Guardian Dental Network

Plans available from the Guardian dental network include some of the most flexible dental insurance options available on the market. Over 90,000 providers participate in the Guardian dental network, allowing most members the advantage of multiple in-network dentists in their local area. Because Guardian dental services are usually provided through employer-sponsored plans, the available options may vary. Guardian offers PPO and HMO plans that provide significant benefits to members, including a number of add-on features that offer additional value to dental plan participants. These added benefits include dental implant coverage insurance, the Maximum Rollover plan that allows members to retain the unused portion of their annual maximum benefit for use in subsequent years, and Preventive Advantage, which allows members to receive normal preventive care without having it count against annual maximum benefit amounts. Guardian also can set up Flexible Spending Accounts through the employer to allow members to plan and save for major dental procedures and defray their out-of-pocket expenses.

The Guardian dental network PPO provides substantial reductions in cost for members who obtain their dental services from an in-network provider. While plans vary, as a rule most diagnostic and preventive care is available at low or no cost to members; these services include routine cleanings and examinations as well as some sealants and fluoride treatments. This plan also offers insurance coverage for more extensive procedures including root canals and bridgework, with higher benefits paid for services obtained through the Guardian dental network.

HMO coverage requires that members choose a primary care dentist from the numerous choices available within the Guardian dental network. This restriction allows Guardian to provide a wide range of services at a far lower cost than otherwise possible; HMO premiums are typically lower than comparable PPO offerings. While services are not covered outside the Guardian dental network, the higher level of coverage provides significant benefits for basic diagnostic and preventive care as well as for more expensive services such as dentures, crowns, and oral surgery. Specialist care is also available in-network and typically requires a referral from the primary care dentist.

Last Modified: 01 December 2010