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Dental insurance can help you maintain good oral health and save money. However, when you’re self-employed, you may not have access to an employer-sponsored plan. Luckily, you can still get dental insurance on your own. Whether you’re a freelancer, contractor or small business owner, there are several ways to find coverage that fits your needs and budget. Read on to learn how self-employed dental insurance works and how to choose the right plan for your needs.
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Dental insurance for self-employed individuals is coverage that may help pay for certain dental services. Covered services may include preventive care, as well as basic or major dental procedures. Unlike with traditional employer-sponsored plans, self-employed individuals typically have to purchase coverage on their own or join a spouse’s plan, if available.
If you are self-employed and interested in dental coverage, you may have several options available:
Self-employed individuals can choose from the following types of dental coverage:
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedWhen evaluating your dental insurance self-employed options, keep these factors in mind:
Dental insurance for self-employed individuals can be worthwhile in many circumstances. Here are just a few scenarios where it can be beneficial:
By covering the cost of your preventive visits and a portion of many basic or major services, dental insurance can help you get the care you need while reducing your overall dental expenses.
In some circumstances, self-employed individuals may be eligible to deduct dental insurance premiums on their federal income tax return, subject to applicable tax laws and eligibility requirements.3 Tax treatment varies based on individual circumstances, so it's a good idea to consult a qualified tax professional to understand what deductions apply to you.
You can get dental insurance without a job by purchasing a standalone plan directly from an insurer, enrolling through the ACA Marketplace or joining a dental discount plan. Some people may also qualify for Medicaid or other state programs, depending on their state’s income and eligibility requirements.4
If you’re self-employed, you can buy dental insurance independently from a provider like Aflac. Standalone dental plans and bundled options like our DVH insurance can provide flexible coverage tailored to your needs.
Dental insurance helps cover a portion of your dental care costs through premiums, copays and coinsurance. In contrast, dental discount plans are membership programs that provide reduced rates on eligible services.
Dental insurance can help provide peace of mind and reliable protection for self-employed individuals and their loved ones. At Aflac, we offer dental insurance for self-employed individuals with flexible coverage options to fit a broad range of budgets.
Our network dental insurance plans cover many preventive, basic and major services, while our supplemental dental insurance can help cover expenses your primary plan doesn't cover. You can also add hearing and vision coverage with our DVH insurance plans.
Speak with an Aflac agent today to explore your options and get a quote.
Get Started
Dental insurance can help lower your dental care costs. Learn how dental insurance works and the benefits and coverage this type of plan offers.
Emergency dental care can be costly without insurance. Learn what to do in a dental emergency and how dental insurance can help.
Dental insurance can help lower your dental care costs. Learn how dental insurance works and the benefits and coverage this type of plan offers.
Emergency dental care can be costly without insurance. Learn what to do in a dental emergency and how dental insurance can help.
1 Investopedia – Dental Insurance HMO vs. PPO: What’s the Difference? Updated February 21, 2026. https://www.investopedia.com/dental-insurance-hmo-vs-ppo-whats-the-difference-8553452. Accessed June 2, 2026.
2 HealthInsurance.org -What’s the difference between dental insurance and dental discount plans? Published November 4, 2025. https://www.healthinsurance.org/faqs/whats-the-difference-between-dental-insurance-and-dental-discount-plans/. Accessed June 2, 2026.
3 IRS - Topic no. 502, Medical and dental expenses. Updated on January 22, 2026. https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc502. Accessed June 2, 2026.
4 Medicaid - Dental Care. Updated on N/A. https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/dental-care. Accessed June 2, 2026.
The plans advertised herein offer supplemental insurance coverage and are not major medical insurance plans.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent/producer.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Dental: In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA. Not available in New Mexico or Vermont.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
Dental, Vision, Hearing (DVH): Policy Series T80000 - In Arkansas, Policy T80000AR. In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. In Oregon, Policy T80000OR. In Pennsylvania, Policy T80000PA-DEN ONLY; T8000PA-DVH. In Texas, Policy T80000TX and T80000TXR.
Dental claims are administered by SKYGEN USA, LLC. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.
This is a brief product overview only. Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY, or VA. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders have limitations and exclusions that may affect benefits payable. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, limitations, and exclusions. For costs, complete details of the coverage and for policies available in your state, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
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