Insurance Glossary

Dental Insurance Basics

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Network

Network refers to an individual or group of dentists who have contractually agreed to participate in a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) network. As part of their participation agreement, these dentists are screened by the dental insurance plan or third-party network administrator, and they agree to accept reduced dental service fees. These dentists are often referred to as "network dentists," "in-network dentists," or "participating dentists."

Network dentist

A dentist who has contractually agreed to participate in a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) network is referred to as a network dentist. As part of their participation agreement, network dentists are screened by the dental insurance plan or third-party network administrator, and they agree to accept reduced dental service fees. These dentists are also referred to as "in-network dentists," "participating dentists," "network dentists," or "preferred dentists."

Non-contracted dentist

See "Out-of-network dentist"

Non-contributory program

When a dental insurance plan sponsor pays the entire monthly premium cost for the dental insurance plan, it is called a non-contributory dental insurance plan.

Non-network dentist

See "Out-of-network dentist"