There also may not be a maximum dollar payout for each benefit year.

All of your dental care will be … Here's how a PPO plan typically works: Members on a PPO dental plan are incentivized to visit an in-network dentist, as those who visit an in-network dentist will not be charged more than the contracted rate even when the dentist's normal rate is higher. Participants of a DHMO plan can see a dentist within the DHMO network to receive discounted health coverage, from preventive visits to restorative care. But these plans pay less for the services you receive from dentists outside your plan’s network. Two of the most common dental insurance plans are dental PPO plans and DHMO dental plans. A DHMO plan is short for a Dental Health Maintenance Organization plan. You are responsible for the remainder of the dentist's charges. Once you see a dentist in the DPPO network, they’ll file all your claims for you. Once you meet your deductible, your DPPO will cover most of your dental costs. The in-network dentist submits all dental claim forms directly to your insurance company on your behalf. From co-pays to annual maximums to your network of dentists, each plan offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages for cost and coverage options to help suit your needs.

There is no out-of-network coverage. There are no deductibles in many DHMO plans. There are two main types of dental insurance: PPO and DHMO.

A disadvantage of a DPPO plan is its higher out-of-pocket costs. But if you’re not picky about your dentist but would rather prioritize keeping your out-of-pocket costs low, a DHMO plan could be the best bet for you.

Brought to you by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. Find an eye doctor Opens in an external window. All care must be provided or arranged by your primary care dentist. Deciding whether a DHMO or DPPO plan is best for you depends on what matters most to you for your dental care. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees expressly disclaim any responsibility for and do not maintain, control, recommend, or endorse third-party sites, organizations, products, or services and make no representation as to the completeness, suitability, or quality thereof. Under this plan, you must choose a primary care dentist. Another pro is that a DPPO plan doesn’t require you to choose a primary dentist, or get a referral before seeing a dentist or specialist. All of your dental care will be provided by, or arranged by, your primary care dentist. There is no out-of-network coverage. and/or informational purposes only and it is not to be construed as tax, legal, investment or medical advice. You won't have to expect a bill from your dentist’s office weeks later. This means your DPPO plan won’t cover your dental costs until you meet the deductible. You pay a small office visit charge plus a copay amount associated with each type of covered treatment. There are no waiting periods in many DHMO plans. Some individual dental PPO plans don’t require a deductible for preventive care if you use an in-network dentist. With a dental PPO, your insurance company pays a percentage of dentist's charges by category of service (e.g. You won’t have to pay a co-pay when you visit your dentist.

Read our full HMO vs. PPO comparison for more information. With a DHMO program, you know exactly what you will be responsible for paying before you visit the dentist. Brought to you by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. DHMO stands for Dental Health Maintenance Organization, which means dentists contracting with an insurer  or health plan agree to accept an agreed upon fee schedule which results in their patients enjoying a reduced cost for services as an in-network dentist. The main disadvantage of a DHMO plan is that it limits which dentists you can see and still receive full or partial coverage for cleanings and other procedures. From routine cleanings, exams and X-rays to bigger restorative procedures like root canals and extractions, a DHMO plan will make all your dental care more affordable. and/or informational purposes only and it is not to be construed as tax, legal, investment or medical advice. A big advantage of a DHMO plan is that you’ll enjoy lower out-of-pocket costs.