Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Delta Dental's dental plans.

What are the advantages of the Delta Dental PPO plan?

Your Delta Dental PPO plan offers you and your covered family members the flexibility to visit any licensed dentist, and to change dentists at any time without notifying Delta Dental. This flexibility is important if you need dental care while on a business trip, your children are attending college away from home or your personal dentist isn't a member of the PPO network.

What are the differences between the Premium Dental and Premium Dental (Buy-up) plans?

Both options provide coverage for preventive, basic and comprehensive dental care. However, when you enroll in the Premium Dental Buy-up plan, your copayments and deductibles are lower and you have a higher calendar-year maximum. You also receive orthodontics coverage (not covered under Premium Dental). Both plans feature a national network of dentists who offer services at preferred rates, lowering the cost of care for you and DHL. Click here to see a benefits comparison spreadsheet.

To save on your out-of-pocket dental costs, ask your dentist if he or she participates in the Delta network.

What is the difference between a Delta Dental Premier dentist and a PPO dentist?

Three out of four dentists in the U.S. are Delta Dental Premier dentists. Delta Dental Premier dentists have an agreement with Delta Dental, which means they agree to Delta Dental's determination of fees, they handle claims paperwork free of charge and they call Delta Dental directly with any inquiries. Because Delta Dental pays these dentists directly, you do not need to pay the entire bill and wait for reimbursement. Instead, you pay only the patient portion of the bill.

PPO dentists are a select group of Delta Dental dentists who, in addition to the above conveniences, also charge lower fees. Therefore, when you visit a PPO dentist, you maximize your benefits. There are more than 90,000 PPO dental offices around the US

Will I have a new orthodontics maximum if I was previously covered under Airborne's dental plan?

When you enroll in the Premium Dental Buy-up plan that includes the orthodontic benefit, Delta Dental will coordinate the amount paid under your previous dental carrier and apply it to the lifetime orthodontic maximum of $1,500. Delta Dental will pay 50% of any amount remaining up to the lifetime maximum. Please have your dental office submit a treatment plan to Delta Dental to prorate any remaining benefits.

Will I receive an ID card?

It is not necessary to have an ID card to seek dental treatment. Just as you no longer must present a ticket at an airline check-in counter to confirm your reservation, Delta Dental enrollees do not need an ID card to verify their coverage.

When visiting a dentist, simply provide your social security or identification number. The dental office can use that information to verify your eligibility and benefits through Delta Dental's web site or toll-free number. And, you can visit any dentist anywhere in the world and never have to worry about forgetting an ID card for a dental appointment.

However, you may print your own ID card if you choose. Just click here to log in securely to view benefits and print your card.

How do I maximize my benefits under the PPO program?

When you visit a PPO dentist, you receive the lowest out-of-pocket expense, because PPO dentists typically charge lower fees.

How do I find a PPO dentist?

Simply go to our online dentist directory to search for a conveniently located dentist near your home or office. You may also locate a specific dentist by entering his/her last name in the search form.

What if I choose a dentist outside the PPO network?

The PPO plan gives you the freedom to make that choice, but you may pay more because:

• You may be responsible for a higher copayment.
  
  
• Your benefit level may be the same, but since the fees charged by non-PPO dentists are often higher, your out-of-pocket expense may be greater.

How much will the DHL plan pay when it is secondary?

Your Delta Dental dental plan has a non-duplication of benefits clause. This means that when this plan is the secondary carrier, benefits available from this plan will be reduced by the amount paid by the primary carrier. If the primary carrier’s payment is equal to or greater than what would have been paid by this plan if it were the primary carrier, there will be no payment under this plan. If the other plan paid less than this plan would have paid as the primary carrier, Delta Dental will pay the difference between the primary carrier’s payment and what this plan’s payment would have been.

I'd like my dentist to join PPO. What do I do?

You can nominate your dentist for membership using our online form. Please note that nomination for PPO membership does not mean that a dentist automatically joins the network.

When dentists are nominated, Delta Dental reviews each dentist's background. Then, we send the dentist a packet of information and an invitation to join the network. Ultimately, it is each dentist's decision whether or not to join based on a variety of factors, including accepting the more moderate fees paid under the program. If you decide to join the PPO program, do not assume that your dentist will be enrolling and be prepared to switch dentists.

How can I be sure I'll be able to afford the treatment my dentist recommends?

Your dentist can send your treatment plan to Delta Dental ahead of time, and we'll let you know what your share of the cost will be. This free service is called a predetermination.

What if I am unhappy with the dental care I receive?

If you contact Delta Dental, we can arrange for you to be examined by one of our consulting dentists in your area. If the consultant agrees that the work was faulty, Delta Dental will ensure that the original dentist either corrects the work at no additional cost or grants a refund. In the latter case, you're free to choose another PPO or Delta Dental dentist and still receive your full benefit.

When can I change my dental program?

You can change your program during your regular open enrollment period in the fall. Your enrollment change will be effective on January 1 of the following year. You'll have the opportunity to switch programs again at next year's open enrollment.

What if I have additional, specific questions?

You can contact Delta Dental's Customer Service department at 800-765-6003 or you can submit an inquiry online.

 

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