What are PPO Dental Plans

Sometimes insurance terms seem like they come from a foreign language. A term that is often used, but little understood, is PPO. Most people wonder what PPO stands for and also what having PPO dental plans means. PPO simply stands for Preferred Provider Organization. A PPO is a group of dental professionals who band together and negotiate contracts for providing dental care with insurance companies. The advantage of having a PPO program as opposed to an HMO derives from the fewer rules associated with such a plan. Fewer restrictions are placed on PPO plan members, allowing them a greater degree of autonomy in making dental care decisions.

PPO dental plans allow the patient to choose their own dentist. This can be especially advantageous to patients who already have a long-established relationship with a provider which they would like to continue. PPO plans typically are a bit more expensive than other types of dental insurance. This may seem like a drawback, but when it comes to dental health, it is much more important to receive the best quality care than it is to save a few dollars. PPO plans allow the insured to have a great deal more power over the decision making related to their care than other types of plans. This self-determination factor weighs heavily in the minds of most consumers, allowing them to make informed decisions about their dental health care that they may not otherwise be empowered to make.

PPO dental plans allow patients to receive treatment from the dentist of their choice. However, they may receive more benefits, and pay fewer out-of-pocket expenses, when they visit a provider within the PPO’s network. Before making any appointments, PPO members should always review the terms of their coverage to determine whether there are waiting periods or if a deductible will need to be paid at time of service. PPO’s are a great choice for most people because of their flexibility and coverage options.

Last Updated: 21 November 2010