What are the different types of dental plans?

There are numerous models of dental plans. In general, they can be divided into two categories: managed care and fee-for-service. Managed Care dental plans are cost containment systems that direct the utilization of health care by a) restricting the type, level and frequency of treatment; b) limiting the access to care; and c) controlling the level of reimbursement for services. Fee-for-Service dental plans are typically freedom-of-choice arrangements under which a dentist is paid for each service rendered according to the fees established by the dentist.

There are a variety of dental insurance plans that are commonly available.  A comprehensive benefit package provided through your employer may give you dental coverage, or you may opt to purchase private dental insurance that is not part of an employer's benefit package. 

An indemnity (Fee for Service) dental plan allows you to select any dentist and pay a percentage of the dentist’s fee for services. There may be limits from the insurer as to what is covered by the plan and what they will reimburse when you file the claim. 

With the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) dental plan, you may choose a participating network dentist at a lower cost to you. You may choose a dentist that is not a participating PPO network dentist (non-network), although you may pay more for your dental visits. 

An Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) dental plan is the same as a PPO but offers a smaller network of participating dentists and still allows for non-network access.

Other plans include:

Dental HMO (DHMO or managed care) dental plans cover a very specific list of procedures at defined out-of-pocket costs often referred to as “copayments” and members must choose a dentist from a list of network dentists.

With a direct reimbursement dental plan, your employer reimburses you for dental bills.