With a Blue Shield of California dental plan, you’ll enjoy a range of dental benefits including cleanings, fillings, crowns, and more. Orthodontia and implants are also covered by most plans. Apply online anytime or call (888) 273-4546 today!
Compare dental PPO vs HMO plans
Dental PPO plans generally have higher monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs for services compared to HMO plans, but you get a larger selection of dentists to choose from.
Dental HMO plans have a smaller network of dentists compared to PPO plans, but offer lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs for services.
Those who have a medical plan through Covered California can also purchase a Blue Shield of California Family Dental PPO or Family Dental HMO plan during open enrollment.
Round out your coverage by adding a vision∞ plan for as little as $7.90 per month.
Frequently asked questions about dental coverage
What's the difference between dental PPO and HMO plans in California?
Dental PPO plans give members a greater choice in dentists. Not only is the dental PPO network larger than the dental HMO network, but Dental PPO plans provide coverage for some services from out-of-network providers at a higher cost. Dental HMO plans offer a smaller network of dentists, but you’ll typically pay less for your monthly premiums. Also, there is no annual benefit maximum on dental HMO plans (PPO plans have a limit of $1,000 to $2,000 in benefits each calendar year).
What dental services are covered at no additional cost?
All Blue Shield PPO and HMO dental plans cover preventive care at no additional cost. Preventive care includes diagnostic services such as cleanings, X-rays, and oral examinations.
When can I enroll in an individual or family dental plan in California?
Dental plan enrollment timeframes depend on where you purchase a Blue Shield dental plan. If you purchase a dental plan directly from Blue Shield at buyblueshieldca.com, you can apply at any time of the year (even if you don’t have a Blue Shield medical plan). If you purchase a Blue Shield dental plan through Covered California, you can do so at two different times: (1) Any time of the year when also applying for a new medical plan through Covered California; (2) During open enrollment (November 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026) if you already purchased a medical plan through Covered California.
Do I need to purchase a dental plan for my child?
All our medical plans come with pediatric dental coverage for children under the age of 19. If you have an individual and family medical plan with Blue Shield or another carrier, purchasing a separate dental plan for your child is not necessary. If you do not have an Individual and Family medical plan or if your child is 19 or older, you may want to purchase a dental plan for your child.
* Underwritten by Blue Shield of California Life & Health Insurance Company. This plan also includes vision coverage.
† Monthly rates vary by age, plan and region
‡ Rate per child for first 3 children – No cost for 4th child and beyond
∞ Underwritten by Blue Shield of California Life & Health Insurance Company
1. The amounts indicated are a percentage of the allowed charges. Network providers accept Blue Shield’s allowed charges as payment in full for covered services.
2. Diagnostic and preventive services do not apply to the calendar-year benefit maximum for this plan.
3. There is a three-month waiting period for these services unless you had prior coverage. Contact Customer Service at (888) 271-4880 for more information about obtaining a waiver.
4. There is a six-month waiting period for these services unless you had prior coverage.
5. There is a 12-month waiting period for these services unless you had prior coverage. Contact Customer Service at (888) 271-4880 for more information about obtaining a waiver.
6. If precious metals are used, the member will be charged at the dentist’s cost. For Dental HMO, porcelain on molar teeth is subject to an additional charge of $75.
7. Amounts do not accrue toward the calendar-year benefit maximum.
8. Lifetime maximum is per person. Deductible is $50 per person or $150 per family.
Page last updated: 10/15/2025