The Out-of-Network Dentist Dilemma: How to Help Employees

Are you responsible for managing your company’s benefits? Maybe you’re an HR professional for a large corporation, or perhaps you’re a multi-tasking small business owner. Either way, your employees rely on you to help them navigate their health insurance plan.

So, what happens when an employee wants to visit an out-of-network dentist?

° Start with the Facts

Explain how your company plan works. Most Delta Dental of Wisconsin plans allow you to see any licensed dentist. However, employees will almost always save money if they choose a dentist in your plan’s network.

° How to Help

Let Delta Dental know. If an employee’s preferred dentists is not already part of the Delta Dental network, ask us to invite him or her to participate. Send a recruitment request to our Professional Relations Department at pr@deltadentalwi.com.

° What Happens Next

When we receive a recruitment request, we review the dentist’s background to make sure they meet Delta Dental’s criteria. Next we send the dentist an invitation to join the network. Advise employees that a recruitment request does not always result in network participation. The dentist makes the final choice.

° The Bottom Line

As subscribers, your employees receive the greatest value when they visit a participating dentist. However, the extra out-of-pocket expense may be worth it to some employees. Encourage them to weigh the costs vs. benefits and make a decision that works best for them.