FAQs

Yes. At the time of enrollment, you will select two participating dentists. This will help ensure you are able to receive the care you need if your first choice is unable to accept new members. The participating dentist you select at enrollment will provide your routine dental care. You may schedule an appointment with your dentist anytime after your plan’s effective date. Please note: Except for Emergency Dental Services, out-of-network benefits are not available through these DMHO plans.

This plan’s network includes both private practice dentists and those who are in a clinic environment. Every dentist in the network has been thoroughly screened prior to acceptance. Participating dentists are also subject to regular audits, including onsite visits to the dental offices. You can find the names, addresses, languages spoken and telephone numbers of participating dentists by searching our online Find a Dentist directory for the most up to date information.

Yes. You and your enrolled dependents may each select different participating dentists and may change dentists as often as once per month. You can change dentists for you and your enrolled dependents online or by calling Customer Service. Your transfer will be effective the first of the following month. Please note: you should ensure any dental work-in-progress is completed prior to transferring to a new dentist. Refer to your Evidence of Coverage included with your enrollment materials for more information.

All participating dental offices in our network provide emergency access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you cannot reach your selected participating dentist, you may receive emergency care from any licensed dental care professional. The definition of what is considered “emergency care” and other specifics can be found in the Evidence of Coverage located in your enrollment booklet.

While these facilities cannot accept new patients, you may not have to change dentists if you are currently a patient in one of those offices. It is important that you contact Customer Service in order to ensure that you can continue using your current facility under the plan.

This is a "direct referral" plan which means your selected participating dentist will refer you to a participating specialist in your area - there is no need to wait for approval.* Any copayment amount for services is listed on your Schedule of Benefits. This copayment applies whether the services are provided by your selected participating general dentist or by a participating specialist.

Yes. Just contact Customer Service to let us know that you would like another clinical opinion and we will provide the name of a dentist for you to see.

The State may have a waiting period before you are eligible to enroll in the SafeGuard plans but there are no waiting periods once you enroll.

No. We will provide you with an ID card when you enroll, but it is not necessary to receive services. The card is not a guarantee of coverage or eligibility, but does highlight toll free numbers and the web address that can be used to access benefit information about your dental plan.

Your selected general dentist receives a list every month of all DHMO members enrolled in his or her practice and may also verify eligibility with us prior to your appointment.

If you would like a card, there is also a temporary ID card in the front of your enrollment kit, or you can print one from our interactive website.