 |  | | | | | DHMO Member Guide
Thank you for selecting a CompBenefits dental plan. You and your family can look forward to receiving affordable care as well as good dental health. CompBenefits benefits are designed to encourage preventive care which will keep your teeth and gums free of dental disease. When you receive care from one of our Participating General Dentists or Participating Specialists, simply consult your Schedule of Benefits to determine the amount you will pay for a specified procedure. This amount is referred to as a co-payment or surcharge.
From time to time, you may have questions about your dental benefits. We have anticipated what some of those questions may be and have provided the answers for you below. Understanding how your new dental program works will allow you to get the best care possible for both you and your family. Please take a moment now to read this information and learn more about your dental plan.
Contents
Where can I receive benefits?
Benefits are provided by Participating General Dentists and Participating Specialists. The Participating General Dentist you have selected is printed on your Certificate of Dental Benefits. If you have not already chosen a Participating General Dentist, please contact Customer Care in order to do so.
Please note that some Participating General Dentists may have more than one office. Please be sure to go only to the physical office location you choose. Each month, your dentist will receive a list with your name on it. It is a good idea for you to check with your dentist's office staff to be sure your name is on their list before you receive services.
How do I obtain a dental appointment?
Simply call your selected Participating General Dentist and make an appointment. Please take a moment to confirm the effective date of your coverage, which is printed on your Certificate of Dental Benefits. If you receive your Certificate of Benefits prior to your effective date, please wait until your effective date to make an appointment.
How do I obtain a list of Participating Dentists?
Simply call Customer Care. We will be happy to mail one to you.
What should I do if I need to cancel my appointment?
If you need to cancel an appointment, please call your Participating General Dentist at least 24 hours before your appointment. Dentists work on an appointment basis and need to know your change of plans. If you break an appointment without giving 24-hour notice to your Participating General Dentist's office, you may be charged for a broken appointment at the rate shown on your Schedule of Benefits.
When I go to my selected Participating General Dentist, what treatment will I receive?
Your Participating General Dentist will evaluate your total dental needs. The two of you will then agree on a treatment plan to correct any existing problems and get you started on a program of good oral hygiene to help keep your teeth healthy and sound. Be sure you understand the recommended treatment plan and any associated charges. You may request a written copy of your treatment plan.
Your dentist is a dental care professional. Please do not ask him or her to provide only the "no charge" benefits and neglect treatment which is in the best interest of your own oral health. If you have any questions about your treatment plan, discuss them with your Participating General Dentist. If you have questions regarding your Schedule of Benefits, contact Customer Care.
What if I want a second opinion?
You may get a second opinion from one of our Participating General Dentists at the cost indicated on your Schedule of Benefits. Simply call a Participating General Dentist and let the receptionist know that you'd like a second opinion appointment. Be sure to indicate that you are a member. The dentist will evaluate your situation and discuss it with you. If any services are rendered, you will be responsible for the cost.
What do I do if I need emergency treatment?
Call your Participating General Dentist and request an emergency appointment for the treatment of accidental, painful or urgent conditions. Your Schedule of Benefits shows the co-payment for emergency appointments. This co-payment is in addition to any co-payment for treatment.
If your Participating General Dentist is not available, contact Customer Care. We will help you locate another Participating General Dentist who can provide emergency care.
Consult your Certificate of Benefits for specific information regarding "out-of area" emergency care.
Can I go to any Specialist of my choice?
Your benefits are available only from Participating General Dentists and Participating Specialists. Your Participating General Dentist will provide most, if not all, of the care you need. In the event specialist care is required, your Participating General Dentist may make a recommendation. Depending on your plan's specific provisions, an authorized referral from your Participating General Dentist may be required before seeking specialty care. Please read your plan's Certificate of Benefits carefully for specific guidance about accessing specialty care.
What should I do if I have a change of address?
Simply notify Customer Care by phone or letter if your address or telephone number changes.
What are my charges if a procedure is not on my Schedule of Benefits?
A few services are specifically listed as exclusions on your Schedule of Benefits. You do not have any benefits for those services. Any service that is not specifically excluded may be available at a discount from Participating General Dentists' Usual and Customary Fees. Please refer to your Schedule of Benefits for the exact discount applicable to your plan.
What is the difference between Prophylaxis and Periodontal Prophylaxis?
Prophylaxis (ADA code #1110) is a routine cleaning. It includes scaling and polishing of teeth with normal periodontium (gum attachment and bone support). Periodontal Maintenance Procedures (ADA code #4910) are maintenance procedures which are often necessary for those patients who have treatment for periodontal problems such as gum disease or pyorrhea and require follow up care.
Periodic maintenance treatment following active therapy is not the same as routine cleaning. It is a more extensive scaling process. There is a scheduled co-payment for this procedure.
May I change from one Participating General Dentist to another?
Yes. You may change your Participating General Dentist by simply calling Customer Care. If you request a change by the 15th of the month, it will become effective on the first of the following month. You may be precluded from transferring if you have a balance owed to your current dentist. Please read your plan's Certificate of Benefits for details on dental facility transfer limitations.
Is your dental plan a dental insurance plan?
Our plan is not an insurance plan. It is a Prepaid Dental Plan which makes benefits available from selected Participating General Dentists and Participating Specialists. You enjoy benefits without deductibles, preexisting conditions, or maximum benefit limitations. You, as the patient, pay your dentist the co-payment amount stated in your Schedule of Benefits. The financial arrangements for making these co-payments are strictly between the dentist and the patient. There are no claim forms to be filed.
What will I pay for a crown or a bridge?
The amount you pay depends on the type of crown or bridge which your Participating General Dentist recommends for you. The co-payment on your Schedule of Benefits may not include the price of gold. If your crown or bridge includes gold, there may be an additional charge.
How do I transfer my dental records?
Dental records are the property of the Participating General Dentists or the Specialists. As a patient, you may request that a copy of your dental records be forwarded to your new Participating General Dentist's office, however, we cannot do this for you. Please note that there may be a charge to you for copies of dental records, including X-rays.
What happens if I am covered by dental insurance in addition to my coverage?
We typically will be your primary coverage. However, you may want to file your "out-of-pocket" expenses with your other carrier. Please contact your other plan for information about how they would like you to submit your "out-of-pocket" expenses.
What if I have other questions?
We have qualified staff trained to answer your questions. Please contact us for further information.
Contact Customer Care for: - Name of Participating General Dentist
- Change of Participating General Dentist
- List of Participating Dentists
- Explanation of benefits
- Change of address
- New Certificate of Benefits & ID Cards
Contact Account Services for: - Billing/payment questions
- Continuation of coverage
- Continuation of coverage for dependents who have reached the maximum age limit
- Policy reinstatement
- Dependent addition
- Dependent deletion
- Change of name
- Cancellation of coverage
- Effective date of policy
Helpful Numbers - Customer Care 1-800-342-5209
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