Dental insurance makes it easy to go to the dentist by minimizing out-of-pocket costs1 for routine dental checkups, expensive procedures and most things in between.
Whether you’re in need of routine cleanings, braces or a filling, a solid dental plan makes it easier for you to protect your smile and your budget.1
Routine visits to the dentist help prevent costly dental bills later on, as well as problems linked to medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease2
If you have a choice of plans, consider your oral health needs and ability to pay for unexpected major services like a crown
If you have children, consider more comprehensive coverage for less out-of-pocket costs, as well as an option for braces
Dental problems can be unpredictable and expensive. For example, did you know that a crown can cost $1,535?3
Take advantage of the dental benefits offered by your employer.
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There are thousands of general dentists and specialists to choose from nationwide to help meet your needs. Look for a list of participating dentists online at metlife.com.
You are always free to select any general dentist or specialist. However, you usually save more when you visit a participating dentist who has agreed to accept negotiated fees as payment in full for covered services. Negotiated fees typically range from 35%-50% below the average fees charged in a dentist’s community for similar services.4 Non-participating dentists have not agreed to accept negotiated fees. You may be responsible for any difference in cost between the dentist’s fee and your plan’s benefit payment.
We recommend that you request a pre-treatment estimate5 for services totaling more than $300. Simply have your dentist submit a request online at metdental.com or call 1-877-MET-DDS9. You and your dentist will receive an estimate for most procedures while you are still in the office. Actual payments may vary depending on plan maximums, deductibles, frequency limits and other conditions at the time of payment.
A number of dental procedures may be covered, such as exams and cleanings, root canals, X-rays, fillings and more.6
Dentists may submit claims for you, which means you have little or no paperwork. You can track your claims online and even receive email alerts when a claim has been processed. If you need a claim form, visit metlife.com/mybenefits or call 1-800-GET-MET8.
MetLife has partnered with Virtual Dental Care to provide a network of virtual dentists who can see you when you are in pain or unable to visit a dentist. You can connect with a licensed dentist through a video call to help address urgent dental situations from home via smartphone, tablet or computer for problem-focused exams and reevaluations. This benefit is available to you at little to no additional cost and will be processed as a claim for a problem-focused exam, similar to when you visit an in-network dentist.
1 Savings from enrolling in a dental benefits plan will depend on various factors, including the cost of the plan, how often participants visit a dentist and the cost of services rendered.
2 American Dental Association. "Dentists: Doctors of Oral Health," American Dental Association, Chicago, IL.
http://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/dentists-doctors-of-oral-health. Accessed February 1, 2023.
3 Based on MetLife data for a crown (D2740) in ZIP code 06340. This example is used for informational purposes only. Fees in your area may be different.
4 Negotiated fees refer to the fees that in-network dentists have agreed to accept as payment in full for certain services, subject to any co-payments, deductibles, cost sharing and benefits maximums. Negotiated fees are subject to change. Negotiated fees do not apply to non-covered services in states that prohibit limitations for services not covered under a plan. Participating providers in these states may charge their non-negotiated fees for non-covered services.
5 MetLife strongly recommends that you have your dentist submit a pretreatment estimate to MetLife if the cost is expected to exceed $300. When your dentist suggests treatment, have him or her send a claim form, along with the proposed treatment plans and supporting documentation, to MetLife. An explanation of benefits (EOB) will be sent to you and the dentist detailing an estimate of what services MetLife will cover and at what payment level. Actual payments may vary from the pretreatment estimate depending upon annual maximums, deductibles, plan frequency limits and other plan provisions at time of payment.
6 Covered services under your plan are set forth in the certificate of insurance or summary plan description.
Dental benefits are provided by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife). Virtual dental services are provided by Teledentistry Network, Inc. (TNI). Dental.com (Website) is developed, provided and maintained by TNI and not MetLife. Use of the Website is subject to all the terms and conditions stated therein. TNI is not affiliated with MetLife or its affiliates.
Like most group benefits programs, benefit programs offered by MetLife and its affiliates contain certain exclusions, exceptions, waiting periods, reductions, limitations and terms for keeping them in force. You may be financially responsible for copayments, deductibles, or any other amounts in excess of those MetLife is required to pay for covered services as described in your dental certificate and/or policy. Ask your MetLife representative for costs and complete details.
