Choosing the right dental insurance plan is one of the smartest investments a New York small business can make. Dental benefits consistently rank among the top-requested employee perks, and offering even a basic plan can help you attract stronger talent, boost employee satisfaction, and reduce sick days caused by dental issues.
But with so many options in New York—including PPO, HMO, and indemnity plans—it can be tough to know which one is best for your business. This guide breaks everything down so you can confidently choose the right plan for your team and budget.
Why Dental Insurance Matters for Your Small Businesses
Dental coverage plays a meaningful role in employee health and overall retention. Here’s why small businesses across New York choose to offer it:
- Better employee health: Preventive cleanings reduce costly dental problems later.
- Higher productivity: Employees with dental coverage are far less likely to miss work due to dental pain.
- Stronger benefits packages: Competitive benefits help small businesses attract and keep great employees.
- Tax advantages: Employers can deduct premium contributions, reducing the cost of offering dental benefits.
- For a relatively low monthly premium, dental insurance delivers strong value.
Types of Dental Insurance Plans Available in New York
Before comparing carriers, it’s important to understand the main types of dental plans available to small businesses.
PPO Dental Plans
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans are the most popular because they offer:
- Large dentist networks
- Freedom to see out-of-network providers
- No referrals needed
- Moderate premiums
They’re a great choice for businesses that want flexibility for their employees.
HMO/DMO Dental Plans
HMO or DMO (Dental Maintenance Organization) dental plans focus in-network only and affordability. They include:
- Lower monthly premiums
- Smaller, more limited networks
- No out-of-network coverage
- A required primary care dentist
These plans work well for employers prioritizing cost savings.
Indemnity Dental Plans
An indemnity dental plan—is a fee-for-service dental plan and is the most flexible type of dental insurance. Indemnity plans lets members visit any dentist they choose, without in or out of network network restrictions. The plan reimburses a set portion of the dentist’s fees based on a defined fee schedule.
Keep in Mind, with an Indemnity Dental plan…
- Premiums are higher
- Employees may need to file claims
- Coverage is based on fixed customary and reasonable reimbursement schedules
These plans are ideal for employees that want maximum freedom in choosing providers.
Dental Discount Programs
While not traditional dental insurance, a discount program…
- Offers discounted dental services
- Have very low monthly fees
- Work well as a supplement for budget-minded employers
Best Dental Insurance Providers for NY Small Businesses
Here are the top carriers we recommend that offer strong dental coverage throughout New York:
Oxford Benefit Management (OBM)
A division of UnitedHealthCare, Oxford Benefit Management (OBM) gives small businesses an easy way to offer a robust benefits package without being complicated. The OBM plan “bundle” includes Dental and Vision coverage, Health Discount programs, and an optional Life insurance benefit (up to $25,000).
OBM will insure as few as 2 employees up to 50+. Everything is designed for simplicity: one quote, one bill, easy administration, and a comprehensive set of dental benefits your employees will appreciate—at a cost employers will love.
Delta Dental Small Business NY
Delta Dental has one of the largest dentist networks in New York and nationwide, providing flexible PPO plans, strong preventive coverage, and affordable rates for small businesses. Plans come with extensive provider access, strong plan options, and predictable costs, Delta Dental makes offering employee dental benefits easy and affordable.
Most Delta Dental small group plans are available for businesses with 2–99 employees.
MetLife
MetLife provides flexible PPO dental plans with simple copay structures, strong preventive coverage, and an extensive national network. They’re known for easy-to-understand benefits and plans available with no waiting periods.
You need at least least a minimum of 5 employees to offer a Metlife Dental plan
Guardian Dental Insurance for Small Business
Guardian offers dental plans designed for small businesses looking for flexible and affordable options. Guardian’s plans can include preventative services covered at 100%, as well as coverage for basic and major services. They also provide access to a large network of dental providers and offer the option to add vision coverage.
Guardian offers small dental plans to groups of 2-24 employees.
Aetna Dental
Aetna offers competitive PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) pricing plans for small businesses including flexible designs, digital tools for easy member management, and extensive provider access throughout New York. They’re ideal for employers who want PPO dental plans with streamlined administration and dependable coverage.
Aetna dental plans are available for 2-100 eligible employees.
Empire BlueCross
Empire offers PPO and preventive-only plans with strong networks in the New York metro area. Empire has affordable plan tiers, and comprehensive preventive care. Their plans are a great fit for businesses with employees concentrated in NYC, Westchester, and Long Island.
Empire Dental plans can be offered to as few as 2 employees up to 100.
Solstice Dental
Solstice is our low-price competitor that offers affordable, flexible dental plans with strong PPO and open-access network options. Their plans include comprehensive preventive and major services, simple administration, and added savings on orthodontics and specialty care—making Solstice a competitive choice for small businesses seeking value and provider flexibility.
Solstice dental plans start at as little as $18.80 per month for an employee which makes them our premier choice for our business partners.
Key Features to Compare When Choosing a Dental Plan
When reviewing plans, pay attention to more than the monthly cost. Consider:
Premiums
Expect:
$25–$45 per employee for PPO plans
$15–$25 per employee for HMO/DMO plans
Annual Maximums
Most plans range from: $1,000 to $2,000 per year (Higher maximums provide better coverage for major dental work).
Deductibles
Common deductibles for dental insurance are: $50–$100 per employee
Some plans waive deductibles for preventive care.
Waiting Periods
Look for:
No waiting periods for preventive and basic services
Options to reduce or eliminate major-service waiting periods
Orthodontic Benefits
Most plans do not include Child or Adult Ortho. It can be added as an optional benefit to your plan at an extra cost. However keep in mind many plans cover only 50% Ortho services and will cap benefits at around $1,000 to $3,000 over the lifetime of the member.
Average Cost of Small Business Dental Insurance in New York
Here’s what your small business can expect to pay for dental insurance:
- Basic PPO Plans start at: $25–$35 per employee per month
- Enhanced PPO Plans: $35–$45 per employee per month
- HMO/DMO Plans: $15–$25 per employee per month
**Note: Most employers usually contribute 50% to 100% of premiums, but your contribution level is completely flexible.
How to Choose the Best Dental Plan for Your Business
1. Understand Your Employees’ Needs
Do your employees value flexibility?
Are many of your employees already seeing specific dentists?
Is orthodontic coverage important?
2. Set a Monthly Budget
Knowing how much you and your employees will pay narrow plans choices quickly.
Get a side-by-side cost comparison from a broker (HealthPlansNY)
3. Check Network Availability
In New York—especially the metro area—network strength makes a big difference.
4. Compare Plan Options
Most NY dental carriers offer:
Basic plans (cleanings, X-rays, fillings)
Standard plans (major services like crowns and root canals)
Premium plans (orthodontics, implants, higher maximums)
5. Work with a NY Benefits Expert
A broker familiar with New York dental carriers can simplify the process and help you avoid common pitfalls and paying too much for a dental plan.
How HealthPlansNY Can Help
HealthPlansNY partners with top dental carriers and makes it easy for small businesses to compare plans side-by-side.
We offer:
- Customized plan comparisons
- Access to top carriers like Delta Dental, Guardian, MetLife, Aetna, Empire, and Sun Life
- Expert guidance based on your business size and budget
- Free consultations and quotes for New York employers
If you’re ready to explore the best dental insurance options for your small business, we are here to help. Just call: 914-633-1717
