Why a proprietary dental network matters for Veterans

When you’re choosing dental coverage, the size of the network isn’t the only thing that matters. Who owns the network can make a difference in the quality of care, your ability to find and keep a trusted dentist, and the amount you have to pay out of pocket.

That’s why Delta Dental’s VADIP plans use a proprietary network of dental providers. That means we own and manage our network of dentists instead of using someone else’s network. Here’s what that means for you.
 

Proprietary vs. leased networks

A proprietary network is made up of dentists who contract directly with Delta Dental. It allows us to build strong relationships with those dentists and hold them to the same high quality standards. Our staff provides training to providers and visits dental offices regularly to maintain those standards. It also keeps the network stable so you can count on having access to your dentist year after year.

A leased network, by contrast, is when an insurer pays another company to use its network of dentists. That can create challenges for members, including:

• Less control over quality standards and how care is delivered
• More frequent provider turnover, which can mean a dentist you chose leaves the network without warning
• Less accurate provider directories, since updates depend on a third party
• Possible delays or confusion with claims because of differing fee schedules and rules
   

Quality care from dentists we know

Because we contract directly with our network dentists, we can:

• Ensure that you receive the best care possible.
• Maintain strong relationships with providers.
• Act quickly to address any issues if they arise.
   

Every dentist in our network is credentialed to National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) standards, which recognize practices that provide coordinated, patient-centered care.
 

Nationwide access to care

With Delta Dental, you have access to the largest proprietary dental network in the country. Our PPO network alone has over 400,000 access points nationwide.

Choosing an in-network dentist helps you save money through:

• Maximum savings. We negotiate directly with dentists in our network to set fair, discounted rates and then pass those savings on to you. Save up to 40% on covered dental procedures if you visit a dentist in our network.¹
• Less hassle. Dentists in our network submit claims for you so you don’t have to deal with paperwork. You’re only responsible for paying a co-payment at the time of service. If you visit a dentist out of network, you might have to pay the entire bill upfront and file for reimbursement later.

Browse our network and find a provider near you:
Find a VADIP dentist