You can choose a dentist outside the network of organizations according to your choice. Choosing a dentist outside the network of organizations will costs you higher. You are not restricted to select only primary care dentists. This type of dental plan has coinsurance and annual deductibles. After meeting the cost of deductibles, the dental plan starts sharing the cost of treatments. This cost-sharing is part of coinsurance. Routine preventive dental care like routine cleanings, fillings, examining, and X-rays are covered 100% in the in-network plans. If you choose the network inside the network, it will cost you less. This type of dental plan is most common.
- Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMO) plan
DHMO plans are more affordable dental insurance plans. This type of plan does not include deductibles. A fixed fee for non-preventive dental treatments has to pay for this plan. DHMO plan covers 100% cost for preventive dental care like routine examining, cleanings, and X-rays. You have to choose primary care dentist from within the network due to which it costs less. This plan does not offer you to choose a dentist outside the network but an exception can be provided in some emergency cases. DHMO plans have local and small networks and dentists offer less cost. There is no annual maximum for covered services in this type of plan. This means that you will not run out of advantages for the year after having many covered dental services. Your dentist can also refer you to a specialist in the network according to your requirements.
- Dental Indemnity plan
You can get a lot of freedom in the dental indemnity plan. This is also known as a traditional dental plan. This plan does not have networks so, you do not need to worry about dentists. This plan does not restrict you see a specialist only in emergency dental cases. This plan includes coinsurance and deductibles. After meeting the cost of deductibles, costs for covered services will be shared by you and your dental plan. If you want a plan with fewer requirements and many options, a dental indemnity plan will be suitable for you.
- Dental Exclusive Provider Organization (DEPO) plan
You can choose specialists and general dentists in this type of plan. You are not restricted to choose primary care dentist and need referrals to see specialists. You can get coverage only by choosing a dentist inside the network. Some dental emergencies may also cover outside the network. This plan also includes coinsurance and deductibles.
- Point of Service (POS) plan
This type of plan consists of features of both the dental PPO plan and DHMO plan. You can choose a primary care dentist inside the network like in DHMO and select a dentist outside the network which will cost you more as in DPPO. If you are choosing a dentist inside the network, go for a DHMO plan instead of a POS plan because it is expensive.