Like with medical insurance, there are several types of plans under which to offer dental coverage:
- Dental health maintenance organization (DHMO) – This covers visits only to in-network dentists.
- Dental preferred provider organization (DPPO) – In- or out-of-network dental providers are covered, albeit at different rates.
- Dental indemnity plan – Any dental provider is covered, with no difference in cost.
- Discount dental plan – This is an alternative to the regular plans above, wherein all dental care is at an agreed-upon discounted rate.
Since 2014 under the Affordable Care Act, all non-grandfathered medical health plans must offer either dental benefits or certified stand-alone coverage for children. This does not include orthodontia deemed not medically necessary.