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Maryland Marketplace dental plans made simple

Explore our plans available through Maryland Health Connection and understand what to expect before you enroll.

What to know about ACA dental plans in Maryland

Shopping for dental coverage through the Marketplace looks a little different from a standard dental plan. Here's what to know before you enroll.

Dental Coverage Considerations

Consideration

What it means for you

Health plan pairingUnlike other states, in Maryland, you can purchase a stand-alone dental plan through Maryland Health Connection without also buying a health plan.
Coverage tiers

Our ACA plans are available in two coverage levels:

  1. High-option plans generally have a higher monthly premium with more comprehensive benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs when members receive care.
  2. Low-option plans generally have a lower monthly premium with higher out-of-pocket costs when members receive care.
What's your costEven if a service is covered, you may still pay part of the cost. This could include a deductible, copayment or coinsurance.
Adult coverage vs. pediatric coverageAdult dental coverage varies by ACA plan. Pediatric dental coverage is included as an essential health benefit, and there are limits on how much families pay out of pocket for covered care.
Child out-of-pocket limitFor more details about out-of-pocket limits check the plan brochures linked below.

Marketplace dental insurance plans in Maryland at a glance¹

Choose what works for you. Whether you’re looking for coverage that helps keep you healthy with preventive care or protection for more extensive dental services, there’s a plan designed to fit your needs.
 

What ACA dental plan is best for you in Maryland: PPO or DHMO-type?

Delta Dental offers PPO plans and DHMO-type plans through Maryland Health Connection in MD.
 

  • With a PPO plan, you can visit any licensed dentist and pay less when you stay in the network. Referrals are not required to see a specialist. A PPO plan tends to work well if you already have a dentist you want to keep or prefer flexibility.
  • DHMO-type plans typically have lower monthly premiums, but you select a skilled primary care dentist from our network. Your primary care dentist will provide most of your treatment and coordinate any necessary specialist referrals. A DHMO-type plan can be a better fit when keeping the monthly premium low is the priority.


See the in-network plan comparison table below for our specific marketplace dental insurance plans in Maryland.

Compare PPO Plans and DHMO plans by benefit category.
 PPO PlansDHMO-type Plans
Benefit categoryAdult BasicAdult PreferredAdult PreventiveAdult BasicAdult Preferred
Preventive services
(cleanings, oral exams, x-rays)
Covered at no costCovered at no costCovered at no costCovered with fixed copayments starting at $10Covered at no cost
Basic services
(fillings, tooth removal)
Covered at 50% after annual deductible is metCovered at 80% after annual deductible is met

Covered at 50% after annual deductible is met

Covered with fixed copayments starting at $50Covered with fixed copayments starting at $45
Major services
(root canals, crowns, implants)
NoneCovered at 50% after annual deductible is metNoneCovered with fixed copayments starting at $350Covered with fixed copayments starting at $265
Annual deductible
(waived for diagnostic and preventive services)
$50$50$50NoneNone
Annual maximum$1,000$1,000NoneNoneNone
Waiting periodNone

12 months for Major Services

NoneNoneNone
Network rulesPick from our large network of PPO dentistsPick from our large network of PPO dentistsPick from our large network of PPO dentistsMust choose a DeltaCare® USA dentistMust choose a DeltaCare® USA dentist
How you payPlan pays a % coinsurance (e.g., 80%), you pay the restPlan pays a % coinsurance (e.g., 80%), you pay the restPlan pays a % coinsurance (e.g., 80%), you pay the restFixed copayments $ amountsFixed copayments $ amounts
Adult Basic PPO

Preventive services (cleanings, oral exams, x-rays)
Covered at no cost

Basic services (fillings, tooth removal)
Covered at 50% after annual deductible is met

Major services (root canals, crowns, implants)
None

Annual deductible (waived for diagnostic and preventive services)
$50

Annual maximum
$1,000

Waiting period
None

Network rules
Pick from our large network of PPO dentists

How you pay
Plan pays a % coinsurance (e.g., 80%), you pay the rest

 

