# What is a Dental PPO?

- Tweet

Finding a dentist can be a cumbersome process for anyone. For those who don’t understand how their insurance works from a coverage standpoint, it can lead one to avoid making the appointment altogether. When deciding what type of coverage works best for you and your family, there are many things to consider, from what type of procedures are covered to which dentist offices will accept your insurance.

HMO vs. PPO Plans

Many insurance companies offer two types of plans: a dental HMO (health maintenance organization) or a dental PPO (preferred provider organization). The HMO plans tend to be the least expensive, allowing patients to pay a predetermined copayment for covered services, but there are restrictions when choosing a dentist. These plans actually assign a dentist office, eliminating the convenience of having options.

Those with HMO plans can also expect less time with their dentist than those insured with a PPO plan. Dentists accepting HMO plans are typically reimbursed based on the volume of patients they see, potentially creating an incentive for your provider to rush through your cleaning or exam. Many patients insured under an HMO plan also express frustrations with the complex referral and claim process.

Choosing a Preferred Provider for Convenience

The more popular insurance option for individuals and families is a PPO plan. This plan allows you to visit any dentist you’d like to choose within the network. You can be more discerning and ensure your dentist offers the services you need and the conveniences you want. PPO plan holders are afforded the opportunity to find a new dentist for any reason, right down to the aesthetics of the office environment. This plan also allows you to choose a dentist outside of your preferred network, even though this will come with additional out-of-pocket expenses.

When you visit a PPO dentist, you pay a coinsurance, which is essentially a percentage of the cost of treatment. Certain services and procedures may be fully covered, while others could require you to pay a certain percentage of the cost. Typically, you pay a larger percentage for cosmetic and nonessential procedures.

Contact Us Today

Understanding your insurance coverage and its conveniences can be confusing for some. At the Center for Adult Dental Care, Dr. Kin Wong and our dedicated staff can help you make sense of what your financial commitment is regarding certain procedures. If you have questions about PPO insurance and live in the Burlington, Lexington, and Woburn communities, call us today!

## You Might Also Enjoy...

### Comparing Dental Bridges and Dental Implants

If you go to a general dentist who doesn’t work with implants, they may recommend that you replace a missing tooth with a fixed porcelain bridge. However, a periodontist may look at the same tooth replacement case and recommend a dental implant...

### How to Keep Your Teeth White

There are many tooth whitening methods available to you, ranging from do-it-yourself remedies to professionally administered bleaching at your dental office. Given the multitude of recommendations..

### How Invisalign® Clear Braces Help Create the Perfect Smile

Due to the way orthodontic care is depicted to the general public, many patients believe that traditional braces or Invisalign® clear aligners are the only options to achieve a beautifully straight smile...

### The Differences Between Contracted and Non-Contracted Benefits

Finding a suitable insurance plan that meets your budget while offering you the benefits you require can be a daunting task. Making sure your dentist is contracted under that plan is of equal importance...

### What Can You Expect Before, During, and After a Dental Implant Surgery?

In the initial planning and consultation stages, your dental surgeon will visually inspect the area in your mouth where the dental implant would go, should it be decided that you need one...

### 5 Fluoride Facts That Affect Your Smile

You’ve probably seen or heard about the merits of certain minerals when used to protect the health of your smile, but you may be left with some questions about how they actually work to your benefit...