Dental emergencies often occur at the worst of financial times when an individual lacks the financial capability to pay for dental care services. It is for this reason that a large number of individuals choose to invest in dental insurance.
There are a number of dental insurance plans available to the general public. DHMO (Dental Health Management Organization) and PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) dental plans are among the most common dental insurance plans for private patients. Discussed below are a few differences between the two types of dental insurance cover for the benefit of patients looking to invest in either.
Primary Dental Care
One of the most significant differences between DHMO and PPO dental plans is the question of primary dental care service providers. With DHMO dental insurance, individuals must select a preferred primary dental care service provider to whom the individual will be assigned. In a large number of cases, dental insurance agencies give the client freedom to change their preferred primary care dentist once in a month.
On the other hand, PPO dental insurance companies allow their clients the freedom to receive dental care from any primary care dentist. With PPO insurance, the client can change primary care dentists at will without necessarily informing the insurance service provider.
The choice between the two types of insurance in relation to primary dental care is therefore a matter of convenience and personal preference.
Access to Dental Service Providers
DHMO and PPO insurance plans are also different in terms of access to dental service providers. Individuals who choose a DHMO will only be covered by the insurer when they receive dental care from an in-network dental practitioner. Patients who choose to visit out-of-network dental practitioners will have to pay for service provision out of their pockets.
In contrast, Preferred Provider Organization dental plans will cover the patient regardless of whether she or he visits an in-network practitioner or not. However, PPO insurance service providers offer their clients an incentive to visit in-network practitioners by making it cheaper for the patient to receive dental care from these professionals.
Filing of Dental Insurance Claims
When it comes to filing of claims, dental patients need not to worry about the paperwork involved in the filing process if they have DHMO cover. This responsibility is left for the dental service provider.
With PPO insurance, patients are required to file their own claims whenever they receive dental care from out-of-network dental service providers.
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