Adult Preferred PPO

Preventive services (cleanings, oral exams, x-rays)
Covered at no cost

Basic services (fillings, tooth removal)
Covered at 80% after annual deductible is met

Major services (root canals, crowns, implants)
Covered at 50% after annual deductible is met

Annual deductible (waived for diagnostic and preventive services)
$50

Annual maximum
$1,000

Waiting period
12 months for Major Services

Network rules
Pick from our large network of PPO dentists

How you pay
Plan pays a % coinsurance (e.g., 80%), you pay the rest

 

Adult Preventive PPO

Preventive services (cleanings, oral exams, x-rays)
Covered at no cost

Basic services (fillings, tooth removal)
None

Major services (root canals, crowns, implants)
None

Annual deductible (waived for diagnostic and preventive services)
$50

Annual maximum
None

Waiting period
None

Network rules
Pick from our large network of PPO dentists

How you pay
Plan pays a % coinsurance (e.g., 80%), you pay the rest

 

Adult Basic DHMO

Preventive services (cleanings, oral exams, x-rays)
Covered with fixed copayments starting at $10

Basic services (fillings, tooth removal)
Covered with fixed copayments starting at $50

Major services (root canals, crowns, implants)
Covered with fixed copayments starting at $350

Annual deductible (waived for diagnostic and preventive services)
None

Annual maximum
None

Waiting period
None

Network rules
Must choose a DeltaCare® USA dentist

How you pay
Fixed copayments $ amounts

 

Adult Preferred DHMO

Preventive services (cleanings, oral exams, x-rays)
Covered at no cost

Basic services (fillings, tooth removal)
Covered with fixed copayments starting at $45

Major services (root canals, crowns, implants)
Covered with fixed copayments starting at $265

Annual deductible (waived for diagnostic and preventive services)
None

Annual maximum
None

Waiting period
None

Network rules
Must choose a DeltaCare® USA dentist

How you pay
Fixed copayments $ amounts

Compare PPO Plans and DHMO-type Plans by benefit category.
 PPO PlansDHMO-type Plans
Benefit categoryPediatric BasicPediatric PreferredPediatric PreventivePediatric BasicPediatric Preferred
Preventive services
(cleanings, oral exams, x-rays)
Covered at no costCovered at no costCovered at no costCovered with fixed copayments starting at $10Covered at no cost
Basic services
(fillings, tooth removal)
Covered at 50% after annual deductible is metCovered at 80% after annual deductible is metCovered at 50% after annual deductible is met

Covered with fixed copayments starting at $50

Covered with fixed copayments starting at $45
Major services
(root canals, crowns, implants)
Covered at 50% after annual deductible is metCovered at 50% after annual deductible is metCovered at 50% after annual deductible is metCovered with fixed copayments starting at $350Covered with fixed copayments starting at $265
Annual deductible
(waived for diagnostic and preventive services)
$95$85$95NoneNone
Annual maximumNoneNoneNoneNoneNone
Waiting periodNoneNoneNoneNoneNone
Network rulesPick from our large network of PPO dentistsPick from our large network of PPO dentistsPick from our large network of PPO dentistsMust choose a DeltaCare® USA dentistMust choose a DeltaCare® USA dentist
How you payPlan pays a % coinsurance (e.g., 80%), you pay the restPlan pays a % coinsurance (e.g., 80%), you pay the restPlan pays a % coinsurance (e.g., 80%), you pay the restFixed copayments $ amountsFixed copayments $ amounts
Pediatric Basic PPO

Preventive services (cleanings, oral exams, x-rays)
Covered at no cost

Basic services (fillings, tooth removal)
Covered at 50% after annual deductible is met

Major services (root canals, crowns, implants)
Covered at 50% after annual deductible is met

Annual deductible (waived for diagnostic and preventive services)
$95

Annual maximum
None

Waiting period
None

Network rules
Pick from our large network of PPO dentists

How you pay
Plan pays a % coinsurance (e.g., 80%), you pay the rest

 

