Delta Dental of Washington PPO and Premier: How the nation’s largest networks keep you healthy while saving you money
Being enrolled in one of our dental plans means you have access to a network of dentists and other dental providers that accept Delta Dental of Washington benefits. Many of our dental plans are within one of a few possible networks which include Delta Dental PPO™, Delta Dental Premier®, and Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier™ which combines both. Seeing a dentist within one of these networks helps to lower your out-of-pocket costs, and since 7 out of 10 U.S. dentists are in one of our networks, you’ll have more options to choose from when searching for care close to home. All three of these networks make getting preventive checkups and advanced treatments more convenient with lower and clearer out-of-pocket costs and more in-network dentists across the U.S.
This guide explains how your dental network works, why choosing an in-network dentist can help you save, and how to make the most of your dental benefits.
What is a dental network?
A dental network is a group of dentists who agree to provide care at discounted rates for plan members. When you visit an in-network dentist, you typically pay less out-of-pocket than you would if you received care from an out-of-network dentist.
Here's how it works: Delta Dental of Washington works with participating dentists on behalf of members to establish discounted fees for covered dental services. You get reduced costs and more predictable pricing for your dental care.
The difference between PPO, Premiere, and PPO Plus Premier Networks
Delta Dental of Washington offers three dental networks. The network available to you depends on the dental plan you're enrolled in and can be found in your plan documents.
If you are enrolled in a Delta Dental of Washington Individual and Family plan or Washington Health Benefit Exchange Plan, you automatically have access to the PPO Plus Premiere Network.
PPO Network = Lowest out-of-pocket costs
PPO dentists participate in the Delta Dental PPO network and have agreed to PPO contracted fees. If your plan is within the PPO network, choosing a PPO dentist would result in lower out-of-pocket costs than visiting a Premier dentist or an out-of-network dentist. The PPO network includes general dentists and specialists throughout Washington.
Premier Network = Widest Choice
Premier is Delta Dental's largest and longest-established network. Premier dentists have agreed to contracted fees, helping reduce your out-of-pocket costs compared to receiving care from an out-of-network dentist. With participating dentists located throughout Washington, members have broad access to in-network care.
PPO Plus Premier Network = Best of Both
The PPO Plus Premier network gives you access to both PPO and Premier participating dentists. Depending on your plan, you may have lower out-of-pocket costs when you visit a PPO dentist, while the Premier network offers additional participating dentists to choose from. Both PPO and Premier dentists are in-network.
What's the difference between a network and a plan?
Your plan is your dental coverage. It determines which services are covered, your deductible, copay or coinsurance, annual maximum, and other benefit details.
Your network is the group of participating dentists who have agreed to contracted fees with Delta Dental of Washington.
If you are enrolled through your employer, your network is determined by the plan your employer selects.
Think of it this way: Your plan determines your dental benefits. Your network helps determine what you'll pay when you receive care.
5 ways in-network care saves you money
Lower negotiated rates
We negotiate directly with our in-network dentists to keep costs for procedures and treatments as low as possible. In some cases, in-network dentists charge 20-50% less than what they would charge for out-of-network billing.*
No balance billing
Balance billing is when your dentist bills you for the difference between what they charge for a treatment and what your plan covers. But part of the agreement for a dentist to be in the Delta Dental of Washington network is that they will never charge you more for treatment than what your coverage allows. Your dentist can't charge you the difference between their regular price and the network rate.
Direct claims process
In network dentists send claims directly to Delta Dental of Washington, so you won’t have to wait for reimbursement for covered treatments.
Preventive Care Coverage
Our plans cover preventive treatments like cleanings and exams up to 100%. This keeps your teeth healthy and helps you avoid costly problems later.
Know your costs upfront
When using in-network care, your dentist will charge you according to the negotiated rates in your plan, which means you'll know your out-of-pocket costs upfront.
Other benefits of staying in-network
Easy claims process: Your dentist files all paperwork. You just pay your portion at checkout.
Quality dentists : We work with a team of in-house clinicians and provider ambassadors who work with all our network dentists to maintain credentials, offer continuing education, and review quality standards.
Real-time coverage checks: Seeing an in-network dentist means you can request a pre-treatment cost estimate, which is a breakdown of what a procedure will cost, how much your dental plan covers and any out-of-pocket expenses you are responsible for.
Help when you need it: We can better assist with billing questions or concerns when you see a network dentist.
Specialist referrals: Your in-network dentist can refer you to in-network specialists, keeping your whole care team in network and communicating your treatment needs more smoothly.
Why Delta Dental of Washington’s networks stand out
Our plans provide access to the largest never-leased network of directly contracted providers anywhere in the country. But what does that really mean for you?
Some dental insurance companies say they have a large dental network but, in reality, they lease their network from another company and have no say in what the dentists charge, claims management, or quality of care.
Delta Dental of Washington works directly with each and every one of its providers to negotiate lower fees and submit claims directly.
How to find a dentist in your network
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Confirm your dental network.
- Go to the Delta Dental of Washington website
- Log into your MySmile account online
- View your plan documents
- Your network will appear on your digital ID card
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Find a dentist
- Head to our homepage to use our Find a Dentist tool
- Enter your ZIP code or city
- Select your network type
- Filter by specialty
You'll see dentists near you with contact information, locations, and whether they're accepting new patients.
FAQs
Select a question to view the answer.
How do I know what dental network I’m in?
For employer-sponsored enrollees, you can find your network on your digital card in your online member dashboard. Members enrolled in an Individual and Family Plan can check their network by signing into their account at Delta Dental Covers Me.
How do I know if my dentist is in network?
It's always a good idea to call when scheduling your appointment and ask “Are you in the Delta Dental PPO or Premier network?” By using Delta Dental of Washington’s Find a Dentist tool, you can ensure you’re making an appointment with a dentist in your network. And if you’d like further confirmation, visit our contact us page.
Why is it better to see an in network dentist?
Costs are often lower for in-network dentists because providers have agreed to negotiated fees for covered treatments. The claims process is often much more streamlined when receiving in network care because your provider will work directly with your benefits carrier.
