What is a participating dentist?
A Participating PDP Dentist is a general dentist or specialist who meets MetLife’s strict credentialing standards and accepts negotiated fees as payment-in-full for services rendered. This fee is typically 10-35%* below the average charge of dentists for the same services in a given geographical area. When you use a participating PDP dentist, you are responsible only for the difference between MetLife’s benefit payment amount and the PDP fee.
How do I find a participating dentist?
There are more than 100,000 participating PDP dentist locations nationwide, including more than 23,000 specialist locations. You can find the names, addresses, specialties, and telephone numbers of these participating PDP dentists by searching our "Find a Participating Dentist" online directory. This search can also provide maps and driving directions.
What services are covered by the Preferred Dentist Program (PDP)?
The services covered by the Preferred Dentist Program (PDP) are those defined under your group dental benefits plan. Please refer to your company's benefit booklet for details concerning coverage, exclusions, limitations and reductions. Fortunately, in-network discounts do extend even to non-covered services, such as cosmetic dentistry or orthodontia, providing additional out-of-pocket savings for participants.
May I choose a non-participating dentist?
Yes. You are always free to select the dentist of your choice. However, if you choose a dentist who does not participate in the MetLife Preferred Dentist Program (PDP), your out-of-pocket expenses may be more, since you will be responsible for any difference between the dentist's usual fee and your plan's payment. If you receive services from a participating PDP dentist, you are only responsible for the difference between the PDP in-network fee and your plan’s payment.
Please note: plan designs vary by customer and actual payments are subject to deductibles, annual maximums, frequency limits, etc…, so you should always refer to your company's specific plan to help determine actual out-of-network benefits.
Can my dentist apply for participation?
If your current dentist does not participate in the PDP and you'd like to encourage him or her to apply for membership, tell your dentist to visit www.metdental.com, or call 1-877-MET-DDS9 for an application. Website and phone number are designed for use by dental professionals only.
How are claims paid?
Filing a claim is simple. After you obtain a claim form from this web site, complete the employee portion and your dentist should complete the rest. Either you or your dentist can submit it to MetLife for processing. You will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement showing charges and payments. Benefits will be paid to you unless you have assigned payment to your dentist.
* Based on internal analyses by MetLife
