METLIFE’S PREFERRED DENTIST PROGRAM NOW INCLUDES OVER 100,000 PARTICIPATING DENTIST LOCATIONS

METLIFE’S PREFERRED DENTIST PROGRAM NOW INCLUDES OVER 100,000 PARTICIPATING DENTIST LOCATIONS

NEW YORK, August 13, 2007

 MetLife today announced that its Preferred Dentist Program network has surpassed 100,000 participating dentist locations, making it the largest dental preferred provider organization (PPO) in the country.   This milestone reflects a steady growth of approximately 10,000 dentist locations each year over the last four years.

“Americans are balancing a growing awareness of the importance of oral health with a sensitivity to the cost of dental services.  As a result, the strength of a well-selected participating provider dental network can serve to encourage people to develop a trusted relationship with a network dentist.   We are proud to reach this significant goal for MetLife’s Preferred Dentist Program, and will continue to focus on expanding our network without compromising our dental credentialing standards in order to optimize provider choice for plan participants,” said Michael Schwartz, vice president, Dental Product Management, MetLife.

MetLife’s dental plan participants have the freedom to utilize any practicing dentist for services.  Dentists participating in MetLife’s Preferred Dentist Program (PDP) agree to accept MetLife’s negotiated fees for all services covered by the plan, as well as agree to extend these negotiated fees for services not covered under the plan, such as cosmetic dentistry and adult orthodontia.  Since MetLife’s in-network dentists’ fees are typically 10% to 35% less than the average fees in the local community, savings can be noteworthy.  
 “MetLife has focused on not only attracting qualified dentists, but retaining them.  To do that successfully, we have delivered a strong value proposition to dental offices – beyond merely enhancing their patient base.  The steady expansion of our network with minimal turnover helps increase the likelihood that a participant’s chosen dentist will be part of the network now and for years to come,” said MetLife national dental director, Dr. Alan Vogel, DMD. 

MetLife’s PDP dentist turnover has been less than 1.5% per year over the last four years. 

MetLife administers dental benefits for nearly 21 million people, more than any other commercial carrier.  Delivering dental benefits in the marketplace for 45 years, MetLife is dedicated to developing and offering innovative product solutions, promoting technologies that make utilizing dental benefits easier and creating educational resources for employers, plan participants, and dentists. MetLife’s continuing education program for the dental community has been recognized by the American Dental Association.