Two budget dental plans on MetLife's PDP Plus network. They cover the same services at the same percentages. The only difference is the yearly maximum: $1,000 or $1,500 per person. There are no waiting periods, and the plan pays more the longer you keep it.
Based on NCD's May 2026 product overviews · Updated October 2026
NCD plans are sold in most states, but not all, and prices vary by state. NCD doesn't publish a state list, so call NCD Member Care at 800-485-3855 or ask me, and I'll confirm what's available where you live.
A good fit if you want basic dental coverage at a lower cost, mostly for cleanings, checkups, and the occasional filling.
Good to know: white (tooth-colored) fillings on molars aren't covered. Silver fillings are.
A good fit if you want the same plan with more room each year, for example if you expect several fillings.
Good to know: root canals, extractions, and full-mouth X-rays count as major work here, so they pay just 10% to 20%.
These examples are the same on both plans. They use example in-network fees; actual costs vary by dentist and area. In network, the dentist accepts MetLife's negotiated fee as payment in full.
An exam and cleaning, plus bitewing X-rays. X-rays are basic care on Bright, so they count toward your deductible.
From year 2, the exam and cleaning are paid at 100%.
Your first basic service of the year, before any deductible is paid.
White fillings on molars aren't covered.
A simple extraction is major work on Bright. Your deductible was already met this year.
In year 1, the plan would pay just 10%.
Your deductible was already met this year.
Major work never pays more than 20% on Bright.
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| Benefit | NCD Bright 1000 | NCD Bright 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Yearly maximum | $1,000 | $1,500 |
Straight answers about how these plans work. Tap a question to open it.
No. Preventive, basic, and major care are all payable from your first day. Instead of waiting periods, the plan pays a higher percentage the longer you keep it.
Exams and cleanings pay 90% in your first year and 100% from year 2. Fillings and other basic care pay 50%, then 60%, then 70% from year 3. Major work pays 10% in year 1 and 20% from year 2 on. Major work never goes above 20%, so if you know you'll need big work, let's talk before you choose a plan.
No. The $100 deductible applies once each calendar year, per person, and only to basic and major work. Exams and cleanings never have a deductible. Bitewing X-rays are basic care on Bright, so they do.
Bright groups some services differently from many dental plans. Bitewing X-rays, fluoride, and sealants are basic care (deductible, then 50% to 70%). Full-mouth X-rays, simple extractions, root canals, and gum maintenance cleanings are major care (10% to 20%). On NCD Essentials, for comparison, bitewing X-rays are preventive at 100% and simple extractions are basic care.
Yes. The plan pays the same percentages in or out of network. In MetLife's PDP Plus network, the dentist accepts MetLife's negotiated fee as payment in full. Out of network, MetLife pays based on its maximum allowable charge, and the dentist can bill you the difference. Find a PDP Plus dentist.
On front teeth and premolars, yes, as basic care. White (composite) fillings on molars, the back teeth, aren't covered. Silver (amalgam) fillings are covered on any tooth. Ask your dentist before treatment.
No. Implants aren't covered on Bright. NCD Complete covers implants. See the NCD Complete, Essentials & Value guide.
Bright's maximum ($1,000 or $1,500) sits between Value ($750) and Essentials ($2,000). But Value and Essentials pay cleanings and bitewing X-rays at 100% from day one, with a $50 deductible instead of $100. Value's major work starts at 0% in year 1 and rises to 25%; Essentials goes from 10% to 60%. Bright stays at 20%. Compare those plans, or ask me which costs less where you live.
Generally no. Dentures to replace teeth that were missing before your coverage started aren't covered, except for teeth that were missing from birth.
No. Orthodontics, night guards, and treatment for teeth grinding aren't covered. Jaw (TMJ) treatment isn't covered either, except in Minnesota.
Log in to the NCD member portal at members.ncd.com to see your benefits, download ID cards, update your contact information, and change your payment method. NCD Member Care: 800-485-3855, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central.
No. Dental work after an accidental injury isn't covered, except for damage from chewing or biting food.
I'm Hamon R. Burkhardt, a licensed Health & Life insurance broker. I'll help you pick a plan based on the dental work you expect, compare Bright with NCD's other plans, and check that your dentist is in network. No pressure, no fine print.
Preventive (Type A): exams and cleanings. Basic (Type B): bitewing X-rays, fillings (no white fillings on molars), fluoride, sealants and space maintainers for children under 14, emergency pain treatment, and lab tests. Major (Type C): full-mouth and other X-rays, consultations, simple and surgical extractions, root canals, gum maintenance cleanings, deep cleanings and gum surgery, crowns, inlays and onlays, bridges, dentures, repairs, and general anesthesia.
This is a summary. The certificate lists all exclusions and limitations.
In network, dentists accept MetLife's negotiated fees as payment in full, subject to your deductible and share. Out of network, MetLife pays based on the lesser of the dentist's fee or its scheduled maximum allowable charge, so you may owe more.
This guide summarizes NCD's product overviews for NCD Bright 1000 and NCD Bright 1500. Dental insurance policies featuring the Preferred Dentist Program are underwritten by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York, NY. It was prepared by Hamon R. Burkhardt, licensed Health & Life insurance broker (NPN 16713594), and is not an official NCD or MetLife document. It is not a contract. The certificate decides what is covered. Products are not available in all states. © 2026 helpmehamon!