Purchase Considerations 1. Determine the number of participating dentists in the areas where employees live and work. Select a plan that allows employees the option of going to a non-participating dentist. Inquire about the penalties that may apply when employees see a non-participating provider. Determine the access the plan provides to dental specialists.
Some plans limit referrals to specialists.
Request a copy of the contract the PPO has with its providers. It may detail the types of treatment your employees are entitled to receive from the plan. Based on the medical HMO concept, employees select a primary care provider from a list of participating providers. Employees receive all treatment from this primary care provider, unless, the dentist authorizes a referral to a specialist. Most DHMOs provide preventive care at no charge.