What Are the Types of Dental Insurance Aetna Offers?
Aetna Dental Direct offers individual and family dental plans designed to fit a wide range of budgets and oral-health needs. All plans share key features such as comprehensive preventive care, a vast national network of providers, and digital tools to help members manage their dental health effortlessly.
Every Aetna plan provides full coverage for routine exams, cleanings, and X-rays when you visit an in-network dentist, meaning those essential preventive visits cost you nothing. With access to one of the largest networks of dental professionals nationwide, you can keep your current provider or easily find a new one.
Aetna Dental Direct delivers a tiered selection of PPO-based dental insurance plans that combine full preventive benefits, broad network access, and flexible coverage levels. Whether you need basic checkups or comprehensive coverage for major dental work, Aetna’s plan options let you customize a solution that keeps your smile—and budget—in good shape.
Advantages of a PPO Structure
Many of Aetna’s plans operate under a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) model, granting you the freedom to visit any licensed dentist. Staying in network delivers the highest savings, but you may see out-of-network providers at a higher cost share if you prefer. Unlike HMO or DMO plans, PPOs do not require referrals, and you aren’t limited to a small panel of providers.
Choosing the Right Plan
- Preferred PPO Plan: Aetna’s Preferred PPO plan is tailored for individuals and families who expect to need more than just cleanings. After meeting a modest deductible, members enjoy no-cost preventive services and pay only 20% of basic procedure fees, such as fillings. For major treatments—crowns, bridges, and root canals—the member share is 50%. This plan provides strong protection against unexpected restorative costs.
- Core PPO Plan: For those seeking a balance between affordable premiums and coverage for restorative work, the Core PPO plan is a solid choice. Preventive services remain fully covered with no out-of-pocket cost. Basic and major procedures each require a 50% member share after the same deductible structure. The plan is ideal if you anticipate occasional fillings or crowns but want to keep monthly expenses manageable.
- Preventive PPO Plan: Available in select states, the Preventive PPO plan is crafted for those who primarily need checkups and cleanings. There is no deductible, and preventive visits cost you nothing. However, basic and major procedures are not covered under this tier. Since only preventive care is included, there is no annual maximum to track, making this plan the most budget-friendly option for minimal restorative needs.
Selecting the best plan depends on your routine and anticipated needs. If you only visit the dentist for cleanings, the Preventive PPO keeps premiums low. If you expect occasional restorative work, the Core PPO offers balanced coverage and affordable premiums. For extensive treatments or maximum financial protection, the Preferred PPO is likely the optimal choice.
To simplify billing and extend your savings, Aetna offers the option to bundle vision coverage with any dental plan. This add-on provides benefits for eye exams, glasses, lenses, and contacts—consolidating your dental and vision needs under one convenient account.
To learn more about our billing and insurance coverage, contact us.