Delta Dental vs Guardian
Both Guardian and Delta Dental are trusted insurance providers. Both have a good selection of dental plans. Guardian stands out because it is upfront about coverage for implants on several of its plans. Delta Dental stands out for offering fee-for-service and discount dental plans in addition to typical plans.
Both companies also offer group dental plans. While Guardian offers more general online information on its plans than Delta Dental, Delta Dental still gets our recommendation. Delta Dental has received more reviews on Best Company than Guardian and a higher proportion of positive ones.
Overview
Delta Dental
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Guardian
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Ratings
Delta Dental
Guardian
Reviews
Delta Dental
Reviews
Guardian
Reviews for Delta Dental
Helpful Favorable Review
Stephanie Bloniarz
March 22nd, 2024
As a consumer, I have personally had Delta Dental for 33 years, through my husband's employer. I love Delta Dental! I always had great coverage, for a reasonable price! I have also worked in dentistry for 25 years, and this company is by FAR my favorite insurance company to deal with! I love the Dental Toolkit and spend a lot of time there every single work day! I especially love pulling benefits, and processing EFT's. We get paid SOOO fast! WOW! You guys do a great job!! A++++++++++++++++++++++
Helpful Critical Review
Leo Russ
February 23rd, 2023
Sandpoint, ID
DETAILS
Edited March 19th, 2024
Refused coverage for ridiculous reason - claimed that the implant was not covered because "the tooth never existed since we don't have a record of extraction". If I were born without that tooth, there would be no room install the implant but any sort of reasoning that doesn't contribute to their bottom line simply does not exist.
Reviews for Guardian
Helpful Favorable Review
b. p.
October 25th, 2022
Anderson, IN
DETAILS
Edited October 23rd, 2023
I have had Guardian Dental insurance for more than 2 years and have never had an issue with routine services. I also had a crown, which I think was paid according to their coverage limitations. I wish they offered more services at an additional premium. $1,000 max cap per year isn't going to get you far with the cost of modern dental.
Helpful Critical Review
Shane Faherty
October 18th, 2024
DETAILS
Very deceitful company!! In the plan details it says nothing about only paying 80% of the average for the cost in the area for out of network providers. So it makes it seem like there is no difference between out of network and in network. So after getting a filling done they only paid $123 for a $350 charge. They explained that $123 was 80% of the average filling cost in my area. I would have been better off not having insurance. Wont be renewing next year!
The Final Word
If you're looking for implant coverage, many of Guardian's plans cover implants. Guardian offers plans with in- and out-of-network coverage and a managed care plan with only in-network coverage.
Delta Dental also offers plans with only in-network and both in- and out-of-network coverage. It stands out from Guardian by offering a fee-for-service plan and a dental discount plan. It also offers retiree plans. If you're interested in a non-typical dental plan or a retiree plan, you'll want to choose Delta Dental.
It's difficult to say whether Delta Dental or Guardian have better group dental plans because Delta Dental offers very little general information about its offerings online. Instead, you'll need to look at its state-specific site or contact the insurer directly.
In contrast, it's easier to get a sense of Guardian's options online. It offers group Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans with in- and out-of-network coverage. It also offers a managed care or Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) plan in some states. DHMO plans only cover in-network care and can require referrals from your primary care dentist for specialized treatment.
When it comes to individual and family plans, both companies are worth investigating further. It's harder to tell with group dental plans. However, Delta Dental has earned Bests Company's recommendation because it has a higher proportion of positive customer reviews than Guardian.
