What Are the Three Main Types of Dental Plans?
By Dr. Eastwood – Summerbrook Dental & Implants, Fort Worth, TX
Many patients ask me, “What are the three main types of dental plans?” Understanding how dental insurance works can help you choose the right plan for your family and avoid surprise costs. Most dental insurance falls into three main types: PPO plans, HMO plans, and discount dental plans.
Here’s a simple breakdown of each one:
1. PPO Plans (Preferred Provider Organization)
PPO plans are the most common type of dental insurance. They offer the most flexibility because you can visit any dentist, but you save more when you choose a dentist in the plan’s network. PPO plans usually cover:
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100% of preventive care
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70–80% of basic services
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About 50% of major services
They also include an annual maximum, which is the most the plan will pay each year. At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, we work with many PPO plans and help patients understand how to get the most value from their benefits.
2. HMO Plans (Health Maintenance Organization)
HMO dental plans usually have lower monthly costs, but they require you to see a specific assigned dentist. You must stay in-network to receive benefits. These plans often cover preventive care fully but may limit the types of treatments or materials allowed. HMO plans may not cover services like implants, or they may offer only basic options. These plans can be a good fit for people who want predictable, low costs and don’t mind limited choices.
3. Discount Dental Plans
These plans are not insurance. Instead, they provide discounted fees at participating offices. You pay the dentist directly, but at a lower rate. Discount plans are simple and can be helpful for patients without insurance, especially for preventive or basic services. While they don’t pay for treatment, they can still save you money.
At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, my office is a no judgment zone. Whether you have a PPO, HMO, discount plan, or no insurance at all, we’ll help you understand your options and build a treatment plan that fits your needs.