The case for dental preferred provider organizations

The dental PPO market is the fastest growing segment of the dental benefits business. As with traditional indemnity plans, dentists are reimbursed on a fee-for-service basis. Members can refer themselves to dentists of choice, including specialists, inside and outside the network. Employers' interest in DPPOs is expected to continue as they seek to control or reduce expenses associated with dental benefits plans. Dentist participation in managed care programs significantly lags medical, and fewer than half of practicing dentists participate in DPPOs. Negotiated discounts vary across carriers and geographic regions, generally ranging 15% to 30% off average fees. The American Dental Association predicts that dentists' participation in DPPOs will continue to increase, indicating further growth for these dental plans. There are financial incentives for members to stay in network.