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Insurance designed
to pay a portion of the costs associated with dental care. The most
common types of dental insurance plans are Preferred provider
organizations (PPO) or
dental health maintenance organizations (DHMO). Both types are
considered managed care.
DHMO works like an HMO.
When you join a DHMO you are able to select from a list of dentists that
are part of the DHMO system or provider network. You must select a
dentist from the list of approved providers that is maintained by the
DHMO. A typical DHMO is concerned with
preventative dental care. The basic coverage a standard DHMO plan or
policy will pay for fully includes preventative care procedures and
treatments, i.e annual checkups, x-rays and teeth cleanings. On the
other hand, a typical DHMO policy or plan will not pay 100% of the costs
associated with more serious dental procedures, i.e. oral surgery,
orthodontic care, etc. A standard DHMO may pay a portion of the costs
associated with these more significant procedures; but, these plans
will not provide 100% claim coverage.
A PPO dental plan is dental
coverage that is part of a network insurance system. Dentists sign up
for the PPO network hoping to get more patients to treat. In
acknowledgment of the referrals an insurance company provides, the
dentists offer lower rates for the clients of a particular dental
insurance provider. The result is lower fees for patients. Patients,
however, often have to choose from a network of specific dentists or
face higher fees or decreased benefits. PPO dental care allows you
the flexibility to see any dentist you choose However, with most
plans, you can get additional savings by using a dentist who is part of
an insurance provider's network of health care professionals
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