General Dental FAQs

I enrolled in a dental plan at work. How do you know I am eligible?
Your employer gives us enrollment information.

I did not get an ID card. How will my dentist know I have coverage through Aetna Dental?
You no longer need a member ID card to get care with Aetna Dental. When you go to the dentist, tell the office staff that you have Aetna Dental and they will verify your eligibility for coverage and determine which dental benefits are available to you. You'll need to provide the dentist your personal information and member identification number (or social security number). If you would like an identification card, just print out a card by going to the secure member website at www.aetna.com. You can print out a card for you and your dependents. If you haven’t signed up for the member website yet, no worries. Signing up is simple and free. And it’s password-protected. Just go to www.aetna.com and click on Log In/Register to sign up. Getting our free app is easy, too. It works with most smartphones and tablets. So you can access your benefits information when you’re on the go. To learn more, visit us at www.aetna.com/mobile.

Do I need to select a Primary Care Dentist? 
Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO®*) members must choose a primary care dentist. So do people who use our managed dental plans such as Basic Dental, Advantage Dental, and Family Preventive. Finding one is easy. Just visit our online directory.

Do I need a referral to see a specialist? 
Only DMO* plans require referrals. DMO* members, however, do not need a referral to see a participating orthodontist.

I'm enrolled in more than one dental plan. How does coverage work with two plans? 
We confirm which plan has primary responsibility for claim payment. If we have primary responsibility, we pay as the primary payor. If not, we pay as the secondary payor.
Here's an example: 

• Your spouse is offered coverage through his or her employer. Let's say your spouse is covered by your Aetna plan and his/her employer plan. 
• According to most plan rules, your spouse's employer's coverage is primary for your spouse. 
• That means your Aetna plan is the secondary payor for your spouse. 

Please note that there are several types of coordination of benefits provisions. They may differ by plan. Please contact member services for more information.

Are all dental services covered by my plan?
Your plan documents describe the services covered by your plan. See your employer benefits specialist if you need a copy.

Are composite fillings (white fillings) covered?
Please see your plan documents for coverage details. You may also call member services at the number listed on your electronic member ID card.

Are there any restrictions in replacing missing teeth with dentures, bridges or implants? 
There are restrictions. Please see your plan documents for coverage details. You may also call member services at the number listed on your electronic member ID card.

How often will my plan replace crowns, bridges and other devices? 
Please see your plan documents for coverage details. You may also call member services at the number listed on your electronic member ID card.

Are there any restrictions as to how often a service can be performed? 
Yes. There are services that will have a frequency limitation. Please see your plan documents for coverage information. You may also call member services at the toll-free number listed on your electronic member ID card.

How will I know if the treatment I need will be covered? 
The easiest way is to ask your dentist to send us a pretreatment estimate. This will let you and your dentist know what the benefit will be if the service is done. You or your dentist may also call member services at the toll-free number on your electronicID card.

I just enrolled in a dental plan and want to know more. Can I check my plan status online? What else can I do? 
Register for Aetna Navigator®, your secure member website. You will find great online tools to help you manage your dental care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you want up-to-date dental health information, visit Simple Steps To Better Dental Health. You'll find articles and facts on over 50 dental conditions and treatments.

I heard dental plan members have access to discount programs. Where can I get more information?
For general facts, see member advantages. For details as a plan member, visit Aetna Navigator, your secure member website. It's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.