Dental insurance makes it easier to pay for regular and emergency dental treatment. Perhaps you are considering dental insurance on your own or through your employer. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Let us help by explaining some of California’s most common dental plan types.
Dental Insurance Plans
In California, the most common types of dental insurance plans include:
Dental PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) Plans
PPO plans are popular for their flexibility. They allow members to choose from a network of dentists at discounted rates while still offering partial coverage for out-of-network providers. This type of plan appeals to individuals who desire a variety of choices but still want to benefit from lower costs with network providers. PPOs tend to have higher premiums than other plan types, yet they provide broader access to dentists.
Dental HMO/DMO (Dental Maintenance Organization) Plans
Commonly referred to as DHMOs or DMOs, these plans offer lower premiums and reduced out-of-pocket costs by limiting members to a network of dentists. Members must select a primary care dentist and receive referrals for specialist care. This managed approach keeps costs predictable but limits flexibility in choosing providers outside the network.
Indemnity (Fee-for-Service) Plans
Although less common than PPOs or DHMOs, indemnity plans allow the greatest flexibility. Members can visit any dentist, and the insurance reimburses a percentage of the cost for each service. With this flexibility often comes a higher premium and potentially more out-of-pocket expenses, depending on the plan’s structure.
Discount Dental Plans
These aren’t traditional insurance plans but are widely available and popular for cost savings. Members pay an annual or monthly fee to access a network of dentists offering services at a reduced rate. There is no reimbursement or claims process; members pay directly to the dentist at a discounted rate.
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) Dental Plans
EPO dental plans work similarly to PPOs but generally require members to use network dentists exclusively. If you visit an out-of-network provider, there’s no coverage, making this option more restrictive. However, EPO plans usually offer lower premiums than PPOs, balancing cost with choice within a defined network.
Most dental insurance providers offer a variety of the plans mentioned above. When selecting a plan from a provider, review their online resources and speak with their service representatives to help you calculate your expected dental expenses. This will help you select a plan that meets your unique dental needs.
Your Dental Care Partner
The Placerville Dental Group gladly accepts dental insurance from a number of providers. Check our website here for the list of providers that we partner with. If you have any questions, give us a call or submit an inquiry via our online form. We look forward to hearing from you!
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