Todays dental plans like medical have evolved from indemnity plans to PPO's and Prepaid type plans. Prepaid plans offer less cost to the covered individual by a system of copayments for services. Usually services such as cleanings, exrays and exams are covered at 100%. Services for routine maintenance such as fillings, periodontics, endodontics, crowns, dentures have various copayments. These services depending on the plan will be covered under routine or major dental services. Each plan needs to be examined as to copayments, and category the services are in. Rates for prepaid will be directly reflected in the amount paid for copayments. The greater the copayments the less premium. Like HMO's you will have a panel of dentist to choose from, and be able to change providers periodically if needed. Benefits are not available for non network providers.

PPO plans are based on a deductible, and percentage for services where the plan has contracted for services at reduced rates. These reduced rates mean less out of pocket expenses for the covered person. As with medical you may use non network dentist with higher out of pocket out less since there is no savings from the provider contracts.

Indemnity plans usually are far more expensive than PPO or Prepaid plans and offer less coverage. There are vary few plans available for individuals and most will opt for prepaid because of the cost and better cover