What is a dental PPO plan?

A dental PPO plan is a type of dental insurance plan offering a network of dentists who provide policyholders with services at rates negotiated with the insurer. Members can visit any dentist within or outside the network, although costs are lower for in-network providers.

HMO vs. PPO Dental Plans: What is PPO Dental Insurance?

Q: Is a dental PPO plan right for me?

Here are a few factors to consider when deciding if a PPO dental insurance plan is the right choice for you: the need for flexibility, specialist needs, and whether you’re willing to pay more for coverage.

What Is PPO Dental Insurance?

Dental insurance can help you pay for essential dental care, from routine visits to major procedures. However, dental coverage varies by plan type. Two of the most common types of dental insurance are Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans. Read on to learn what PPO dental insurance is, how it compares to HMO plans and whether Aflac's network dental insurance is right for you.

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Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

PPO dental insurance plans offer access to a broad network of providers. A PPO plan also offers the flexibility to see both in-network and out-of-network dentists, often at negotiated rates.
Dental PPO plans may be a good fit if you want to see specialists without referrals or enjoy broader coverage, while HMO plans may suit patients who prioritize lower costs.
Aflac offers network dental insurance plans with varying coverage levels that can help you pay for preventative, basic and major services.

What is a PPO dental insurance plan?

A PPO plan is a type of dental insurance that gives you access to a broad network of dentists who offer services at negotiated rates. PPO plans also allow you to see out-of-network dentists, though you’ll typically pay less if you stay in-network.

Several factors can influence the total cost of PPO dental insurance, including:

Premiums: This is the amount you pay each month to maintain coverage.
Deductibles: A deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance begins to cover services.
Coinsurance or copayments: This is a set amount you must pay for certain covered services after meeting your deductible.
Annual maximums: An annual maximum is the total amount your plan will pay for covered services each year.

In contrast, HMO dental plans have smaller provider networks and generally require you to use in-network dentists and get referrals for specialist care. However, they can make your dental care costs more predictable, thanks to their lower premiums, set copayments and no annual maximums.

Benefits of dental PPO plans

Here are the primary benefits of PPO dental plans:¹

Large networks: PPO plans tend to have larger provider networks than HMOs, giving you more options for your dental care.
Flexibility: PPO dental plans don’t limit you to in-network providers, so if you want to see a provider who isn’t in network, you’re still covered.
Partial reimbursement for out-of-network care: If you go out of network, you may still receive partial reimbursement from your PPO insurance, depending on your plan.
No referral requirement: Unlike with HMOs, you don’t need to get a referral from a primary dentist to see a specialist with a PPO plan, which can save you time and help you resolve dental issues faster.

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Dental PPO vs. HMO plans

Here's a side-by-side comparison of dental PPO vs. HMO plans:

Feature	PPO	HMO
In-network coverage	Large network	Smaller network
Out-of-network coverage	Yes	Limited to emergencies²
Cost	Higher premiums	Lower premiums¹
Deductible	Higher	Usually no³
Annual maximum	Yes¹	No
Copays	Higher	Lower³

Is a dental PPO plan right for me?

PPO and HMO plans both offer notable benefits. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing between them:

Flexibility: A PPO plan may be a better fit if you want more flexibility when choosing a dentist, including the option to go out of network.
Specialist care: If you expect to see dental specialists, a PPO plan will allow you to do so without seeking referrals first.
Budget considerations: PPO plans usually have higher premiums. If you’re comfortable paying more for the added flexibility, a PPO may be worthwhile.

What does Aflac dental insurance cover?

Aflac offers network dental insurance plans for individuals and families with a variety of coverage levels. Our plans can help cover the following types of treatments:

Preventive services, such as routine exams, cleanings and X-rays
Basic services, such as fillings, extractions and gum treatments
Major procedures, like crowns, bridges and oral surgery

PPO Dental Insurance FAQs

What does PPO mean in dental insurance?

PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. PPO dental insurance allows you to visit both in-network and out-of-network dentists, though you'll often enjoy lower out-of-pocket costs if you remain in network.

What is the difference between a PPO and an HMO dental plan?

A PPO dental plan offers more flexibility, allowing you to visit both in-network and out-of-network dentists. An HMO plan typically requires you to stay in-network and get referrals for specialist care but often comes with lower premiums.

Is PPO dental insurance more expensive than HMO?

PPO dental plans generally have higher monthly premiums than HMO plans. However, PPOs offer more flexibility and provider choice, which may be worth the added cost depending on your needs.

Get a quote for Aflac dental insurance

PPO plans can offer greater flexibility, a larger provider network and easier access to specialists. If you value these benefits, a PPO plan may be right for you.

Looking for a PPO policy? Aflac has you covered. Our network dental insurance plans offer coverage for a wide range of dental procedures, with premiums designed to fit your budget.

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