We had dental insurance but dropped it because we realized that what we paid out for the dental insurance and the remainder we still had to pay the dentist was the same as if we didn't have insurance.
I did finally realize though that everytime we went for cleaning they would automatically do x-rays and then the dentist would come in and poke for a few seconds. Each of those things was added to the cost along with the cleaning. I finally told them NO x-rays or dentist coming in to poke. I might every couple of years say go ahead, but at our age I don't think we will be having anymore cavities.
But you are correct, the Dentist comes in and says "hello" and "lookin good" and it costs $$$$.
But at our age it seems to be mostly root canals, crowns and bridge work, LOL.