Is Routine Dog Dental Cleaning Covered by Pet Insurance? – Expert Guide 2026
What Is Routine Dog Dental Cleaning and Why It Matters
Routine dental cleanings are considered preventive health care by the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) and not cosmetic. The primary components of a complete dental cleaning by a veterinary professional include:
- A comprehensive examination of gums, teeth, and mouth.
- Tartar and plaque removal from the teeth.
- Polishing.
- Examination of the gingival tissues for hidden disease(s) under the gums.
Providing your dog with routine cleanings is important because even though you may brush your dog’s teeth every day, your dog still has a chance to develop tartar and plaque on their teeth, which will create painful/infected gingiva (gums), lead to tooth loss and create systemic diseases such as heart disease, kidney failure, or liver disease if left untreated.
“Dogs can’t tell us when they hurt. Regular cleaning helps catch problems before they become emergencies.” – Dr. Sarah Lin, DVM, AVMA-certified veterinarian
Most veterinary professionals recommend having your dog cleaned/treat every 1-2 years, depending on size and/or risk factors, but possible twice a year for small dogs or high-risk dogs.
Will pet insurance pay for routine cleanings for my dog?
Standard accident and illness policies include coverage for:
- Broken teeth due to an accident
- Dental disease/infections
- Surgical treatment related to dental injury
Routine dental cleaning is considered preventative dental care and typically are not included in your basic policy.
Many insurance companies offer employees the option to add additional wellness coverage or purchase packages of preventative care that may include:
- Yearly cleanings
- Vaccination and wellness visits
- Flea preventative and microchipping
Important: Read all fine print. Some companies will only reimburse for routine cleanings if they are medically necessary, for example; due to gum disease or infection.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Routine Dog Dental Cleaning?
Depending on your plan type, pet insurance coverage varies considerably in regards to dental treatments.
Accident & Illness Plan:
Are designed for unforeseen medical events, such as a broken tooth, an infection or emergency treatment. Preventive dental care is typically not included.
Wellness / Preventive Plan:
Generally, covers annual exams and shots, and occasionally dental cleaning.
Tip: Some Dental plans will only cover dental cleaning when there is a medically related reason to do so (i.e. due to an infection or periodontal disease). Make sure you take the time to read the fine print.
Wellness Plans vs Accident & Illness Plans
| Feature | Wellness Plan | Accident & Illness Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Covers emergencies | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Covers routine checkups | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Dental cleaning included | ✅ Sometimes | ❌ Rarely |
| Main purpose | Preventive care | Unexpected health issues |
Key takeaway: If preventive dental care is important to you, select a wellness add-on or preventive care package. Accident-only plans will not cover routine cleaning.
Pet Insurance Providers Covering Routine Dental Care
| Provider | Routine Dental Cleaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | ✅ With wellness add-on | Covers preventive & emergency dental issues |
| ASPCA | ✅ Preventive plan option | Budget-friendly preventive coverage |
| Embrace | ✅ Wellness Rewards | Flexible reimbursements for dental care |
| Healthy Paws | ❌ Not included | Covers accidents & illness only |
Real-life example:
“I claimed $350 for my Golden Retriever’s dental cleaning using Embrace Wellness Rewards. Without it, I would have paid the full cost out-of-pocket.” – John M., California
How Much Does Dog Dental Cleaning Cost Without Insurance?
| Dog Size | Average Routine Cleaning | With Complications / Extractions |
|---|---|---|
| Small (<20 lbs) | $300–$450 | $800–$1,000 |
| Medium (20–50 lbs) | $400–$600 | $900–$1,200 |
| Large (>50 lbs) | $500–$700 | $1,000–$1,500+ |
Routine dental cleaning is cheaper than treating advanced dental disease, which can involve painful and expensive procedur
What Type of Dental Treatments Are Covered by Insurance?
Covered:
Procedures that are medically necessary (periodontal treatment, fractured teeth, extraction, x-rays)
Not Covered:
Routine preventive dental cleaning (unless it is a part of your wellness plan)
Understanding:
Insurance covers unexpected or medically related events, not routine preventive care unless a wellness plan is purchased.
Alternatives to Insurance for Dental Cleaning
If you are not interested in a wellness add-on or full pet insurances, you may want to consider:
- Veterinary Discount Programs: You can find a membership program that offers you reduced rate services, such as dental cleaning.
- Payment plan/ financing: Many clinics may offer options, such as CareCredit that would allow you to pay a monthly installment.
- At-Home Dental Care: Regular brushing, dental chews and powders all help reduce plaque build up and increase the amount of time required before your next professional dental cleaning.
Tip: By using a combination of at-home care and an annual cleaning with your veterinarian, you could save substantially on your long-term costs.
