Does the sound of a dentist's drill set your teeth on edge? Consider how much greater your anxiety would be if you had no dental insurance.

Forty-six percent of the population doesn't, according to the National Association of Dental Plans.

Individual coverage is available, but finding the right policy can take a little digging. And, like the group coverage offered through employers, it doesn't always pay for everything.

Some dental insurance professionals believe that individual policies are more expensive and in some cases less comprehensive than you might get with a group plan. "There's not a big market out there," says Evelyn Ireland, executive director of the National Association of Dental Plans.

Monthly premiums average anywhere from $12 to $50 for one person, according to the association.

Consumers buying their own coverage have to look beyond first-year premium quotes, says Jeff Album, director of public affairs for Delta Dental of California, New York and Pennsylvania. Some companies will offer a great rate for the first year, during which you face a mandatory waiting period for many services. Then the company hikes the rate for the second year.

It's an area that's rife with fraud. Many times the plans are offered by "questionable sources," says Ireland. Her advice: go with employee-sponsored coverage when you can. When you can't, be prepared to do some research to make sure you get both a good company and a good deal.

Both the National Association of Dental Plans and Delta Dental list plans by state. You can also contact an insurance broker or your current insurance carrier. Sometimes the state dental society can tell you what plans are offered in your vicinity. And don't forget your dentist's office. Often they are enrolled in a network or discount plan. Ask which plans or discounts would apply.

Three Kinds of Coverage

There are three types of dental insurance coverage, says Ireland, and all three should be licensed by your state:

Dental HMOs: Similar to a traditional HMO. You have a limited selection of dentists, but this type of plan offers the best deal in terms of limiting out-of-pocket costs, says Ireland. Premium costs are also likely to be most affordable. The average premium for single coverage: $13 per month, according to the National Association of Dental Plans.

Many times, HMOs will guarantee one or two dentists within 15 miles of home or work, says Album.

HMOs tend to encourage preventative care, so things such as sealants or topical fluoride treatments may be covered for adults, where they might not be on typical PPO or regular insurance plans, says Ireland.

And many times preventative care will be reimbursed at 100 percent, says Album. As treatment gets more restorative and complicated, reimbursement rates can drop to 50 percent or below, he says.

Dental PPOs: If you go to a dentist in the network you'll pay one set of prices. Or you can take a lower reimbursement percentage to see a dentist who is not in the plan. But if you do, expect to front the entire bill until the PPO reimburses you, says Album.

The average monthly premium for single coverage is $30, according to the NADP.

Dental indemnity (traditional insurance) plans: Much rarer when it comes to individual coverage. When you can find it, the average monthly premium for single coverage is $40, according to the NADP.

Can You Get Group Coverage?

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.

For instance, AARP recently started offering a group PPO plan to its members through Delta Dental. For one person, monthly premiums range from $30 to $45, says Album. Many areas -- such as preventative, diagnostic and restorative treatments, endodontics and oral surgery -- are covered immediately, and the premium is guaranteed for two years, he says.

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.

"It might not be the best price in town, but it might be better than buying individual dental insurance," says Donald H. Baggett, senior consultant, Benefit Resources Inc. And if your employer offers the option of paying your premiums with pre-tax dollars, that will offer a nice bit of savings, he says.

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.

Discount Plans

Dental discount plans are also becoming more popular.

How it works: the plan negotiates with various dentists for set discounts on certain procedures. Joining a plan generally costs up to $15 monthly and dental discounts may be bundled with other benefits like eye care, says Ireland.

While the patient is responsible for paying the bill (minus the discount) on the spot, the savings can be "pretty significant," especially with major restorative work, says Ireland.

The downside: Plans are also "largely unlicensed by state authorities," she says.

They also don't offer the same dispute rights, says Linda Sherry, spokesperson for Consumer Action, a nonprofit advocacy and education group

Ireland 's advice: buy the product through a major insurance carrier, which will be licensed. Another place to look: the NADP Web site. Companies listed there are more likely to have been in the industry longer and be "a little more predictable," she says. You can also ask companies if they are affiliated with a national organization, says Ireland. But always verify their answer with the organization itself.

Reputable plans will remind you they are not true insurance coverage and will gladly spell out all of the terms and conditions in a consumer-friendly manner before you sign up, says Ireland. They should have a Web site, easily available contact information and be registered corporations in their home state. Ask which dentists are included and what the discounts are for various procedures.

Says Ireland, "Anybody who asks you to send money before they send you material: run as fast as you can."

Dana Dratch is a freelance writer based in Atlanta.

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