Vet Guide to 2025: Pet Dental Insurance — Coverage, Costs & What You Need! 🦷🩺🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Dental disease is one of the most common conditions in pets, affecting up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age three. With cleanings costing anywhere from $300–$700+ each time, dental insurance can be a smart investment. I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and in this detailed guide, you’ll learn the ins and outs of pet dental insurance—what’s typically covered, what’s excluded, costs to expect, and how Ask A Vet. 🐾

1. What Is Pet Dental Insurance?

• Dental coverage is usually offered as an add-on to standard accident & illness plans—few providers offer standalone dental plans.
• Coverage types include: accident-only (e.g., broken teeth) and comprehensive illness (e.g., periodontal disease, tooth decay).
• Wellness or preventive riders cover routine cleanings, exams, and diagnostics—usually capped annually.

2. What’s Usually Covered?

• 🦷 Dental accidents such as broken or fractured teeth from trauma.
• 🦠 Dental illnesses like gingivitis, periodontal disease, abscesses, and extractions.
• 🛏️ Professional cleanings, including anesthesia, scaling, polishing, X-rays—if wellness rider or plan includes them.

3. What’s Typically Not Covered

• 🍼 Cosmetic procedures (orthodontics, crowns, implants) .
• 📈 Pre-existing dental disease, particularly if due to neglected care.
• Routine at-home care items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, or chews are not covered under insurance.

4. How Much Dental Insurance Costs

• On average, dental add-ons add $15–$90 per month—many around $66 for dogs, ~$32 for cats.
• Typical deductibles of $200–$500 and co-pays of 10–30% apply.
• Routine cleaning costs $100–$700 each—dental coverage can offset these recurring expenses.

5. Picking the Right Plan

• 🔍 Look for coverage caps—for example, Embrace insures up to $1,000/year for dental issues.
• 📝 Review waiting periods before preventative or dental accident coverage applies.
• 📞 Use Ask A Vet to review plan details and align them with your pet’s dental risk.

6. Why Dental Health Matters

• Dental disease affects up to 80% of dogs & 70% of cats by age three—leading to pain, tooth loss, and systemic infections.
• Poor dental health ties to heart, kidney, and liver disease and decreased life expectancy.
• Professional care and routine check-ups can uncover issues early—saving time and money.

7. Combine Tools for Best Results

• Ask A Vet: Twice-yearly screenings, record dental history, vet advice, insurance review via telehealth.
• Woopf Dental Kit: Brushes, wipes, flavored chews for home oral hygiene.
• Purrz Oral Care Pack: Water additives, enzymatic chews, calming supplements for dental anxiety.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are routine dental cleanings covered? 

Only if you have a wellness or preventive rider—otherwise they're considered routine and excluded.

Q: Will previous gum disease be covered? 

No—most insurers exclude pre-existing dental disease, especially if untreated before signup.

Q: What about broken teeth from chewing toys? 

If it qualifies as an accident, it's covered—unless the pet had pre-existing decay. 

Q: Does coverage vary by breed size? 

Yes—premium rates, deductibles, and anesthesia needs may be higher for large breeds.

9. Real-World Plan Comparison

10. A Vet’s Final Take 💡

Dental insurance provides financial support for essential—but often costly—dental procedures. While routine cleanings generally aren’t covered without add-ons, illness and accident coverage can offset serious interventions. With careful selection of riders and limits, and support from Ask A Vet, you can ensure your pet’s oral health and overall well-being—saving money, stress, and discomfort in the long run. 🦷❤️