Selecting a dentist
How do I find a Delta Dental dentist or check to see if my current dentist is a Delta Dental dentist?
You may ask your dentist if he or she participates in any of the Delta Dental plans, or check our online dentist directory to see if your dentist is a Delta Dental dentist. In addition to finding a dentist, our dentist directory service also provides a map to each office location.
Back to top
I'm enrolled in a Delta Dental program, but I don't know which one. How do I find out?
You can register and log in to our online benefits and eligibility system, or your company's benefits department can provide you with the program name.
Back to top
My company is offering us a choice of Delta Dental Premier, Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA. What are the differences?
Delta Dental Premier is a traditional fee-for-service plan that allows you to visit any licensed dentist and to change dentists at any time without notifying Delta Dental.
Delta Dental PPO is a preferred provider organization plan, which also offers you the flexibility to visit any licensed dentist. However, you generally receive the best benefits when you visit Delta Dental PPO dentist.
DeltaCare USA is a prepaid plan that features set copayments, no annual deductibles and no maximums for covered benefits. In most states, enrollees must select a primary dentist in the DeltaCare USA network dentist from whom they receive treatment as in a traditional DHMO*.
Note that all Delta Dental dentists are Delta Dental Premier dentists, but not all Delta Dental dentists participate in the Delta Dental PPO and/or DeltaCare USA networks.
*In some states, DeltaCare USA is offered as an open access plan where enrollees can obtain treatment from any licensed dentist. However, deductibles and maximums may be applied to out-of-network treatment.
Back to top
What are the advantages of visiting a Delta Dental dentist?
- You do not pay the entire bill and wait for reimbursement from Delta Dental. Instead, Delta Dental pays its portion directly to your dentist. We send you a notice explaining your portion of the bill. You pay the dentist only that amount.
- Your costs may be lower because Delta Dental dentists agree to charge you fees they have negotiated with us. If you are responsible for a 20 percent copayment, you pay 20 percent of your dentist's approved fee. Also, Delta Dental makes sure you are not charged extra for services that should be included in the cost of treatment. For example, when you receive a crown, you cannot be charged additional fees for tooth preparation, local anesthesia, an impression or a temporary crown.
- Delta Dental dentists handle all claim forms and other paperwork for you.
Back to top
My dentist is not a Delta Dental dentist. Can I still visit him or her?
Most Delta Dental programs allow you to select any licensed dentist. We recommend you select a Delta Dental dentist because you may enjoy lower out-of-pocket costs and the convenience of having your claim forms handled free-of-charge by the dental office.
Be aware that if you are enrolled in the Delta Dental PPO program, which is Delta Dental's preferred provider organization (PPO) program (offered as a dental provider organization, or DPO, in Texas), you will probably have lower costs if you select a Delta Dental dentist who participates in that program. Be sure to select that option when you use the dentist directory online.
If you are enrolled in DeltaCare USA, which is the prepaid dental plan, you must receive treatment from your primary care DeltaCare USA dentist.*. Treatment provided by another dentist, even if he or she participates with the DeltaCare USA program, will usually not be covered, unless the dentist is a specialist referred by your assigned primary care dentist.
*In some states, DeltaCare USA is offered as an open access plan where enrollees can obtain treatment from any licensed dentist. However, deductibles and maximums may be applied to out-of-network treatment.
Back to top
How do I know Delta Dental dentists provide quality treatment?
All dentists accepted for Delta Dental membership must meet professionally recognized quality standards. They must provide information on equipment, radiation safety, cleanliness, patient treatment plans and other elements of their dental practice.
If you are unhappy with the care you receive from a Delta Dental dentist, Delta Dental can arrange for you to be examined by one of our consulting dentists in your area. If the consultant feels the work must be corrected, Delta Dental will intervene with the original dentist to either have the work redone at not additional cost to you or obtain a refund. In the latter case, you're free to choose another dentist to have the treatment corrected.
Back to top
How do I change dentists?
With the exception of the DeltaCare USA* program, Delta Dental programs allow you to see any dentist you wish, and there is no need to notify us when you change. You and your family members are also free to see different dentists if you prefer.
If you are enrolled in a DeltaCare USA program and wish to change dentists, please call (800) 422-4234. Transfers are usually effective the first day of the following month.
*In some states, DeltaCare USA is offered as an open access plan where enrollees can obtain treatment from any licensed dentist. In these states, you do not need to notify us if you wish to change dentists.
Back to top
I know my dentist is a Delta Dental dentist. Why doesn't he show up on your online directory?
You most likely searched for dentists in your city or zip code, without specifying the name of your dentist in your search. When you don't specify a name, the directory locates up to 250 dentists (randomly selected) who meet your search criteria. Try entering your dentist's last name into your search.
Other reasons your dentist may not be showing up in your search:
- Your dentist may be a specialist. The default search is for a general practitioner, but you can change this by using the pull-down menu in the search.
- Your dentist may not practice in the town or zip code that you specified. Try using only the first three digits of the zip code to broaden your search.
- Your dentist may be a Delta Dental dentist, but may not participate in the Delta Dental PPO or DeltaCare USA network. If that's true, his or her name would not appear in those searches, but will appear in a search of Delta Dental Premier dentists.
- Your dentist may have recently joined Delta Dental, or may have recently left. Check with your dentist to be sure.
Back to top
How can I recommend that my dentist participate in a Delta Dental program?
You can recommend your dentist for Delta Dental Premier, Delta Dental PPO, or DeltaCare USA membership by completing an online form. When dentists are recommended, Delta Dental reviews each dentist's background. Then, we send the dentist a packet of information and an invitation to join the network. Ultimately, it is each dentist's decision whether or not to join.
Click on one of the links below to recommend your dentist:
Delta Dental PPO
Delta Dental Premier
DeltaCare USA
Back to top
|
