What is Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance is designed to pay a portion of the costs associated with dental care. Generally dental offices have a fee schedule, or a list of prices for the dental services or procedures they offer.
Indemnity Dental Insurance Plan
Indemnity dental insurance is a type of fee-for-service plan that allows you to see any dentist you desire. If you desire to see a dentist that is outside of your insurance network, your insurance company pays for the services rendered after a claim is submitted. This means that you will have to pay for the cost of care upfront, then send the claim to your insurance company for
reimbursement. Indemnity plans provide the most flexibility and freedom you can find in a health insurance plan. This plan fits best for those who want the freedom and flexibility to choose their desired dentists.
Dental Health Maintenance Organization(DHMO)
A Dental Health Maintenance Organization is a prepaid dental insurance plan. Unlike Indemnity plans, they only provide in-network dental coverage, which means you have to choose from dentists who have signed up with the insurance company. This plan aims to minimize out-of-pocket costs. Their primary focus is prevention and treatment of smaller issues now, before they become advanced. Basic care is fully covered under this plan such as tooth extractions, fillings, treatment for gum disease etc… Once a dental issue becomes advanced, dental care coverage drops significantly. This plan fits bets for those who need simple and preventive dental care.
Participating Provider Network (PPO)
With PPO plans, an insurance company has contracts with a network of dentists who have agreed to charge certain, set fees for approved services. Similar to DHMO plans, you are allowed to use the benefits at any dentist, and you are not limited to those in your insurance network. PPO plans cover a wider range of services than DHMO plans and are often preferred by both patients and dentists. This plan fits best for those who want freedom and flexibility and need certain dental services which they can receive at a discounted cost.