Pros and Cons of Pet Insurance for Dental Cleaning
Reasons to Get Dental Insurance
Pros
- Covers costs of emergency dental procedures (extractions, surgery).
- Includes an annual reimbursement for routine dental work.
- Provides peace of mind with financial coverage for emergencies.
Cons
- Usually does not include regular preventive dental cleaning in a basic plan.
- Monthly premium expense can be high over the course of a year.
- Not a good value if your dog rarely requires dental work.
Expert Takeaway:
It may be more cost-effective to carry dental insurance if your dog is healthy and can afford to pay for an annual cleaning out-of-pocket; If you have a high-risk dog or want the financial security that comes with having a wellness add-on to your policy, a wellness policy will likely be a better choice.
Best Pet Insurance Providers for Dental Care (2025–2026)
| Provider | Routine Dental Cleaning | Dental Illness Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | ✅ Wellness add-on | ✅ Yes | All-in-one coverage |
| Embrace | ✅ Wellness Rewards | ✅ Yes | Flexible reimbursement |
| ASPCA | ✅ Preventive plan option | ✅ Yes | Budget-conscious owners |
| Healthy Paws | ❌ Not included | ✅ Yes | Accidents & illness only |
Real Life Example
Situation: A Labrador experiences a periodontal disease and requires professional cleaning, extraction (surgery) – the total without insurance would be $1,200; total with Embrace Wellness Rewards is $400 (the insurance will reimburse you) = net cost of $800.
Conclusion: Using a wellness add-on will save you hundreds per year, and will provide financial support for routine/professional dog dental care.
FAQs About Dog Dental Cleaning
Is annual dog dental cleaning covered by pet insurance?
Most accident & illness plans don’t include routine dog dental cleaning, but some wellness or preventive care plans reimburse it once a year. For more details, see ASPCA Pet Insurance.
How much does dog dental cleaning cost at the vet?
Typical professional dog dental cleaning ranges from $300–$700, and can exceed $1,000 if x-rays or extractions are needed. Learn more about cost factors at AVMA Dental Care Guide.
How often should my dog get a dental cleaning?
Veterinarians generally recommend annual dental cleanings; small breeds or dogs at higher risk for periodontal disease may need more frequent cleaning. Check your dog’s personalized schedule here.
Can at-home care replace professional dog dental cleaning?
Brushing, dental chews, and powders help reduce plaque buildup but cannot replace anesthetic professional dental cleaning that reaches below the gum line. Read more tips at Humane Society Dental Tips.
Does insurance cover dog dental cleaning if it’s medically necessary?
Yes, most plans cover treatment-driven procedures (e.g., periodontal disease, fractured teeth, extractions), but routine preventive cleaning is only covered with a wellness add-on. See coverage details here.
Conclusion
Routine dental cleaning is critically important for dogs because it will reduce the risk of pain and disease as a result of poor dental health. It is also not covered under most accident and illness policies and should be obtained through a wellness policy or preventive plan to minimize costs.
Trusted Resources for Dog Dental Care & Pet Insurance
- ASPCA Pet Insurance Guide – Comprehensive guide on coverage for routine and medical dog dental care.
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Dental Care Resources – Expert advice on dental health and preventive care for dogs.
- Humane Society of the United States – Dog Dental Care – Tips on at-home dental hygiene and professional cleaning.
- PetInsurance.com – Dog Dental Health & Coverage – Real-world examples of insurance coverage for dental treatments.
- Embrace Pet Insurance – Wellness Rewards – Preventive care programs that can reimburse dental cleanings.
Explore Related Dog Dental Insurance Articles
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- Best Affordable Dog Dental Plans in USA 2026 – Find budget-friendly dental insurance options for your dog with detailed coverage analysis.
- Best Pet Insurance That Covers Dental for Dogs – Top-rated plans that include both preventive and illness-related dental treatments.
- Dog Dental Cleaning Covered by Pet Insurance 2026 – Learn which insurance providers reimburse professional dental cleanings.
- Embrace Pet Insurance for Older Dogs Dental Cover – Coverage options and wellness rewards specifically for senior dogs’ dental health.
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📅 Last Updated:
✅ Reviewed & Verified by: M. Nouman, Pet Insurance Researcher
📖 This article on Is Dog Dental Cleaning Covered by Pet Insurance in 2026? is regularly updated to ensure accuracy and provide expert-backed insights for pet parents. Read the full guide here.
About the Author 📚
M. Nouman is a dedicated pet insurance researcher with over 7 years of experience helping U.S. pet parents find affordable, trusted coverage. Working closely with veterinary professionals, Nouman ensures that every article on PetCoverUSA is accurate, reliable, and backed by real data.