Pediatric Preferred PPO

Preventive services (cleanings, oral exams, x-rays)
Covered at no cost

Basic services (fillings, tooth removal)
Covered at 80% after annual deductible is met

Major services (root canals, crowns, implants)
Covered at 50% after annual deductible is met

Annual deductible (waived for diagnostic and preventive services)
$85

Annual maximum
None

Waiting period
None

Network rules
Pick from our large network of PPO dentists

How you pay
Plan pays a % coinsurance (e.g., 80%), you pay the rest

 

Pediatric Preventive PPO

Preventive services (cleanings, oral exams, x-rays)
Covered at no cost

Basic services (fillings, tooth removal)
Covered at 50% after annual deductible is met

Major services (root canals, crowns, implants)
Covered at 50% after annual deductible is met

Annual deductible (waived for diagnostic and preventive services)
$95

Annual maximum
None

Waiting period
None

Network rules
Pick from our large network of PPO dentists

How you pay
Plan pays a % coinsurance (e.g., 80%), you pay the rest

 

Pediatric Basic DHMO

Preventive services (cleanings, oral exams, x-rays)
Covered with fixed copayments starting at $10

Basic services (fillings, tooth removal)
Covered with fixed copayments starting at $50

Major services (root canals, crowns, implants)
Covered with fixed copayments starting at $350

Annual deductible (waived for diagnostic and preventive services)
None

Annual maximum
None

Waiting period
None

Network rules
Must choose a DeltaCare® USA dentist

How you pay
Fixed copayments $ amounts

 

Pediatric Preferred DHMO

Preventive services (cleanings, oral exams, x-rays)
Covered at no cost

Basic services (fillings, tooth removal)
Covered with fixed copayments starting at $45

Major services (root canals, crowns, implants)
Covered with fixed copayments starting at $265

Annual deductible (waived for diagnostic and preventive services)
None

Annual maximum
None

Waiting period
None

Network rules
Must choose a DeltaCare® USA dentist

How you pay
Fixed copayments $ amounts

 Network availability may vary by zip code.

*For plan-specific details like basic services, major services (root canals, crowns, implants, orthodontics) and waiting periods² for both adults and children, explore plan brochures for Maryland.

Plan brochures (PDFs)

 PPO plans for families
Plan yearBasicPreferredPreventive
2027EN | ESEN | ESEN | ES
2026EN | ESEN | ESEN | ES
 DHMO-type plans for families
Plan yearBasicPreferred
2027ENESEN | ES
2026EN | ESEN | ES
PPO Plans for Families - Basic

Plan year 2027
EN | ES

Plan year 2026
EN | ES

 

PPO Plans for Families - Preferred

Plan year 2027
EN | ES

Plan year 2026
EN | ES

 

PPO Plans for Families - Preventive

Plan year 2027
EN | ES

Plan year 2026
EN | ES

 

DHMO-type Plans for Families - Basic

Plan year 2027
EN | ES

Plan year 2026
EN | ES

 

DHMO-type Plans for Families - Preferred

Plan year 2027
EN | ES

Plan year 2026
EN | ES

The family plan brochures include both adult and pediatric benefits.

  • When to enroll in an exchange marketplace dental plan


    You can sign up for a Marketplace dental plan during the yearly Open Enrollment period. In Maryland, Open Enrollment runs from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027. To have coverage start on January 1, 2027, you must enroll by December 15, 2026.

    You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience a qualifying life event, such as getting married, having a baby or losing other health or dental coverage.

    Enrollment dates and rules vary by state and individual circumstances. Visit Maryland Health Connection to check enrollment deadlines and options available in your area.
     

    How to find your ACA dental coverage in Maryland

    1. Shop for dental plans in Maryland at Maryland Health Connection
    2. Check your timeline to make sure you enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period.
    3. Get additional questions answered by reaching out to a customer service representative at Maryland Health Connection.


    Looking for coverage outside of Maryland?
    Find plans by state.

    Are you a business owner?

    Learn more about plans for small businesses.

