How Does MetLife Dental Insurance Work?
If you're considering dental insurance, understanding how different plans operate can help you make a more informed choice. MetLife is one of the leading providers of dental insurance in the U.S. They offer plans that combine flexibility, broad provider access, and cost-conscious benefits. Whether you're looking for routine preventive care or support with more involved procedures, here’s how MetLife dental insurance works.
Plan Options to Know
MetLife offers dental insurance through two primary plan types: PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization). Each plan works a little differently when it comes to how care is accessed and paid for.
With a PPO plan, you can visit any licensed dentist, but you'll pay less when you stay within MetLife’s extensive network of providers. These plans often come with an annual deductible. Once that deductible is met, MetLife begins to share the cost of services, covering a percentage based on the treatment type. Most PPO plans include an annual maximum, which limits how much MetLife will pay each calendar year.
DHMO plans, on the other hand, are more structured. They require you to choose a primary dentist from MetLife’s network and get referrals to see a specialist. DHMO plans usually have no deductibles or annual maximums. Instead, they rely on fixed copayments for services, giving you more predictable costs but less flexibility in provider choice.
How Coverage Works
MetLife dental plans are designed with preventive care in mind. Cleanings, exams, and X-rays are typically covered at 100% when you use an in-network provider. These preventive services help catch issues early and minimize future dental problems.
For basic restorative care, like fillings or extractions, coverage usually kicks in after the deductible is met for PPO plans. The plan pays a percentage of the service cost, and you’re responsible for the rest. Major services, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, are also covered but may require a higher cost-share on your part.
Your overall out-of-pocket expense depends on whether your dentist is in-network, whether you’ve met your deductible and whether your plan has an annual benefit cap you’re approaching. Reviewing these factors ahead of time helps you avoid surprises when treatment begins.
Using Your Plan
Once you’re enrolled in a MetLife dental plan, getting started is simple. PPO members can book appointments with any provider, but in-network dentists will help you save the most. For DHMO members, you’ll need to stick with your selected dentist and follow the referral process for specialty care.
In most cases, your dentist will file claims on your behalf. After services are rendered, you’ll be billed for any applicable copayments, coinsurance, or remaining balances. MetLife also offers a user-friendly member portal where you can check plan details, track claims, and monitor your benefits usage.
What’s Next for You
MetLife dental insurance is designed to help you manage the cost of dental care without compromising on access or service quality. Whether you prefer the flexibility of a PPO or the predictable pricing of a DHMO, MetLife offers a plan that can align with your health goals and budget. Visit MetLife’s website or talk with an insurance advisor to compare plans available in your area.
To learn more about our billing and insurance coverage, contact us.