Group Dental Insurance

Just because you are buying as an individual doesn't mean you can't get group coverage. Some credit unions, professional associations and affinity groups, such as AARP, offer members access to group dental. Under this system, you pick up the entire cost of the premium and get the buying power of being included in a group.

Many areas -- such as preventative, diagnostic and restorative treatments, endodontics and oral surgery -- are covered immediately, and the premium is guaranteed for two years.

Another group option

Voluntary dental from an employer. Again, you pay 100 percent of the premium but the terms are usually better than with an individual plan.

If you or a spouse is losing a job, look into continuing your coverage through COBRA, says Baggett. Again, you pick up the entire premium but you retain the benefits of the group plan. It may also be an option if you're a dependent losing access to coverage through divorce or because you've outgrown the plan's age limitations, he says.