Ready to enroll?

Review your Marketplace dental plan options and enroll through Maryland Health Connection.

Connect with a trusted dentist.

Yours may already be in our network!

Have questions about our ACA dental insurance plans in Maryland? We have answers.

Coverage depends on the plan and, for children, whether the procedure is medically necessary. Pediatric dental coverage through Maryland Health Connection must include basic and major services for children under 19, but cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening typically aren't covered, and orthodontia (braces) is usually covered only when medically necessary rather than for cosmetic straightening.

Most Marketplace dental plans available in Maryland through Maryland Health Connection do not cover dental implants. These plans usually help pay for services like cleanings, fillings, crowns and tooth extractions and don't have waiting periods for preventive care.

If you need to replace a missing tooth, some plans may cover dentures or bridges. Check each plan's coverage details before you enroll.

People who are eligible to enroll through their state's Health Insurance Marketplace can enroll in an ACA Marketplace dental plan through Maryland Health Connection. Eligibility is based on where you live and other factors.

No. The ACA Marketplace isn't just for low-income families. Anyone in Maryland who meets eligibility requirements can shop for health and dental coverage through the Marketplace, regardless of income. If you qualify, you may also be eligible for financial assistance to help lower your costs.

It's a good option if you're:

  • Self-employed
  • An independent contractor or a gig worker
  • Work part-time or for an employer that doesn't offer health benefits
  • Are an early retiree not yet eligible for Medicare
  • Want an alternative to a pricey employer-sponsored plan

Yes, you can buy a stand-alone Marketplace dental plan in Maryland without enrolling in a health plan at the same time. Because Maryland operates its own state exchange, Maryland Health Connection, state rules allow you to purchase dental-only coverage directly through the exchange.

Check out our Find a dentist tool to search for dentists in your area. Select the network for your preferred plan: either Delta Dental PPO™ or DeltaCare® USA. You’ll likely save the most if you choose the Delta Dental PPO network for the Delta Dental PPO plan and the DeltaCare USA network for the DeltaCare USA (DHMO-type) plan.

You can also search by dentist or practice name, specialty, languages spoken, gender, office hours and which dentists are accepting new patients.

ACA Marketplace dental insurance in Maryland can help lower the cost of dental care by covering services such as cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns, root canals and tooth extractions. There are no waiting periods for preventive care. Coverage, costs and benefits vary by plan. Compare plans through your state's Health Insurance Marketplace or Maryland Health Connection to find the option that best meets your needs.

¹This benefit information is only a summary and not intended or designed to replace or serve as the plan policy. Limitations may apply for some benefits; some services may be excluded from the plan.

²Limitations and exclusions apply. Please see your plan booklet or policy for a complete description of plan benefits, limitations and exclusions.

Delta Dental PPO is underwritten by Delta Dental Insurance Company in AL, DC, FL, GA, LA, MS, MT, NV and UT and by not-for-profit dental service companies in these states: CA - Delta Dental of California; PA, MD - Delta Dental of Pennsylvania; NY - Delta Dental of New York; DE - Delta Dental of Delaware; WV - Delta Dental of West Virginia. In Texas, Delta Dental Insurance Company provides a Dental Provider Organization (DPO) plan.

DeltaCare USA is underwritten in these states by these entities: CA - Delta Dental of California; DC, FL - Delta Dental Insurance Company; MD, TX - Alpha Dental Programs, Inc.; NV - Alpha Dental of Nevada, Inc.; UT - Alpha Dental of Utah, Inc.; NY - Delta Dental of New York; PA - Delta Dental of Pennsylvania. Delta Dental Insurance Company acts as the DeltaCare USA administrator in all these states. These companies are financially responsible for their own products. The plan is a dental HMO in CA and TX. You may view the DDIC Network Access Plan, as required by the Health Benefit Plan Network Access and Adequacy Act, online at deltadentalins.com. You may also contact us by calling 800-422-4234 to request a copy.

Delta Dental is a registered mark of Delta Dental Plans Association.